This year’s senior class of VPA majors has developed and completed their capstone projects showcasing their work in their major area of concentration. This is our second year sharing these projects on our website. See last year’s projects. We have also selected recipients of our 2021 VPA Awards to recognize students’ outstanding work in 2021.
Senior capstone projects take place in the senior year of study. They are designed to explore a passion with intensity, take the shape of a large experiential project, or complete a research topic written thesis. Projects are designed to challenge and upend your comfort zone. They are publicly celebrated through performance, exhibition, publication, and oral presentation.
I’m Fine
This collection of works is designed to bring awareness to the feelings and reality that come with mental illness, especially depression and anxiety and get rid of the stigma around them.
Hamel Health Revitalized
Designed and mocked up Supergraphics to be applied to the Hamel Health & Counseling Center building to promote the space.
Music and Healing Within the Christian Science Religion
Music and religion in Christian Science and in relation to the science of spiritual healing. How music and Christian Science have evolved over time with the help of the metaphysics of healing people.
Don Giovanni [For The Modern Times]
An Italian to English translation of the Opera scenes from “Don Giovanni” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to make the main character more understood.
A Proposed Olympics: Puerto Rico 2032
A speculative 2032 Summer Games hosted by Puerto Rico to promote the concepts of statehood, culture, and life. Explores these concepts through identity development and branding.
Using Music as a Coping Mechanism: a Dive Into Music by Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A lecture discussing the way women took charge and made music in response to COVID-19.
“Optimism”
An original stage play I wrote and filmed with the help of Abbey Sigman about a man named Stanley Lawson.
“Almost, Maine:” A Dramaturgical Introduction
Dramaturgy provides cast, crew, and audiences with historical and social context of the play, and to further their understanding of the world of “Almost, Maine.”
“Hi, Mister Squirrel!” Children’s Book
Wrote, illustrated and published a children’s book that teaches children squirrels are silly, lovable creatures and should be treated with care.
The Effects of Music on Stress and Motivation
I wrote two original songs and connected them to stress reduction and motivation.
Music, Hope and Healing, An Analysis on a Pandemic’s Impact on Music through Love and Loss
“Optimism”
An original stage play that I filmed and directed that was written by fellow senior Nicholas Lacroix. The play revolves around the life and times of a man named Stanley Lawson.
“fag”
Focusing on the themes clandestineness/secrecy, family conflict, and societal taboos, I have written multiple pieces strung together in a thematic narrative.
Nicholas LaCroix (2021) wrote an original full-length play “Optimism” for his senior Theatre Arts capstone project. The play was written and developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Optimism” is the story of a man named Stanley, who we see growing up and meeting numerous challenges. Stanley’s journey involves a life-long connection with a supernatural figure whose mission is to ensure Stanley leads an optimistic and upbeat life despite his personal struggles.
A staged reading of “Optimism” was directed by senior Abbey Sigman and performed by students in March 2021. Nicholas is an Honors Program student, he was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication and Media Honors Society and is graduating as a Presidential Scholar.
Additional Nominees in this Category: Joshua Skalski and Julia Marcouiller
Derek Henry (2021) was nominated for his senior capstone project “Using Music as a Coping Mechanism: a Dive Into Music by Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Derek presented a lecture discussing the way women took charge of their lives and made music in response to COVID-19.
In Derek’s opinion, the music released was phenomenal and helped both women themselves and their audiences. Derek is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Music.
Additional Nominees in this Category: Caitlin Hogan, Kyle Erickson, and Jackie LaRivee.
Felicia Fishel (2021) was nominated for her senior capstone project “A Proposed Olympics: Puerto Rico 2032,” her extraordinary work in the exhibition “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay,” and her stunningly beautiful work for the Austin Hall Chapel Banner project.
Felicia has always maintained her commitment to asking thoughtful questions, intersecting with both social justice and self-awareness, producing an exceptionally high standard of contextual design and professionalism.
In 2020, Felicia was accepted into Alpha Iota Sigma, the Interdisciplinary Institute’s Honor Society, and in her final semesters at the College assumed leadership roles among and with her peers.
Additional Nominees in this Category: Harry Markowsky, David Andrighetti, and Lauren Pardue.
OnStagers Dramatic Society’s production of “Almost Maine.”
“Almost Maine,” written by John Cariani was a student-directed and student-produced production. Theatre Arts majors Joshua Skalski (2021) and Sarah Scougall (2022) co-directed the play and it featured student designers Michael Gravante (2023) - sound design and Josh Heath (2023) - lighting design. The play was performed for a limited student audience in late April 2021 and was the first live performance in the Rogers Center since February 2020. The cast, production team and crew met in early April with playwright John Cariani to talk about the play in a discussion facilitated by dramaturg, Julia Marcouiller (2021).
Additional Nominees in this Category: Virtual Exhibition “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay” and “Austin Hall Chapel Banner Project.”
Benjamin Mendonça (2020), was nominated for exemplary service to the department in the areas of technical supervision and support, and production management.
During this last year, the VPA department faced unprecedented challenges in carrying out its educational and performative missions. Benjamin’s efforts and commitment during this past year to supporting the faculty, staff, and his peers, went beyond anything traditionally expected of a student.
Additional Nominees in this Category: Taylor Eriksen
Nancy Wynn
Department Chair and Associate Professor, Graphic Design
978-837-3433 | email
Dan Vlahos
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
978-837-5952 | email