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Meeting with her advisor at freshman orientation, Chelsea Raff wasn’t thrilled at the recommendation to take a Shakespeare class; however, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of her college career. Learning to analyze a play led Raff to join UD’s student theatre groups, where she directed Little Women for Harrington Theatre Arts. “Being an English major gave me the knowledge I needed to connect with the script, the cast and the audience to create a beautiful production.” Taking courses in women in literature and women writers was also an inspiration for Raff. “I love these classes and what they taught me about the female experience. Losing myself in stories about sisterhood, finding love, overcoming hardship and chasing your dreams has always been one of my favorite parts of reading.”
Raff introduced five-time Tony Award-winning choreographer and director Susan Stroman, whose career in the arts is an inspiration.
“Growing up in Delaware, my father instilled in me how valuable a degree in English would be to my future and how mastering a command of the language and studying the classics and storytelling would serve me well,” Stroman said. “My English major inspired me to dive deep into stories, all kinds of stories, and to dream big. I took everything I learned from the English department and applied it to my whole life.” Stroman recounted meeting the first woman dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Helen Gouldner, who encouraged her to pursue her passion for theatre and dance. Quoting Shaw, Gouldner told Stroman, “You don’t need to find yourself, you need to create yourself.”