Kaitlyn Craven
Departmental Scholar of Music Education: Cum Laude
An exploration of the music produced by the Walt Disney Company and its potential for use in the American music classroom
Thesis Advisor: Daniel Abrahams
During my time in the Razorback Marching Band at the University of Arkansas, I made friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life!
Alyssa Frazier
Departmental Scholar of Graphic Design: Cum Laude
City Guides for Ethical Travel
Thesis Advisor: Marty Maxwell Lane
William Alex Larson
Departmental Scholar of Theatre, Performance emphasis: Cum Laude
[Circus Theatre]: My Exploration in the Storytelling Potential of Juggling
Thesis Advisor: Michael Landman
My thesis involved creating a one person show using juggling to tell the narrative. I really had no idea what I was doing the entire time. I just said, “Hey, I wanna make a long form juggling routine focused on narrative.” And the department said, “okay let’s get to work.” So my advice to honors theatre students wanting to create original works is: pursue work you would be proud to create. You can do whatever you want; your only limitation is your creativity. Get others involved and just as excited as you are. Don’t be afraid to fail. You’re in university so you can safely fail. Make mistakes, like a lotta mistakes. We learn from our mistakes and try again. Embrace problems and find creative solutions. Remember the faculty wants to help you. Do your best on every assignment from your thesis director, it could lead to incredible results. Be adaptable, but don’t sacrifice your vision. Have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and cut everything that doesn’t align with that vision. Have a calendar and create deadlines. Keep a journal; write down little ideas and thoughts you have and periodically write down what you’re going through and the steps you’ve taken to get there; it’ll help tremendously once you start writing your thesis. And have fun.
Meredith Locke
Departmental Scholar of Art: Cum Laude
Inclusive Art Education Model for Community
Thesis Advisor: Angela La Porte
Landan Stocker
Departmental Scholar of Theatre, Performance emphasis: Cum Laude
Flick: A Midwestern Play
Thesis Advisor: Les Wade
One of the things I am most proud of is my academic diversity. Because of my experiences in the Honors College with their intriguing seminars, unique classes, and remarkable abroad programs, I was able to develop into a well-rounded professional in my craft.
“Flick a Midwestern Play” derived much of its inspiration from my own life, but being able to workshop it and write with proper dramatic structure is thanks to the Honors College Programs at the University of Arkansas. When I said I wanted to write a play to fulfill my Honors Thesis, it was met with enthusiasm. When I staged a reading of it, all hands were on deck to make it so. It was not about the bureaucracy, it was about making sure my academic needs and wants were all being fulfilled.
In the face of COVID-19, my thesis was allowed to be a great success. We ended up filming it online and having a workshop afterwards, but I could not have asked for a more wonderful reception!
