Student Blogger: Grace Ward

This blog reflects on the often-overlooked rest period between semesters as a meaningful pause between the chaos of finals and the demands of a new semester. I explore how winter break has allowed me to reconnect with family and longtime friends, confront post-graduation anxieties alongside fellow seniors and rediscover the value of slow, offline moments. Ultimately, highlighting how rest and reflection during this quiet month have helped me prepare both mentally and emotionally for one of my busiest semesters yet.

This blog explores Francis Ford Coppola’s profound legacy at Hofstra University, tracing how a theatre student-turned-legendary filmmaker helped shape the department’s culture and traditions. It highlights Coppola’s impact on student-led productions and his creation of Poo-Wah-Bahs, a ritual that asks you to slow down and recognize the work of each individual player. Nearly 70 years later, this tradition continues to unite generations of Hofstra theatre students. Through personal reflection, the piece examines how legacy, community and creativity converge in one of the department’s most cherished rites.

This blog shares deep reflection sparked by a transformative internship at Boneau/Bryan-Brown, a major theatrical press agency. I share how I moved from early imposter syndrome to confidence through hands-on PR work, from attending press junkets to working The 78th Tony Awards. I describe how mentorship, initiative and meaningful experiences shaped the entirety of my 2025, and encourage aspiring theatre professionals to take the leap toward internships that align their passions with new opportunities.

Auditions are a core part of a theatre student’s growth and development and serve as a fantastic practice for mastering presentation under stress. I asked 15 Seniors in Hofstra’s BFA Theatre Performance program for their advice on managing nerves and putting your best foot forward when auditioning, specifically for college or university productions.

It’s getting to that scary point in the semester, the mid-way point where each class seems to level up in its demandingness. I know I’m far from the only student experiencing burn-out, and senior year can be particularly anxiety-inducing.