TAP is the greatest program I joined in college! This largely growing group became my family and home away from home. From learning many new skillsets, having access to professional opportunities, creating meaningful productions, to just spending endless nights in the theatre, this program truly shaped me into the person I am today.

There is something special to be said about the Theater Arts Program. During my time here as a member, I was able to discover aspects of myself that could have only been incubated and grown through the challenging shows, supportive staff, and stimulating classes.

After four years, I can say that this program gave me the best real-life experience. Working with tech and stage managing shows, I learned and developed skills, such as organization and time management, that I would not have been able to do anywhere else… all while working on amazing shows with even more amazing people.

I was the kid who didn’t say two words my first semester. Senior year I won the “Taper of the Year” award, given to the student who most exemplifies what the program is about. Anything is possible. TAP has given so many opportunities to grow, not just a performer, but as a person as well. You don’t need to be the star on stage to have an impact. You have 4 years, take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you.

The Theatre Arts program at Sacred Heart University cultivated a deep love and respect for the theatre. The program is comprised of dedicated, passionate, and talented individuals working in tandem to create something meaningful on and off the stage. I’m extremely grateful to all the professors and members of the program for granting me with the perfect environment to learn and grow in. My closest and most special friends are those I studied and performed with during my four years in the theatre arts program, and I don’t suspect that will change anytime soon.

In addition to performing, I wanted to explore the "behind-the-scenes" action. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to work with professional stagehands on a variety of different events. I've learned so much in such a short amount of time that it sometimes seems unreal. In addition to great opportunities, both on stage and behind the scenes, the program is full of amazing people who are not only supportive and entertaining, but who will inspire you and push you to work harder.

Since my freshman year, I've had the opportunity to be a part of 5 main stage productions, 6 separate TheatreFest shows, and a spot in SHU's own Improv troupe, "The Awkward Handshakes!" The program gives students the remarkable ability to explore their interests and talents, whether that may be acting, backstage tech, directing, writing, or stage management. And if you have any questions, or want to see real life applications of such skills, the theatre program gives its members the extraordinary ability to meet and speak with experts in the field from around the country. I can't count the amount of memories this program has given me!

One of the best things is how many opportunities you get to showcase your skills in ways you may have never had the chance to in the past. Before I came to Sacred Heart, I kept my writing mostly to myself. When I heard about Theaterfest over the summer, I decided that I would write a play to submit to it. I did so, submitted it, casted it, and went to the read-through round. It didn't make it thorough, but it did give me a chance to showcase my skills to a larger audience. A lot of people reacted positively to the show, and I felt I had gained a sort of artistic respect that I hadn't achieved in any other parts of my life. It helped me feel more welcome among my peers, and I'm thankful for that.

I have had opportunities to be involved both backstage and onstage. My proudest accomplishment is just recently in being a part of such an incredibly talented cast for the show, The Fantasticks. I am so proud to be in this show and have improved and grown so much as an actress throughout the rehearsal process.