From center stage to behind the curtain, Sophomore Sadie LaPlante was initially nervous about her position as Assistant Director for the Gustavus production of Angels in America. Accustomed to being a performer, Sadie couldn’t find happier adjectives to describe her experience behind the scenes as the production wrapped up last Sunday.
“It was difficult to get used to at first because I was used to being in the close knit cast on the stage. But honestly, it was an awesome opportunity. Now I know the inner workings of a production and I was able to experience a deeper exploration of what goes into creating the final product that everyone sees and loves. I couldn’t be more proud to have played the part that I did,” Sadie said.
While she may have been nervous before taking the position, most who worked with Sadie said that she excelled. Her roommate, Sophomore Claire Chwalek, followed her adjustment to the role.
“She has worked incredibly hard the past few months. Watching her come home after each practice, I know she was dog-tired but I could see in her eyes that she was working hard to do her part for the show. She has such strength and non-wavering devotion to the things she puts her mind to,” Chwalek said.
Sadie’s dedication to everything she commits to is evident in her ability to juggle her position as assistant director while being a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, Queers and Allies, and her studies in sociology and theatre. Her mind is set on combining sociology with theatre in order to make a difference.
“She’s a social butterfly always willing to talk to anyone. She also has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. She’s a truly genuine person who lights up a room.”—Amanda Downs
“I’m so passionate about the artistic realm and activism. Right now I’m working on a research project in my sociology class about political and social justice theatre. I would love to be a director of something like that someday. To use my artistic abilities that I love and apply that to any social justice issue I’m passionate about would be amazing,” Sadie said.
When she finds time to spare, Sadie says she loves to go out and have fun at the Dive but she’s also content to curl up with friends and popcorn on the couch watching American Horror Story.
“Sadie has such a commanding presence. She is so funny and a total chatterbox. She’s a social butterfly always willing to talk to anyone. She also has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. She’s a truly genuine person who lights up a room,” Sophomore Amanda Downs said.
Within the rest of her time at Gustavus, Sadie says she wants to live by the cliché and make her life count. She wants to continue to grow, meet more people, and prepare herself for life after Gustavus. She expresses that one of the most important ways she’s learned to accomplish this is to continue to step outside her comfort zone.
“She has such strength and non-wavering devotion to the things she puts her mind to.”—Claire Chwalek
“You can’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and expand your horizons a bit. When I said yes to be assistant director, I had no idea it would shape me as much as it has. I met some of my best friends, learned more about theatre and gained self-confidence in my leadership abilities. It wouldn’t have happened if I was too afraid to try it,” Sadie said.
While Sadie strives to continue her self-growth, people who’ve met her agree she’s already a tremendous Gustie.
“Sadie likes to be a part of a community like Gustavus because of the familial relationships the students and alums have. She knows what she wants and she does not let anything stop her from achieving it. She is a strong leader, a great student, and an amazing friend,” Chwalek said.
-Jaurdyn Dobler
