Sora Richter

High school: Valparaiso High School

Hometown: Valparaiso, Ind.

Majors: History; theatre (performance)

Activities: Heywire Improv; Augustana Theatre

Internship: Goodman Games 2026 Summer Internship Program

Post-grad plans: I'm heading off to University College Dublin in Ireland for a master's in library studies! Besides that, I plan on continuing my theatre ambitions and my writing, both plays and novels.

Why Augustana?

I picked Augustana the moment I visited the campus the first time. I could just imagine living here the second I toured. I also fell in love with the history and theatre departments, and Brunner Theatre in general — the fact that there was an improv group on campus also didn't hurt!

I've been extremely happy with my choice. All of my courses here have been fantastic, and I've learned more than I thought possible. All in all, I could not have picked a better undergraduate program!

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Honestly no, but in a good way! I never imagined I'd become interested in library work, nor did I imagine being able to do near as much theatre as I've been able to do — especially not writing a few plays and even putting one on. "Snowdon Lilies," the play I wrote and put on, was a unique experience that I genuinely would never have thought I'd do.

Heywire Improv was also a pleasant surprise in my campus life. I'll get more into that in the next section though.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

There are several people I could thank. Namely, Jeff Coussens and Heywire Improv, as well as, of course, every single faculty and staff member I've been helped by in my time here.

Jeff Coussens, who is a professor of theatre, has been instrumental to my success. Most of the plays I've been in here have been Coussens' plays, and he was instrumental in "Snowdon Lilies". I could not have done half the cool stuff I've done here without him.

Now what to say about Heywire Improv? They're my second home on campus. They're amazing, and super funny as well. I'm so grateful to have had such an amazing friend group my entire time here. They've given me so much friendship over the years. I just hope I've repaid them enough.

I do not have enough space to include everyone else who has helped me, but suffice it to say from the bottom of my heart; thank you to all the people I've met — those in history notably. You all have helped more than you know, and shaped me into the person I am today.

Peak experience?

Oh, I'm going to sound like a broken record, but "Snowdon Lilies." Putting on a play, directing it and getting to see my friends read the words I had written is like a dream come true. All of my actors did an amazing job, and I'm so glad people who saw it thought it was amazing. I will always treasure the experience, and to all of you who were in it, saw it or asked me to send you the YouTube link ... thank you so much. Again, I sound like a broken record, haha!

What surprised you?

Honestly, the sense of community here. The professors are all amazing, and the others here are equally so. I love contributing to class with all of my peers, and I love being able to act with them even more.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used it, I bet you can guess, for "Snowdon Lilies!" I spent it all on props and costumes, including two stage combat-worthy swords and historically accurate clothing. It made it that much more engaging for me and my actors!

What will you miss the most?

All the people, especially the professors and Heywire Improv. I don't know what I'm going to do without the support y'all have given me over the years. The community is unmatched, and the history and theatre departments have become important spaces for me. I'm honestly kind of tearing up thinking about leaving.

A special note to the roommate I've had since freshman year, who's helped me be truly and authentically me. I'll miss them especially.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Please, please, please make friends. Even if it seems hard, even if it seems daunting, being friends with people who made me take care of myself and made me try new things has been the crux of my college career. It's vital, if I'm honest.