Journal entry by Danny Wasserman —
Hey everyone! Last week I promised a follow up blog post after my teaser at the end, so here it is.
If you didn't already know, Sarah was a Theatre major in college. Sarah’s friends from Randolph-Macon College have been working with the Theatre Department and Development to raise money in honor of Sarah. Their goal: to dedicate and transform the existing Scene Shop Mezzanine into “The McFather Mezzanine,” a place for theatre students to enjoy, hang out, and study in while feeling lasting friendships just like Sarah did.
Her best friends from college were born out of that small performing arts department at Randolph-Macon College. Upon news of Sarah's untimely passing, the Theatre Department decided to lovingly dedicate their fall production, On the Verge, or The Geography of Yearning by Eric Overmyer, to Sarah's memory. A group of 13 of Sarah's college friends, including her Theatre professor, were able to attend opening night of the production; this included a post-performance reception to honor Sarah. They are sharing information about Sarah before each show and there is a nice write up about her in the program (see enclosed picture).
Productions that Sarah acted in during her college career include A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), The Crucible (Elizabeth Proctor), Oleanna (Carol), Revelations! (Paula), The Best Man (Aide), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Helena, pictured), and she directed the show Private Eyes by Steven Dietz.
The great news is, thanks to friends and family, fundraising for “The McFather Mezzanine” is nearly at the goal and any over it will go toward transforming the space and the theatre student experience, such as improvements to furniture and decor.
If you’re so inclined, we’d love to have your help. Here is a dedicated giving page for making a donation (or a pledge over time if you’d rather) toward this project and Sarah’s memory.
Best,
Danny
Thanks to Dean Browell, Laura Leflar, and Megan Rowe for help with drafting this message.