Meet Annabel Raby: student, friend, science enthusiast, theater devotee, funny girl and this week’s campus celebrity! I sat down with Annabel to discuss her latest endeavors and how manages to stay grounded through it all.
Annabel grew up in Boston, and it was during her high school years that she first developed her passion and love for theater. Studying biology and eventually going to medical school, however, had always been in her long term plans. This McGill Collegiette wanted to pursue a more traditional Liberal Arts degree — one of the main reasons why she chose McGill’s Arts and Science faculty. Now in her final year of undergraduate studies, she is more convinced than ever with her decision.
As someone who is known for having diverse interests, both academic and extracurricular, Annabel took the necessary time to figure out what she wanted to major and minor in — a period of self reflection that she recommends to all future college students, especially those in Arts and Science. She finally settled on a major in biology and a double minor in religious studies and theater studies. An unusual mix, but Annabel has unsurprisingly managed to make it work, and somehow make you wish you had done the same.
Balancing seems to be a recurring life theme for Annabel as she is constantly balancing between her arts and science classes, and between academics in general and her extracurricular activities. It is this balancing act that has shaped Annabel into the strong woman that she is today, proving that one can really have it all; all it takes it hard work, dedication, and a good sense of humour. Annabel does admit that being part of two faculties at McGill was overwhelming at first, but ultimately it has been extremely rewarding.
“I feel like ego and alter ego, but now it is rewarding and I am glad to be part of both communities.”
Annabel has been involved with various theater productions at McGill, but this year she stepped away from her previous acting roles and jumped head first to take on the direction of a play from A to Z. Annabel embarked on the very difficult and challenging task of directing “Inherit the Wind” at the Student Society’s Player’s Theater. “Inherit the Wind” was the ideal production for this Arts and Science student, as the play centers on the conflict between religion and evolutionary science.
The personal connection and pride she took in directing this play is evident upon speaking with her. It is clear that she poured her heart and soul into this project, a kind of personal project she felt she needed to complete before graduating.
“When the musicians and costumes came together, I feel like it sparked something. I’ve never been part of something like this before.”
Although she does warn newcomers of the long hours involved with this kind of full time project commitment, this theater starlet definitely encourages anyone who is passionate about theater or even those who are just looking for an outlet to their daily routine, to get involved with the campus theater community.
When asked if we can expect to see Annabel involved in more plays in the near future, she laughs and says that her directing days are over — for now at least. Yet it is difficult to miss the smile on the corner of her lips, which makes it even more difficult to believe that Annabel will actually be stepping down from the theater anytime soon.
As of now, it is back to regular life for this multitasker, studying for finals and catching up with her friends. When asked about her plans for after graduation she answered with a smirk: “I plan on moving back in with my parents and working at the McDonalds”— Sounds like Annabel’s quirky sense of humour never fails.