Senior Spotlight: Adara Rosenberg

Lily Mellitz ’26

Executive Arts Editor

Adara Rosenberg ’25, is a student double majoring in Environmental Science and Theater and Dance with a minor in Japanese. Originally from Queens, New York, Rosenberg has always been deeply connected to both the arts and environmental causes. Growing up, she discovered theater almost by accident, joining the theater club in 8th grade as a way to match up with their sibling’s extracurricular activities. 

“I chose the most interesting sounding club —  theater — and fell in love instantly,” Rosenberg recalled. “That summer my parents sent me to a sleep away theater camp and that only further cemented my love of it. I haven’t looked back.”

At Trinity, Rosenberg initially planned to minor in Theater and Dance but soon realized that double majoring was an option and would become an opportunity that ultimately shaped their academic journey. Through their studies in Theater and Dance, they integrate issues that are important to them, such as climate activism and social equality, into her creative work. 

The discipline has also played a transformative role in their personal growth. Rosenberg’s time at Trinity has helped them gain confidence, both on stage and off and has been a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. 

“I’ve learned a lot about what I like to do as an artist, particularly that I love to do more than just act,” they said. “I love stage managing, directing, writing, lighting design, choreographing, puppeteering, dancing, making props and sets and singing as well!”

One of the most memorable experiences of Rosenberg’s time at Trinity was performing in Maciej Pradziad ’23’s thesis production “God Hung Himself When He Made You,” which was their first acting role at the college. “I got to see a student work so hard to create an incredible piece and some wonderful puppets,” they said. “It was clearly a work of love and it was amazing to help it come to life.”

However, the path has not been without its challenges. “A big challenge in my artistic journey is the dejection and worries that come with not getting a role you wanted. Feelings of inferiority and nerves that hit when you first get that email, no matter how irrational those thoughts are,” Rosenberg shared. “But no matter what, you are incredible and those thoughts are unrealistic and there will be more productions and chances. Reminding yourself of those things, and reaching out to others, when you feel like that helps you bounce back; in my experience.”

In such a demanding field, mentorship makes all the difference. Trinity professors have played a pivotal role in shaping Rosenberg’s journey, both as a student and as an artist, offering guidance, encouragement, and perspective along the way. “[Professor] Michelle [Ong-Hendrick] was the first professor in the [Theater and Dance] department I met and took classes with. Her being so warm and welcoming was really encouraging,” Rosenberg recalled. “[Professor] Teri [Incampo] is always great to talk to and learn from and is the one who helped me discover my love of puppets and directing. And [Professor] Godfrey [Simmons] is incredibly encouraging and warm and I always know I can talk to him if I need to.”

Rosenberg’s senior thesis, a self written murder mystery play, is a perfect example of their ability to merge their two academic passions: environmental science and theater. Titled “The Dinner Party,” her thesis explores the role of gender in theater, specifically within a time period and genre that are integral to themes of power, identity and social change. “I am really curious about gender in theater and I wanted to explore that in a time period and genre that are integral to those themes,” Rosenberg said. “It evolved over time to be more of a love letter to the genres I adore.”

Directing and writing a full-length play was a new challenge for Rosenberg, who had previously only directed smaller pieces. “The stakes were higher. Having to consider budgets and labor was definitely new, as was having to schedule six performers, a stage manager, and a choreographer around classes and other productions,” Rosenberg said. “It felt more real [and] I hope that my thesis left people thinking and curious.”

Though Rosenberg plans to pursue a career outside the arts after graduation, they’re determined to keep theater and dance a part of their life. “I love the community that comes with theater and dance — the way you connect to other people even if you didn’t know them before,” she said. “I don’t want to just leave theater and dance behind. I think I’ll probably keep exploring puppeteering, design and writing no matter what in the future and dream of also acting in small local productions as well.”

For younger students considering a similar path at Trinity, Rosenberg offered some advice: “Make sure you know the [Theater and Dance major] requirements. They can be a bit hard to fit into your schedule at times, especially if you are a double major, so go into it armed with that information. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! If you are struggling with scheduling, work loads, etc., talk to a professor. They can help and asking them is not a failure in any way. College can be confusing and that is totally normal. You’ve got this!”

Rosenberg also offered a piece of advice for her younger self: “If I could go back to my first year I would audition for more things when my schedule allowed, and refrain from auditioning for things when my schedule didn’t. Sometimes I would let fear of rejection get the best of me and would miss out on a great opportunity. Other times I would overwork myself and have a really hard time. There’s a balance there, one I didn’t find in my time here but I hope that others do.”

For Adara Rosenberg, the arts are more than self-expression — they are a way to engage with the world, challenge important issues and create lasting impact. Whether through their roles as an artist or their future career, she is committed to using her voice in whatever medium for meaningful change.