Sofia James is an undergraduate student receiving her B.A. in theatre arts with a design/technology emphasis. She represents the Department of Theatre and Dance and is the 2024 undergraduate Dean’s Medalist.
James graduated from Edison High School in 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her freshman year, despite classes being online, she served as an assistant stage manager for a virtual production and earned the highest grade in her class.
“Artistically, costume design allows me to take a deep dive into the world of a theatre piece. Designing costumes requires a thorough understanding of the ways clothing tells stories about people. I find it satisfying to support theatrical storytelling by exploring how a character would choose to adorn themselves,” James said.
Upon the return to in-person instruction, James continued to excel in the theatre department. At Fresno State, she has managed six shows, being an invaluable asset in her work as a costume designer for department productions, including the recent “Spring Awakening.” Additionally, she has been a costume designer for the Selma Arts Center.
“Sofia sets the bar extremely high for defining what it means to be a dedicated theatre student. She has served as a Stage Manager for University Theatre, and that skill set rivals what she accomplishes as a costume designer,” said Dr. Melissa Gibson, chair of the theatre and dance department.
In 2023, Sofia interned over the summer at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, where she served as an assistant designer of “In the Heights.”
“Her process of collaboration with the director of a play is one that is expected of someone designing for a professional theatre company,” said Professor J. Daniel Herring.
James was the recipient of the 2023-24 Bulldog Pride Fund: Raymond Burr Theatre Arts Award.
“Aside from her professional work, Sofia is committed to representation, equity, and diversity. She has stood up for the student body to speak truth to power in our department, addressing issues of culturally sensitive representation, and change happened because of her brave and nuanced intervention,” said Dr. Gina Sandi Diaz, assistant professor of theatre and dance.
James is still deciding which area of theatre to pursue after graduation, but she notes the power of theatre as an instrument to create change and her own ability to contribute to the art.
“Ultimately, theatre can be an instrument of change, and I aspire to help bring about that change,” said James. “Through the projects I have been involved with, I am beginning to see theatre grow and shift toward storytelling that rings true for all audiences.”
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 