From a member of the audience to a performer to co-director, senior Sophie Throsby knows “All of the Above” (AOTA) like the back of her hand. This year, opening night took place on March 28th and it was followed by three just as successful shows, crammed full with people, over the course of the Easter weekend. Thanks to Sophie and other members of the production team running the show (shout-out to Ryan Murphy, Alexa Fischer, Sara Rowland and Hannah Hayward!) the 10 year anniversary of “All of the Above” was a grand success.
The show consisted of ten monologues which were written anonymously, and performed, by Duke women on a variety of topics including sex, gender, relationships, friendships, body image and so forth. According to Sophie, it’s the show each year that you just don’t want to miss!
As the President of Dukes & Duchesses, a University tour guide, and a member of the Senior Gift Committee, Sophie’s additional commitment to “All of the Above” gave her a full plate. Although planning the show meant encouraging women to write monologues all year, the 10 days leading up to the show were what Sophie called “crunch time.” Let’s face it, directing any show is practically a full time job. Not to worry though, she loves what she does!
So why did Sophie take on the role of co-directing the show? Sophie first attended “All of the Above” as a freshman and she found it to be a unifying experience. “I thought it was so candid and clear, and there wasn’t a place like this for discussion on campus. It’s a refreshing feeling to know that other people feel the same way about certain issues”.
As a proactive Duke student, Sophie couldn’t wait to be involved with the production next year. Low and behold, she auditioned and performed in the show as a sophomore and junior, and now as a senior, she successfully directed it! After speaking to her, I penciled in the show to my already full calendar. If you didn’t go, you definitely missed out, but hey, there’s always next year!
This week, I deem Sophie a “Campus Celebrity” for this reason: she is passionate about creating a strong female presence on our campus. Not only is Sophie involved with all the things I listed above and co-directing “All of the Above,” but she is also one of a select few group of women to be honored as a Baldwin Scholar. Through this female leadership and mentorship scholarship program, Sophie and her fellow scholars work closely with the Women’s Center and other student groups to encourage female leadership and build strong female character among Duke women.
Plus she does Bikram Yoga, which I’ve heard is insanely intense (it’s 104 degrees in there!). Props girl; I don’t think I could handle it.