Stranger Things’ Gabriella Pizzolo ’25 Chose Purchase to Explore
From stage and screen to college classes, this dynamic Psychology grad’s interdisciplinary approach checked all the boxes.
By the time Gabriella Pizzolo ’25 enrolled at Purchase, she had already accomplished more than most performers her age.
Many performers hone their craft in college or at a conservatory before heading for the bright lights. Pizzolo switched things up.
Reverse Order
A stage actor at 10, she hit the ground running, debuting as the lead in Broadway’s Matilda the Musical. More theatrical roles followed, as well as movie and TV appearances, including the hit Netflix series Stranger Things and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin on HBO/MAX.
All of that might have been enough for some, but for Pizzolo, pursuing a college education soon played the most important part in her professional journey.
“College was always in my plans,” says Pizzolo. “From a young age, I was very set on having a collegiate experience. I wanted the opportunity to explore.”
And explore she did.
The Perfect Place to Explore
Unsurprisingly, she first concentrated on theatre arts and also minored in music. Proficient in piano, guitar, violin, and “a bunch of other string instruments,” she wrote plays, musicals, and participated in sound design; composed music for college productions and conservatory students; collaborated with BFA filmmakers; and conducted instrumentalists.
Ultimately, though, she changed majors, which, she says, “was exactly the kind of flexibility I had been seeking.” She graduated with a BA degree in Psychology and a certificate in Early Childhood Education.
“The information I took away from that program has helped me to see artistic industries in a new way,” says Pizzolo.
Her senior project focused on former child performers.
“I’d love to work in roles that allow me to improve the conditions for the mental health of artists in the workplace.”
Be Flexible
Pizzolo encourages incoming freshmen to embrace flexibility in choosing courses, just as she did.
“It takes a lot of time and balance in an academic setting, but it was very worth it. If I was passionate about something, I would seek out courses about it while I was at school. Where else would I get to do that?”
“As long as the desire to learn about a topic was there, I didn’t let the field of study alter my decision to go for it. It enhanced my education.”
Pizzolo couldn’t be happier with the multidisciplinary path she chose and the Purchase College experience.
“The student body here is unique. They existed with a constant advocacy and care that I can only strive to emulate in my daily life. It was an environment where I felt aligned with kind and perceptive peers. I am proud of us.”