Personal Essay On Theatre

Before I even entered high school, I obtained a love of theater and the performing arts. I have been singing and acting since I was nine, as well as on and off dancing since three. Taking classes at a local theater really introduced me to this interest of mine. When I entered high school, an injury kept me from doing shows. But now I graduate with nine high school shows under my belt, as well as being in multiple community theater productions. Being a part of these shows made me feel a strong sense of belonging, and whether I was an ensemble or lead

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.

I came into my audition only auditioning for the ensemble, leaving the audition I ended up receiving the titular role of Pippin. There was also a dance audition, where we were asked to learn the choreography to All that Jazz from the musical Chicago, this was a challenging experience because I have had no professional dance training but I ended up doing very well and responding well to the choreographer and her teachings. This whole process helped me to develop my confidence and social skills. The auditions were the most like professional auditions I’ve ever attended, and therefore allowed me to better understand what the real musical theatre industry is like and give me a taste of what it would be like if I continued onto large productions. I was very lucky to receive the lead role, as I didn’t even audition for it, despite not seeing this at the time. There was a long break between auditions and the beginning of rehearsals, almost three weeks. This seemed like a very long period of time due to not being able to tell any of my fellow cast mates that I had received a

As a shy, reserved student, I found myself blossoming through the stage. I fell in love with the stage and auditioned for the middle school's play, A Christmas Carol. Fortunately, I was casted in the performance. I loved the experience so much that I auditioned for the next year's play and musical and got a part in those as well. The more time I spent on stage, the more confident I became. I felt like the stage was where I belonged. I had a passion for theater that began to distinguish like a flame when I entered high school.

However I never feel less self-conscious than when I'm performing in a show. Although I usually play characters that resemble me personality-wise, and I always find a way to bring myself to a character, I don't feel personally judged when I'm on stage. I believe that is a major reason that I've found solace in performing. I don't know where I would be right now if it weren't for music. I struggled with serious depression and anxiety from 6th to halfway through 10th grade, and music and theatre were my single motivation to get up every morning. If it weren't for playing saxophone in band, choir, and musical rehearsals, I never would have made it into

I would be the only fourth grader to attain a lead role featuring my own solo. It was an incredible feat because I never thought I could achieve the role against such tremendous competition. I was dedicated to performing perfectly spending hours rehearsing both in and out of school. From then on, I knew I could achieve anything as long as I had dedication and perseverance by my side. The following year, I went on to be Belle from Beauty and the Beast and when that spotlight was gleaming, I was at home. My directors, Ms. Qualshie and Mrs. Badillo, had been remarkable examples guiding me to be a cooperative team player. Every role had a purpose allowing us to work as a well-oiled

From an early age, I loved to perform. Being the youngest girl with three older brothers, I could never get enough attention; This meant singing, dancing and being extremely outgoing to get everyone’s eyes on me. I still hear stories about my younger self dancing in front of mirrors, babbling about my dream of being a “star”. It wasn’t until much later, however, that I found I could put my love of performing to use.

When your interest is as broad as theatre it’s almost impossible for your identity to not be represented. However, like many of my peers, I’ve struggled to find my identity and have floated between different adjectives for the past seven years. Luckily for me my love for Broadway guided me to a perfect show that let me know it’s okay to be confused about who I am.

My sister was a singer. When my sister was around twelve, she wanted to get an agent. So I went to Toronto with my sister and my mom to find her an agent. She's six years older than me. She went in to go get the agent, and my mom and I came in with her. The agent looked at me and asked me if I wanted to join. I was just five, and my mom was just like, "He's too young. I'm not sure if he wants to do that." But I was like, "I'll do it." And they were like, "So what do you want to do?" And I was like, "I wanna act." And they just let me into their agency. I tried it out, and I've been acting ever since.

As I sat enveloped in her story of overcoming conclusions, she taught my heart to embrace each quirky part of myself. I identified with Elle Woods’ need to prove herself. This idea of accepting individuality provided me with the courage to audition for my first show, the Arvada Center’s production of Footloose. Since that first nerve-racking, nail-biting experience, I have come to find myself through each move I dance onstage. Getting my first big role, the Dragon in a production of Shrek, I poured my heart out, knowing the people ready to judge and mock were watching. After the show, the peers who judged my intelligence approached me, saying things like, “I never knew you could sing like that.” Through performing I found myself again. I shifted back to the girl I was, the girl who cared about her morals. I want to perform, hoping to provide audience members with the ability to connect with characters who can offer them a point of realization, as Elle Woods did for me.

I thought I had it all down until that very moment. Its casting night for the middle school play. Me as an 8th grader went in pretty confident, and I was determined to get a part. Even though last year for me as a 7th grader didn't go quite well for me. I kept working hard for the next year, to make my skills better.

In my younger years I was highly involved in show choir and school productions. Any way I could get on stage and strut my stuff I would take it. My sixth grade year of elementary school, the year before I would make the massive leap into middle school, I decided I would perform in my final production. The play was Aladdin and I had my eye on the role for the Genie and I wanted this role so much. I practiced this role day and night from singing to dancing to even some impressions anything that would ensure my little mind that I would get the part.

To tell the truth, I didn’t want to audition. It was my brother, Landon, who actually forced me into the room to take the first step towards increasing my self-confidence, and expanding my horizons. I immediately felt welcome. It was as though I had known the people in the Nooksack Valley Drama Club for my entire life. They showed me what it meant to stand up for myself. I found my own voice both literally and metaphorically as an advocate for myself and any others who needed it. As I continued, the roles for which I auditioned increased in difficulty until I began to be cast in lead roles which were physically and emotionally challenging. Through these difficult roles, I came to love and value my drama family even more due to their continual support. They taught me the importance of patience, empathy, strong relationships, and of being

During my high school experience, I have truly embraced the arts, specifically performing arts. Tri-School Theatre (an extra-curricular, educational theatre program) has been a great opportunity where I have been able to appreciate my talents while learning about theatre with other students. Being an active leader in this program, I constantly collaborate with students for rehearsals and events; after my junior year of high school, I was nominated to be an assistant director for a children’s production, Aladdin Jr. Having much enthusiasm for the arts and promoting theatre at school, I was thrilled with this opportunity. Theatre has strengthened my self-confidence,

Since I was eleven years old, I have known that I wanted to act. It was something that my parents never particularly encouraged, nor supported, but the seed was planted. I was sixteen when I first stepped into my high school’s theatre for my first day of drama class, and it changed my life. I felt at home and I would even call it the point of my salvation. From discovering the theatre and joining the world of the performing arts, I have grown so much as a person and have found a sense of self and purpose that I didn’t have before. I could not have imagined that I would, or even could, have the immense passion for acting and theatre that I have today, and it is beyond me how I became so lucky as to find something that makes me so incredibly