Today, we are celebrating all of our graduating seniors!

We have had the pleasure of knowing and working with you in class, in our shops, and in our theaters. You have achieved so much in four years, and even though your last year did not go as planned, you have continued to impress us with your creativity, your compassion, and your resilience. We are so proud of you!

This video only begins to highlight the relationships, the productions, and the love from the past four years at Salem State Theatre. Thank you for the memories!

Congratulations to the class of 2022!

"When I came into this school, I was afraid and incredibly unsure of myself and I didn't know if I chose the right path. I was afraid I wasn't right for the job. Now looking back, about to graduate, I see that I couldn't have made a better decision. My friends and professors have all taught me countless times that this is where I am supposed to be and that I can do it. I couldn't tell you how many times I've had a meltdown and those words were spoken to me. Thank you to everyone for guiding me along this path and showing me that I can, and for consoling me when things were rough. I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for you all! Thank you x5!!!"

Congratulations Bovie! 🎓

"I did not think college would be as transformational of an experience as it was and I truly did not know what to expect. When I started at SSU, I was a shy 18-year-old trying to find where I belonged, and now I am a strong 21-year-old surrounded by great artists and even better friends. I’ve had the time of my life growing and learning with all of you."

Congratulations Hannah! 🎓

Congratulations Juaquin! 🎓

"My time at SSU has taught me to be resilient and how to stand up for myself. I find myself looking back and realizing that I am a much stronger person than I used to be. My college experience came with some personal hardships but in the end I am leaving a strong, fierce, and well rounded, theatre artist.

After graduation, I am going to be a carpentry apprentice at Olney Theatre Center in Olney Maryland!"

Congratulations Abigale! 🎓

"I’ve felt so fortunate to be able to learn and grow alongside such wonderful people!

This summer I’ll be working as an assistant stage manager for Gloucester Stage Company’s production of “Gloria” and then later working as the stage manager for Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s apprentice showcase of “Pericles”!"

Congratulations Cassie!🎓

"Lia Marcheterre is a senior finishing up her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to perform in nine shows during her time at Salem State University. Credits include Ethel Banks (Barefoot in the Park), Marvel Ann (Psycho Beach Party), Thomas Jefferson (O Beautiful), Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Ellen (Vinegar Tom), Bassist (Hir), Farrah (She Kills Monsters), #8 (The Wolves), and Tour Guide, Cop Radio, and Attendant (Middletown). As well as participating in theatre, she also was involved in the psychology department where she participated in a semester-long internship at a local high school as a School Adjustment Counselor where she gained experience working in mental health care, working toward future goals of working as a mental health counselor for adolescents.

After graduation: I hope to soon move closer to Boston to begin working in psychology! I definitely plan to keep auditioning when I can."

Congratulations Lia! 🎓

"I always knew I wanted to be a well-rounded theatre artist, and I thank the theatre department for giving me the opportunities to grow and explore what that would personally mean for me. I originally started off thinking acting would be my primary focus among everything I learned here, but I quickly fell in love with playwriting. Since then, I’ve explored a few different fields and also fell in love with dramaturgy, directing, and house management. And although my sophomore and junior years were especially affected by the pandemic, I think that these experiences, combined with the support of classmates and faculty over these four years, have helped me to realize what I really want for myself and my career in a way that I might not have realized if the pandemic never happened. I want to thank everyone for all the memories, as I know that when September rolls around, I’m going to really miss not being here.

After graduation, I plan on working in either local theatres or entertainment venues near my hometown while also building up my resume and writing portfolio before I go to grad school."

Congratulations Stephanie! 🎓

"The most important thing I learned at SSU is self advocacy, the more mature version of YOLO. We all have something powerful to share and what is meant for you will not pass you. So, let Salem work the magick it has to make magical memories and in the wise words of Julie Kiernan, "You are enough".

Congratulations Erin!🎓

"My time at Salem State has taught me the need and tools to trust my craft and how to ADAPT! I learned to be in the moment and “yes and!” not only in my acting but as a person. I will always cherish the balance of technical craft challenges and critiques with the real human lessons and memories extended to us by our lovely teachers. I’m incredibly thankful to all my peers throughout my time here who saw my artistry and shaped/pushed it to something I will hold dear forever. I hope any underclassmen reading this takes the risk to show this community that vulnerable/messy passion project you want to work. I promise it’s worth it!

After graduation, I’m headed to Shecago (Chicago) to see what different artistries I expand this education to and explore the theatre scene!! Let me know if you ever want to visit, a Vik’s always got a friend in me😽😽 🎀🎀"

Congratulations Riley! 🎓

"I have enjoyed my time in the theater department! I have learned so much from excellent teachers. I appreciate how the theater here is education-based and that they stress learning how each role in the theater world has an important part to play. I am excited to share all that I have learned with the future theater students I teach!

After Graduation, I will be an Au Pair in Spain during the summer. Once I come back I hope to teach theater to kids wherever I can!"

Congratulations Rachael!🎓