Splash into a New Year
By: Toby Knutson
USF theater students dove into the new school year with a poolside theater kickoff. It wasn’t your typical back-to-school meeting. Between the cannonballs, hot dogs, and plenty of laughs, students got the chance to hang out, welcome newcomers, and talk about the season ahead. The laid-back setting made it the perfect way to mix summer vibes with the excitement of a fresh start for a new academic year. This year’s kickoff was hosted at the home of the Paulsens, a family who has been part of the USF theater community for years and who generously opened their backyard pool for the third year in a row.
Sydni Mauldin, a senior Communication Studies and Theater major, and Student Theater Advisory Board (STAB) President, talked about what she enjoys most about the theater kickoff. “It’s just a nice place to get to know other people in the department,” said Mauldin. “To kind of also hear of the goings on with the main stage productions, senior shows, volunteer opportunities, and all the things.” For Mauldin, the event is as much about friendship and connection as it is about staying plugged into the productions and projects that shape the community of the department.
At its heart, the kickoff was about more than just starting the season, it was about building community. For some, that meant reconnecting with old friends, and for others, it was about finding their place in the department. For Hunter Reimer, a sophomore Communication Studies and Theater major, the sense of community was what stood out most. “It’s just the most genuine people I’ve met and it’s such a wonderful place where I can go and I don’t feel judged,” Reimer said.
While the day was filled with laughter and splashes, what really mattered was the sense of community. For Reimer, that was the heart of it all. “We’re all hanging out and it feels no different than when we’re on stage rehearsing. We’re just a group of friends all hanging out, having fun, just for the vibes,” said Reimer. Theater at USF has always been about more than scripts and spotlights—it’s about the people who bring those stories to life. The poolside kickoff captured that spirit perfectly, blending fun with friendship and setting the tone for a year full of collaboration, creativity, and connection. As the season begins, students aren’t just looking forward to the shows ahead—they’re stepping into a community where they can grow, belong, and make memories both onstage and off.
