Colby Sophomore Brings Opera to Life as Stage Manager

Posse Houston Scholar Raine Broussard, a sophomore at Colby College, is making an impact behind the scenes as stage manager for Post Pardon: The Opera, an emotionally charged production by Colby Professor Arisa White. The opera explores themes of generational trauma, grief, and healing within the Black diaspora. Broussard’s role in the production has been both a creative discovery and a valuable professional growth opportunity.

“Opera was out of my comfort zone, but it allowed me to practice my craft in new ways,” says Raine.

As stage manager, Raine oversees both artistic and logistical elements, collaborating closely with vocalists, instrumentalists, and the design team to bring the vision to life. Post Pardon: The Opera has been in development for more than a decade, exploring themes such as postpartum grief, forgiveness, and the lasting effects of trauma.

“Being able to help realize a vision that has been years in the making is incredibly rewarding."

Their involvement with the project began last summer, when they facilitated workshops with different artists to begin shaping the production.

“I got to bring in all of our instrumentalists, vocalists, and the design team to start workshopping ideas,” says Raine. “It was amazing to see this multifaceted work that resonates deeply with audiences come together.”

With the opera’s debut set for summer 2025, Raine’s contributions will remain central as the project continues to develop. As stage manager, they embrace the opportunity to facilitate storytelling that not only impacts audiences but also contributes to the collective vision of the production.

“Art is both a political and deeply personal medium,” Raine says. “It can help people understand what might be happening in their communities or offer a sense of escape.”