Actor Stephanie Gould Surprised Onstage With Diploma Delivery

To have this moment coincide with this particular show made the evening all the more significant for Gould. “Cost of Living” has been something of a holy grail for her, and this wasn’t the first time she auditioned for a role in the play.

“I auditioned for the original back in 2016, and it didn’t happen for years and years,” she said after the performance and surprise.

It just so happened that everything fell into place in her hometown, right after she completed her degree.

The show’s messages always resonated with Gould as a performer with disabilities, and she knew right away that she wanted to be a part of it.

“It’s important to realize disabled actors are out there and we exist,” she said. “We can access parts of ourselves that are different and unique and use them to our advantage.”

In this way, she said disability can actually be an asset to a performer, as is often the case in productions of “Cost of Living.”

Behind the Curtain

Gould said she was overwhelmed by the experience of celebrating both of these milestones with her SNHU family.

Morrison and Gould had a close relationship throughout Gould’s time at SNHU.

“We've had many great conversations about school and writing, but our relationship grew, and I've gotten to know Stephanie quite well,” Morrison said. “We've shared many laughs and tears throughout her program.”

Gould said Morrison was a huge support throughout her journey to earn this degree.

“She was there when I needed her,” Gould said of her advisor. “It’s important to have people on your side.”

She said studying online was an ideal solution for her busy life. “It was perfect, actually. I could do it on my own time but with a schedule, as well,” said Gould. “You had certain due dates, but you can take your time. It was really conducive to what I do, so it was great.”

This moment wasn’t just a celebration of her success as an actor. The degree also marked the beginning of a new era for Gould as a writer.

Although she had already co-written and starred in a one-person show in 2016, the degree let her further develop her craft and prepare for future endeavors.

“Stephanie entering and earning accolades for her scripts were exciting moments for both of us along her journey,” Morrison said. “She always called to let me know she entered a contest and would call so we could celebrate together when she placed or won.”

The Next Act

After her run in “Cost of Living,” Gould isn’t sure exactly what will come next, but she’s got a few ideas. First, she said she’d love to use her degree to teach. She also noted that she’d love the screenplay she wrote as a part of her master’s program to be produced.

“I’d love to get the thesis that I did made,” she said. “That’s my goal.”

Morrison, for one, has no doubts in Gould’s ability to turn that goal into an accomplishment, too. “I've always known Stephanie to challenge herself and take advantage of opportunities,” Morrison said. “When she sets her mind to something, she does it and does it well.”

The evening was proof of just that. In addition to celebrating Gould’s achievements, Ryerson noted that the surprise ceremony could also serve as a motivational moment for everyone who witnessed it.

“What’s so special about it also is it’s an inspiration for others in the audience tonight who hear about Stephanie and her story and see the light and pathway to possibility,” she said.