For #SDA75, we’re looking back on our fondest memories, from alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, donors and friends: this collage was submitted by alumnus Todd Nonnenberg BA ’96, about a particularly memorable day in class.
Paul Backer (rest his soul) and his history lesson of Theatre of the Absurd will forever live in my memory. I was late on this day, and when I arrived to Taper Hall, I observed a sign on our usual class door saying in all caps, “THIS IS NOT A DOOR!” My first thought was, “maybe I have the wrong classroom?”
Eventually, I decided to give the door a go. When I opened the door, Paul was standing there in a raincoat and rain hat just looking at me, the awkwardness of being late to class already in the air, and a classroom full of students staring at me (mostly cracking smiles in response to the befuddled look on my face).
There was a pregnant pause and then Paul shouted emphatically at me, “didn’t you see the sign?”
I sheepishly said, “sorry.”
Paul replied “Don’t let it happen again. Now please take your seat.“
I remember a few times Paul pausing in the middle of the lesson, opening his umbrella, putting it over his shoulder and just staring at us in silence for a moment to help illustrate the style. It was by far one of the most memorable days ever in a classroom and I will treasure it for as long as I live.
Share your memories with us!
To help celebrate our 75th anniversary, the School of Dramatic Arts is collecting memories from our community to share during our year-long celebration. Submit your stories from your time at SDA through words, images or videos. #SDA75