This spring, she is producing and co-directing The Sunken Garden Children’s Theater’s ARTS FIRST production of “The Twelve Princesses.”

“I’ve been in it every year since I was a freshman...it’s my favorite thing to do at Harvard; a lot of times, Harvard theater people sort of get stuck in their heads and over think things and get worried, but Children’s theater is the opportunity for every actor who does it…to have a good time.”

This summer, Karlin is off to Italy to teach English through music, dance and theater at an Italian summer camp, after which, she says, “I’m actually applying for [a job through the same company], touring Italian schools and performing in English…it’s kind of my ideal job.”

In the long run, however, she wants to be in New York. “I would love to act all my life long, if people would let me,” she says. “Mike [M. Donahue ’05, a close friend and fellow recipient of an OFA prize] and I have both agreed that, whoever wins first, will thank the other in our Tony speeches.”

—Nina L. Vizcarrondo

ROBERT A. HODGSON ’05

Since his arrival at Harvard four years ago, Robert A. Hodgson ’05 has spent the majority of his time in the spotlight, and his commitment to the stage will be honored by the Office for the Arts at Harvard’s Jonathan Levy Award in Drama. This prestigious award is given each year to Harvard’s most promising undergraduate actor.

“Straight plays are where I feel most comfortable,” says Hodgson. His roles in straight plays have included Dopey in “Balm of Gilead,” Rosencrantz in “Rosencrantz and Guilderstern Are Dead,” and Derby in “Richard III.”

“Rosencrantz is just a brilliant play,” he says, “and that makes the audience so much fun to play with; I had an amazing time every night.”

Hodgson has also appeared in the Loeb Ex in a production of “Caligula” as Scipio and took part in “Meat: A Playwright’s Festival” in the Adams Pool Theater. He even participated in the 24-hour Plays I, II, and III performed in the Adams Kronauer Space. For Hodgson, getting involved in so many projects has been a way to “to spend time with friends and goof off together for a good reason.”

Dramatic plays weren’t the only area where Hodgson has shown off his talent. “I love doing musicals—there’s not enough singing and dancing in my daily life,” he says.

His performances include roles as Mr. Bungee in William Finn’s “A New Brain,” Lewis in “Pippin,” Herold in “Assassins,” Walter in “Chess,” and his most recent musical role, Arpad in “She Loves Me.”

“There are so many amazing and talented people working in the arts at Harvard, I try to worm my way into working with as many as I can,” says Hodgson.