UNH Today

From Mask and Dagger productions to singing the National Anthem for thousands at this year’s commencement, Amanda Giglio ’18 has been a familiar face on stage and backstage in UNH’s musical theatre scene. It’s no surprise she will be working for one of the Seacoast’s most popular venues.

In musical theatre vernacular a triple threat is an actor, singer and dancer — and Giglio gets to add director to that impressive list of abilities.

“This summer I will be working at the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth in their production of ‘Seussical’ as the assistant director and assistant choreographer, as well as performing in the show as a Bird Girl,” Giglio says. “After that, I’m moving to Boston to continue auditioning for shows and pursuing work as a director/choreographer.”

In UNH’s College of Liberal Arts, Giglio was a theatre major with a concentration in musical theatre.

The Hubbardston, Massachusetts, resident chose to attend UNH because of its acclaimed theatre and dance department. “The program provides exceptional education in the world of theatre through a positive and supportive atmosphere,” she says, “and as an incoming freshman, that was exactly what I needed in a college program.”

In addition to her studies, she’s been very involved with Mask and Dagger Dramatic Society, even directing the group’s musical production for the past two years.

“My time at UNH has helped me become a more collaborative person who loves working alongside friends,” Giglio says. “I entered UNH with very little self-confidence when it comes to performing, and the theatre and dance department has helped me grow into a confident and nuanced performer.”