You can tell a lot about a professor by looking at the things hung up on the walls of their office. For instance, when looking at theatre professor Cathy Fank's office walls, one can tell she is a lovable, free-spirited, and humorous person. One can also tell she is probably a fan of Johnny Depp from the large poster of him in her office.  Let's get to know Cathy Fank.

What kind of classes do you teach?
I teach performance classes, like acting and directing.

How long have you been here at UWS?
This is my 9th year, but it feels like I have only been here for 4-5 years.

Where did you grow up?
In Iowa Falls, IA. Then I went to undergraduate school at the University of Northern Iowa. After that, I went to graduate school in Columbus, OH. Then I moved to Texas where I was an intern at the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX. That's also where I got my actor's equity card. From there I went to Boston, MA and directed at two different theatres. Finally, I realized I wanted to be in the midwest, closer to my family. So here I am.

How many different productions have you acted in?
I started out as an actor, and probably was in between 50 and 75 shows. Now I am a director, but I still act a couple times a year here. I think it is important to show my students that I can act since I am an acting professor.

When did you know you were interested in acting?
Well, my long-term goal was to be a teacher. I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a kid. At first I wanted to teach English, and theatre came later. I wanted to experience and understand the theatre world before I actually taught about it.

Do you sing?
No. Not at all. I'm terrible! I do dance, though! I used to teach tap dance to high-schoolers.

Who is your favorite movie star?
Johnny Depp, of course! He is very intersting and makes unusual choices as an actor. I love Captain Jack Sparrow.

What is your favorite thing to do on a Saturday afternoon?
Go shopping. I am a rabid shopper, but I never buy things at full price! Otherwise, I like to relax and watch movies with my cats.

Any plans for the summer?
Yes! I have a summer theatre camp in June where I hire our students for two weeks to teach classes for kids in 7th through 12th grades. Then, in August, I am taking a group of Theatre Appreciation students to Scotland for two weeks to attend Festival Fringe in Edinborough. Next semester I will be on sabbatical visiting high-profile friends at theatre schools throughout the country to get ideas to bring here.

What style of shoes do you prefer wearing?
I LOVE shoes. I own too many, and I started having foot problems. Now I have to wear Skechers Tone-Ups. I have 5 pairs of those, and I decorate them with colorful laces. I am a shoe fanatic, and I would wear all kinds of crazy shoes. That's why I have foot probelms now.

What advice would you give to a stranger?
Do the best you can every day in every situation so you can say, "I did the best I could at this time in this situation with these circumstances".