By Eliana Diamond and Rivka Inger, Features Editor
We found the Stern College Dramatics Society (SCDS) in completely different ways. For me (Eliana), when deciding what college to attend during that extremely stressful period in twelfth grade, finding a school where I could participate in drama was a priority. The minute I saw a text to audition for the play during my first year, I immediately signed up for a slot.
Meanwhile, having arrived on the Beren campus a semester earlier than expected, I (Rivka) became involved in SCDS as a way to make friends during a turbulent time. Now, we both serve as the co-presidents of the society, spearheading its many events and productions.
The journey into SCDS is different for everybody, and it’s not just for those who like to perform onstage. Many people who are active participants of SCDS, a vital part of the Beren campus culture, are more drawn to the creative, technical and organizational opportunities which SCDS provides.
The fall production is far from SCDS’s only activity; the annual Musical Showcase, improv sessions, dance workshops led by professional dancers, Hamilton musical sing-a-longs and a Dramaton with prominent Jewish creatives are crucial ways students can participate in this space for women’s theater.
As the leaders of the drama society, striving to create a theatrical community that puts Torah and mitzvot first and foremost is extremely important to us. We fashion these spaces because it is our belief that creativity and Orthodox Judaism are not antithetical, but rather enhance one another. YU is therefore unique in embracing and remaining committed to these two ideals. For religious women especially, there are limited spaces to act, sing and dance in a comfortable religious environment.
SCDS strives to create these spaces for women to feel comfortable not only in their religiosity, but also in every event or performance that we hold. During our dance workshop in early November, led by off-Broadway actress Sara Gallo, the range of dancing experience spanned from those who have been dancing since childhood to those who never had prior exposure to a dance class. With that in mind, the workshop fostered a supportive learning environment. During that hour, everybody could be their authentic self and dance without fear of judgment.
Creativity relies on the support and collaboration of others. Just like any team, each member must know that they can rely on their teammates. However, with the arts especially, being creative often requires a certain vulnerability, and therefore having a network of friends and peers who support you is crucial.
With this in mind, we set out to choose a play this year with a large cast so that as many people could participate in SCDS as possible. In recent years, we saw a real need to start maximizing the number of roles in the play as well as spots for crew so that everyone who wants a chance to be a part of SCDS has the opportunity to do so. As such, we chose The Man Who Came to Dinner as SCDS’s 2024 production. The play is as large as it is hysterical and emotional, filled with twists and turns that no audience will see coming.
SCDS plays a crucial role in ensuring these spaces exist for creative Jewish women to express themselves and continue to flourish in our communities, but attending SCDS productions is also really entertaining. Every actor and cast member plays a crucial role in the making of the SCDS production and have worked tirelessly to make sure you enjoy the play. From the moment you take your seat, even before the play begins, you will be immersed in this fictional world. Enjoy the theater for a couple of hours. Escape to the Stanley home and drama unrelated to your own.
Be sure to go see the Stern College Dramatics Society’s production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” on December 8, 10 and 11.
Photo Caption: Eliana (left) and Rivka (right) performing as MCs in last years SCDS musical showcase
Photo Credit: Eliana Diamond