"Working on 'EVERYBODY' was one of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences I have had. The show pushed me to undertake situations as an actress that I never thought I could do. As a first-year student, I was really worried about the opportunities I would be welcomed into, so receiving a lead in 'EVERYBODY' was the highlight of my first year at W&L. I loved getting to know my fellow classmates and making connections with other talented actors who are a part of the community.

"The shortened run almost went perfectly with the theme of the play. Life is unexpected and unpredictable, and just when you think you have things figured out, it throws you a curveball. But this keeps you on your toes and keeps things exciting, and I would not change a thing about this experience. I am forever grateful to have gotten to work on this project, and I savored the two shows we did get. This show will always hold a special place in my heart."

- Estrella Burks-Parra '23

"Working on 'EVERYBODY' was a truly collaborative experience. Our director, Professor Stephanie Sandberg, made me feel comfortable trying different things for each character I played. Over time, the actors found their own unique way of expressing the different characters. While memorizing the play was difficult at first, once we got it, running the show felt like a magical improvisational experience. The ability of each actor to adapt to whoever was playing the lead was truly remarkable and unlike anything I've ever experienced as an actor.

"The message of the play could not be more relevant. It has personally taught me how to deal with life when it spins out of control and it seems like everything has been taken from you. In the end (or during a global pandemic), all you have is your own flesh and self-love. This play will stick with me forever because of the lessons it has taught me and because it eerily aligned with the feelings going on in the real world.

"Finally, I want to say how much I appreciate the cast, crew, stage manager and director. The senior class’s time was cut short, and they let me play the lead role during our final show knowing it would most likely be our last. I wanted to give my best performance for everyone who had received that dreadful news. Though my time at W&L was coming to an end, I was lucky enough to do the thing I loved most one last time. For that, I am forever grateful."

- Olivia Hewitt '20

"'EVERYBODY' was one of the most challenging theater experiences I've had, artistically and even athletically. The material was heavy. It was difficult, but I think something really special happens when a cast is pushed to the limit. I think a certain trust was built between everyone, and that doesn’t happen every show.

"I learned a lot from Professor Sandberg and the whole cast; the script forced us to be open and I think we rose to that challenge. It helped get the message across, especially on the final night when the fear of death was actually present on everyone's mind because of the pandemic. I know a lot of people were kind of spooked by it, but for me, the message was more about bravery than fear. Everybody is afraid, but in the end they're never truly alone. Most of all, I had fun."

- Micah Holcomb '21

"Working on 'EVERYBODY' was a positive, self-affirming experience that taught me not only in the sense of the classroom but about the way I want to live the rest of my life. Having such an uplifting, connected cast meant that we could be extremely vulnerable in our choices and portrayals of characters that needed vulnerability more than almost any other play.

"The beauty and understanding of 'EVERYBODY' only shines through when each character is played from the perspective of the actor. You must connect to the role and play it from your personal experiences. I portrayed God as I see God and as I, Ramonah Gibson, would act if I was God. I've never been able to—much less required to— base a character off that much of myself. It was exhilarating.

"I believe the important message of the play is that life is weird, so live it accordingly. Love as much as you can for the sake of loving and not for what you'll gain. Enjoy all the stuff but only to a point. Most important, live it so that when you die you'll be happy with the way you spent your time and can defend why you spent it the way you did.

"Although our run was cut short, I hope our play was able to give as much joy to the community as it did to me and my castmates. I've been in many shows during my time at W&L, but this was certainly the one with the strongest message for both me and the audience. I hope we served it well."

-Ramonah Gibson '20