Actress Greta Lee, Communication ’05, has appeared in the national tour of the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” as part of the show’s Broadway cast as Marcy Park. While passing time with other Northwestern graduates living and working in New York, she talked with The Daily about the realities of life after college and living the dream as a working actress.

The Daily: How did you enjoy your time at Northwestern? How did it affect your future career options?

Greta Lee: Just in general, I loved NU. I really wanted to go to a school that wasn’t a conservatory, necessarily. I wanted to have an actual college experience and study some other things. So I applied early to NU, and it was the best decision for me, I think, in terms of becoming an actor and finding work afterwards.

The Daily: What work have you done since then?

GL: Through the senior showcase for straight theater and musical theater, I got my commercial agent and my legit agent through that showcase. I moved here, and I did a new show for the New York Musical Theatre Festival, a “Law & Order SVU” episode, and then, shortly after that … “Spelling Bee” was next. So I did that in San Francisco and Boston, and came here and replaced the original Marcy.

The Daily: How was it closing out a show? (Spelling Bee closed in January 2008)

GL: It was unbelievable. Just being able to do that show, and closing it out was the best thing. It ruined other shows for me because it was improvised, and we got to do it with Darrell Hammond from “SNL” and Mo Rocca for a little bit, and with the audience volunteers. It was amazing, it was like grad school for me.

The Daily: As an NU grad, how have your experiences been with the broadway theater scene or with other young actors?

GL: Well, it’s funny because people really stay connected to what schools or universities they went to. The NU program is well known, and people like (Director of Waa-Mu) Dominic Missimi have a lot of connections with people, casting directors and directors working out here, so it’s good. They know that you are a talented person coming from that program … It’s like having a character reference.

The Daily: So would you agree or disagree with the NU Mafia idea?

GL: Oh, absolutely. Some friends of mine are performing tonight in one of the (NU Mafia) shows … They’re actually doing an improv thing with (Sally Murphy). They have lots of events like that. It’s such a nice way to bring everyone together and network.

The Daily: What are you working on right now?

GL: Since the show closed, I’ve been auditioning. I’ve shot a few commercials, which is the most fun thing you could ever do