ULV Students Stage Award-Winning Play

ULV Theatre Department students Lauren Sandoval, left, and Nathan Terrazas lock eyes during a rehearsal for Proof. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

ULV theatre students take on the acclaimed drama in a powerful production that explores mathematics, memory, and the fragile line between brilliance and doubt

University of La Verne theatre students will bring David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning drama Proof to the Dailey Theatre beginning this week, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the search for truth.

The intimate four-character drama centers on Catherine, a young woman who has spent years caring for her mentally ill father, Robert, a brilliant but troubled mathematician. When a groundbreaking mathematical proof is discovered among his papers, Catherine must confront questions about authorship, trust, and her own future.

“Proof allows us to explore some very complex acting roles,” said director Sean Dillon, professor of theatre arts. “There are only four characters, so the actors have a lot of text and emotional depth to manage. It’s a real challenge, and a beautifully written play that gives students the chance to dive deep into the material.”

Junior Lauren Sandoval, a kinesiology major with a minor in music, steps into the role of Catherine. 

“I enjoy finding the key moments where Catherine is making decisions and understanding why she does what she does,” Sandoval said. “It’s very rewarding to explore those subtleties in real time.”

Hal, who develops a connection with Catherine, is played by junior theatre arts major Nathan Terrazas. “Working together is very rewarding because we all get to do our art together, and none of us feel too small or too big,” he said. 

Adding tension and heart, Catherine’s older sister, Claire, played by sophomore international studies major Kessid Cooper, brings to the stage emotional depth and sharp wit. “Students should come see the play because it’s ULV theatre; you get to support your school and enjoy a show that mixes drama and comedy,” she said.

The set of Proof features a two-story house constructed by ULV students using raw materials. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

Behind the scenes, students are also responsible for bringing the production to life. Under the guidance of technical director Alan Tollefson, they built a two-story house set from raw materials while managing lighting, sound, and props.

“From theory to practice, this production gives students a chance to understand the craft of theatre,” Dillon said. “It’s about collaboration, problem-solving, and storytelling.” 

Performances run March 12–14 and March 19–21 at 7:30 p.m., with a closing matinee March 22 at 2 p.m. on the La Verne campus.

Tickets are available online. Click Here