Before spring break the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance program showcased their Senior Projects on Tuesday March 16. Theater with two plays, “Moving Through Grief” by Maya Pratt-Bauman and “The PTA Meeting” by Phi Tran. In dance, Moriah Costa showcased her very own choreographed dance called “Her”.

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance put on shows like Senior Projects to allow seniors to express and be proud of what they have self-made throughout the semester. It allows students to write a script, direct, act, and choreograph. Maya Pratt-Bauman, Phi Tran, and Moriah Costa get to show everyone what they have been working on throughout the semester. Each performance had a content warning because it was so emotionally charged. All three allow the audience to interpret what each of their pieces means.

“Moving Through Grief” is short eight plays that describe the loss. Director Maya Pratt-Bauman’s goal was for the audience to interpret their own meaning of loss and how emotion controls them. Many people who saw these plays reported that they made them cry because they made them connect with their emotions. Opening night was a success according to Baumans. Braumans said, “I am so happy for what we were able to accomplish.” Braumans continues to say that the audience reaction was so “loving,” and it “hit home for some folks.”

“The PTA Meeting” is a short play that displays the hardships of gun violence, suicide, and child loss. Director Phi Tran wrote a play that demonstrates how both adults and the young continue to deal with their own emotions. Writing a directing task took longer than usual according to Tran. However, he and his team got together and really worked hard to make an amazing play. The audience was engaged and felt the emotion actors were putting out. Tran said, “everyone on stage found a rhythm and energy and ultimately it paid off.”

“Her” was choreographed by Moriah Costa demonstrates what life is like through the female gaze and what it is like to be loved by a woman. The dance was joined by a background of videos and a monologue describing the thoughts of what a woman feels about herself. Costa said, “I started it a couple of years ago when I was a sophomore and I plan on continuing the video as years go by.”  Costa felt that her opening night was really exciting, she said, “I love performing and it was a blast every time.”

All performances touched many audiences’ hearts.Fifth-year chemistry major and dance minor, Paulina Gonzalez said, “The performances were beautiful. A Lot of tears shed. It tears out your heartstrings.” The Theatre Arts and Dance program is an inviting place where students can support one another. All students are welcome and all shows are free for all Sonoma State students. Check out their Instagram @ssutheatreartsanddance or on their website at theatreartsanddance.sonoma.edu for more events.