Nutcracker Personal Statement

I’ve adored theatre for as long as I can remember. From writing plays throughout elementary school, to being involved in Drama Club in middle school, to performing in community theatre in high school, and to visiting the theatre as often as I could from the very beginning, theatre has always been a part of my life. Every aspect of it engages me: the directors working to bring their vision of the show’s scenes, choreography, or music to life, the actors transforming into different characters through their expression of dialogue, song, or dance, the costumers and set-builders transporting the audience into the setting and time period with their artistry, the backstage tech and crew working quickly and precisely to keep the show flowing to curtain call, and the orchestra bringing the show to life through music. There is nothing like the experience of live theatre, both as a member of the audience and as a member of the cast and crew.

My professional experiences thus far have enabled me to learn a great deal while reaching my

In 1879, I attended Ohio Central College, when I was only 14! I edited the newspaper of the college, where I found my love for journalism. I graduated in 1882. Not knowing what I wanted to do for a living, I became a teacher. Then I became an insurance

I developed a great passion for learning during my first year at Lone Star College. I also discovered my

I started getting interested in Theatre late my 7th grade year. I was in English class when Caitlynn O'Hair was talking about that the musical at the end of the year that they were doing The Lion King musical for the musical theatre program for Burnet Middle School. I wanted to watch it, but for whatever reason, I couldn't go. But, since the class she was in sounded interesting, I put it as one of my electives to take for the next year. My 8th grade year in that class was amazing, and I made lots of friends there. During that class, the teacher, Mrs. Fisher mentioned that if

Anderson Theatre has truly shaped me into the mature young adult I am today. My freshman year, I decided to join theatre not knowing what to expect. None of my friends were in theatre, and it was something I decided to do completely on my own. I walked into the first meeting, late because I had cheer practice, and sat in the back of the Fine Arts Room by myself. I then let cheerleading take over all of my time, and did not return to theatre until Dry Tech. That day, I walked in and started working. In that 12 hour day, I realized that doing hair and makeup is something I am really great at. In that 12 hour day, I met dozens of people with whom I am still friends with today. Because of Anderson Theatre, I met my best friend. I laughed more than

Josephine Baker, a multitalented icon from the early 1900s once said, “The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains. ” This quote in particular is very dear to me because I love many items, animals, places, and people but I have one true love that will forever be in my heart and that is theatre.

I am most proud of my heavy involvement with the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater (FLCT). I joined FLCT at age nine and have spent the past 10 years learning and growing there. Throughout my 10 years at FLCT, I have been a part of 50 shows. Each show was an individual, incredible learning experience that taught me so much about the production process. I was the youngest student to stage-manage a production at FLCT, and I have stage-managed 20 shows in 5 years. During my time at FLCT, I had the opportunity to use advanced technology and became the resident light board operator in 10th grade. The best part about FLCT is that I did much more than perform and work backstage there. For example, I was in the Youth Council, which is a group that

Our program is a non-profit situated in a public school in New York City’s Lower East Side. We are located within a title-one school, with a vast majority of our students receiving free lunch. Our summer goals include the student’s transition to the next grade seamlessly, the ability for students to explore their own passions and have a collaborative talent show at the end of the summer. Our goals also include introducing our students to the wide range of cultural institutions which New York City has to offer. We provide our students with a safe space which allows them to grow in a social emotional and personalized setting.

I was very lucky to have grown up into a family of artists and theater folk. My parents met in a show (like my wife and I) and continued to perform in community theatre shows when my brother and I were young. The lifestyle called to me and I was able to do my first show when I was 5 along with my parents.

Ever since I had seen The Nutcracker at my local theater I was certain that theater wasn’t for me. I thought it was boring and a waste of time. After seeing this production, I assumed that all theater productions were like this one, boring and a waste of time. For the next nine years I wasn’t interested in doing anything with theater the rest of my life. Then after I was introduced to the world of theater from a different point of view I quickly changed my mind. Now nine years later in am pursing a degree in theater design/technology. Every time I see The Nutcracker it reminds why I have a career in theater.

My time and efforts in the summer of 2016 were largely spent on a production of Beauty and the Beast. I was cast as Belle, the lead, which challenged me emotionally, vocally, mentally, and physically each rehearsal. I worked with an incredible group of people who mentored and encouraged me.

As a child, all I wanted to do was act. To be on TV and walk the red carpet was the ultimate goal. Playing the role of munchkins and Fagin boys was my life. In elementary school, my director’s name was Mrs. Jacksina. Her big green eyes were just as vibrant as her excitement towards theatre. She loved passing her passion down to others. She made me believe that I could obtain my goals as long as I put my heart and soul into it. Thus, the inner swirls of fire from my heart transformed into passion and dedication. That’s what I did with acting, at least, what I could’ve done at the age of 8. By 4th grade, I had a lead role in Good Luck Charlie Brown playing the role of Lucy, and in 5th grade playing the role of Brunhilda in Cinderella.

Theatre challenged me the most junior year. The first play that year was The Curious Savage by John Patrick. The role I played helped me develop the skill to act as an antagonist different from the comedic characters I had portrayed in the past.

I still want to follow my younger self’s dream of being a performer, but after co-directing some musical numbers at a performing arts camp, I also want to explore directing. Many have asked me, “Why do you want a degree in something you need no formal training for?” My answer is this: education