Fiona Riley ‘22
Photo courtesy of Sona Bardakjian
Sona Bardakjian ‘21, a passionate participant in all aspects of EA’s performing arts program, is December’s Artist of the Month. Bardakjian is a choir co-president, Vocal Ensemble member, Dance Team captain, and participant in a variety of performing arts clubs. Additionally, she performs in EA plays and musicals and, in non-COVID years, sings in a choir outside of school at her church. When asked about her development as an enthusiast for the performing arts, Bardakjian notes that “ever since I was a kid, my sisters and I would put on ‘shows’ for my parents, relatives, and really anyone who would watch. We would dress up and sing and dance for hours. When I was three, I started taking dance classes, and have been dancing ever since. I also have been singing since a young age, [and] while most kids dreaded the singing practices […] I always looked forward to putting on Christmas pageants and other performances.” Bardakjian mentioned growing up watching lots of musicals, explaining, “As I got older I learned more and more about musicals, and my love for theatre could only grow.”
Bardakjian explains, “I’m drawn to the arts, specifically theatre, because it allows for empathy to grow. By learning about perspectives and stories of others, it allows me to be more empathetic because I am able to understand what others are going through, and hopefully, help them when they need it most.” Jim Erwin, EA’s Choir Director, agrees wholeheartedly with that sentiment, noting that “[Sona] looks to herself in order to express empathy in the performing arts and does so with great pleasure and happiness. She goes beyond herself and thinks about the phrasing and the lyrics. Sona is one the kindest and most supportive singers I work with–she is one of those students who inspire you to grow as a teacher.” Daniel Clay, Theater Department Chair and teacher, also describes Bardakjian as “just about the nicest person you could meet. She goes out of her way to make people feel special and wanted. In theater, this is equally as important as talent.”
Erwin adds, “One of the times that I was most impressed with Sona, was during the auditions for Les Misérables. She performed the song “One My Own.” This was only an audition, but you could instantly hear that Sona had worked so hard on the character and lyrics to truly embody the person singing the song.” Bardakjian emphasizes her commitment to her roles, stating, “Since you are acting as another character, you metaphorically and literally are able to walk in their shoes, and you get to learn a lot about their perspective.” This philosophy mirrors Erwin’s interpretation of the depth of Bardakjian’s expression.
Clay met Bardakjian in a J-Term class her freshman year, which Bardakjian expressed was a lovely opportunity for her to develop her skills. Clay remembers, “Being struck by her level of comfort onstage and her natural instincts as an actor. I had hoped she was interested enough to get more involved with theater here and I wasn’t disappointed.” When asked for specific examples of her role in plays and musicals at EA, Clay lists, “She played the highly anxious and imaginative character of Phoebe Winterbottom in Walk Two Moons, showing her versatility as both a comic and dramatic actor. She plays a totally different role in She Kills Monsters this year. Her character, Lilith Morningstar, is a warrior princess in the Dungeons and Dragons world and a shy nerd who is questioning her sexuality in the real world. Again, this role could only be played by a versatile actor.”
Will Hopkins ‘21, who works alongside Bardakjian in many performing arts opportunities, notes, “Sona is a great actress; she puts her heart and soul into every role she takes on. Last spring, in Fiddler on the Roof, was when I really got to see her shine as I spent almost all my scenes with her. Sona looks into the motivations and needs of whichever role it is that she’s playing. This deep analysis translates to the viewer that she knows deep down the intentions of her character. Even outside of theatre, she brings so much light to the art department in the choir and Improv Club.” Hopkins also explains that he is “so happy to have seen her grow as an actress from freshman year up until now,” a statement with which Erwin and Clay agree. Veronica Garrubbo ‘21, another classmate of Bardakjian, states,“Sona’s genuine love for theatre is so clear every time she steps on stage or into a rehearsal. She is one of the most dedicated people I know and a selfless leader within the department.” In the opinion of her peers and teachers, Bardakjian is an inspiring individual who sheds light on the impact of performing arts on all aspects of life, using her creative mind to develop a beautiful expression of a variety of topics and roles. An overarching comment by Clay summarizes, “She’s really left her mark on our department, and we’ll certainly miss her when she goes off to college next year.”