Youngsters, there are varied means by which to build a theater career. To wit: Methodically pursue your BFA, go to grad school, meticulously hone your audition for "Hamlet" or "Medea" and then hope you get it -- really hope you get it. Or do as Anna Sundberg did: Get a liberal arts degree, audition for every show in sight and see what happens.
"It's pointless to get hung up on something," Sundberg said over tea recently. "I used to be a worrier, but now ..."
She shook her head and laughed. "That's my mom's job."
Sundberg's "que sera, sera" philosophy has served her well. Named the Ivey Awards' emerging theater artist last fall, she steadily has climbed the small-theater ladder and found herself in Park Square's production of "Doubt," which opens Friday in a production directed by Craig Johnson.
The role of Sister James is something of a pawn between the heavyweights (Linda Kelsey and David Mann at Park Square) in John Patrick Shanley's gripping and taut play. Still, it's progress. She had a tiny part in Park Square's "Rock 'n' Roll" a few years ago but was primarily a set jockey.
"This is the first role where I don't also have to move furniture," she said.
Eight grand last year
Sundberg has a brash edge in her early-morning weariness, but she cuts the mood with a friendly sense of self-deprecation.