Lights dimmed and speakers crackled in last Thursday and Friday evenings in Gottesman as a crowd gathered to enjoy the first full-length play put on by the Pace Drama Alliance (PDA). Spring Awakening was the first performance of many in the coming semesters, according to members of PDA.

Members of PDA, several of whom had no prior acting experience, took the stage and performed Spring Awakening, a play that deals with heavy issues—from sexuality to death—of the 19^th century.

“I am beyond proud of the Pace Drama Alliance,” said the play’s director and Pace student Zanali Razvi, who also acted in the play. “We really pulled it together in only four weeks.”

The student actors held a variety show in Woodward Hall in Briarcliff last semester which paved the way for PDA to produce more performances. PDA wants to continue expanding their presence on campus and providing a creative outlet for students. This is something the PDA advisor, Professor Leo Boylan, thinks is necessary for the Pleasantville campus.

Boylan has been with the Pace Drama Alliance since its establishment, and was excited to have put on a successful first full production.

“We have a very talented, hardworking crew that put on a beautiful show,” Boylan said. “Eventually, the Pace Drama Alliance will be an off-off Broadway on the Hudson.”

Spectators and cast members both agree that PDA should make a tradition of putting on full productions.

“They were wonderful, and should definitely put on more plays,” spectator and senior Dana Merolesi said.

Cast members were thrilled to have put on what they deemed to be a successful production, and they look forward to, as president of PDA and sophomore Traci Buchanan put it, “getting the Pace Drama Alliance’s name on the map.”

The Pace Drama Alliance provides an excellent creative outlet for students attending the Pleasantville campus, according to all members of the club. Members made clear that no prior acting experience is needed to join or to perform, but dedication to the performances is a must.

“This first show proves that PDA helps to show the potential of many students,” sophomore psychology major Eric Medina-Rivera said. “The cast was one of a kind and everyone worked really hard.”

For more information on how to become involved with PDA, email club president Traci Buchanan.