In Summer 2025, BYU Theatre and Media Arts Student Elin Youngquist Gets a Glimpse into Global Theatre and Film
For Elin Youngquist, the path to performance wasn’t always obvious — until a global pandemic unexpectedly shifted her course.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Youngquist said. “Then COVID hit, and one of my Irish dance competitions got postponed. That gave me time to try out for the school musical. Somehow, I landed the lead and I just loved it.” That single experience sparked a new passion for acting, and ultimately led her to pursue it in college.
Now a senior in the acting program with plans to graduate in April 2027, Youngquist is also minoring in cultural dance. “A lot of the dance classes are one credit and take a lot of time,” she said. “Still, I really enjoy it.”
Youngquist has performed both on stage and in short films, but her heart is set on acting for the screen. “That’s the dream,” she said. “Stage is fun, but I’m drawn to film.” With that focus, she plans to move to Los Angeles after graduation. “Auditioning, networking and figuring it out — that’s the plan.”
This past spring, Youngquist participated in a study abroad program in London focused on theatre and media arts. “It opened my eyes to what acting and film look like globally,” she said. She watched professional productions and saw real movie promotions around the city, including Tom Cruise filming on top of the British Film Institute. “It made everything feel so real and inspiring.”
The experience offered just as much spiritually. “Church in another country felt exactly the same. It reminded me that we’re all God’s children,” Youngquist said. She also interviewed locals for a documentary project and their personal stories deepened her own faith. “We attended Evensong services at historic cathedrals. Even though it’s not my faith, I still felt the spirit so strongly.”
Youngquist’s advice to others is simple: “Enjoy every moment. Even if you don’t love what you’re doing, try to find the good in it. These experiences — good and bad — shape you.” That mindset doesn’t just apply to study abroad experiences but to student life as a whole. “If you try to find the best in life, you’ll find the best in people. And you’ll live your best life.”
With big dreams ahead and valuable lessons behind her, Youngquist carries forward not just talent, but also a deep sense of joy, purpose and perspective.