Caris Gross OC ‘23

Lady Doak College, India (2024-26)

Caris Gross (they/them) ‘23 majored in Theater and minored in Russian. Their work explores community-based theatre as a tool for social change. In the year since graduating, they’ve delved into the world of accessibility and inclusion in theatre education in Washington, DC, facilitating programming for students ages 1-21 with disabilities in DC and Maryland. While at Oberlin, Caris pioneered a community engagement initiative to bring elementary-aged students to campus for a full day of performances, workshops, and backstage tours. Their honors thesis examined trauma-informed approaches to rehearsal and performance and the impact of arts curriculum in public education. Outside of the classroom, Caris was a four-year member of OSCA, sourcing missing plates on cozy afternoons in Pyle Inn Co-op and Third World Co-op. You’d often find them organizing large-group events for Oberlin Christian Fellowship, constructing sets in the scene shop, tutoring first-year Russian and linguistics students, and advocating for diverse play selections on our stages. Away from work and academia, Caris enjoys bringing people together to build community through home-cooked meals. As a Shansi Fellow at Lady Doak College, they are excited to support the co-curricular experience of passionate young women and contribute to a wonderful legacy of collaboration between academic institutions.