Personal Narrative: Josephine Baker's Room

Theatre has a different meaning for everyone who encounters it. Over the years theatre has given me a lot. It has given me an outlet, a way to express myself. In fact one of my mentors said that, “It isn’t about impressing, but about expressing,” and that really resonated with me, as that’s what I really believe theatre is about. Also, theatre has given me a safe place that I can always turn to. In addition, I have learned many life lessons through theatre, such as, dedication and work ethic. It has also taught me about the sanctity of communication and individuality. My most valuable high school memories and experiences have stemmed from theatre. When I look back on my high school years I won’t remember the classes I took and the grades I received, but I will remember the shows I participated in because they have shaped the person I have become and have been some of the most impactful moments in my life.

Theatre means more to me than just something to do when I get bored or something I need to get through for high

Traveling between the Bronx and Manhattan has allowed me to see that even though they are so close in distance, everyone is yet so far. Being raised in the Bronx has allowed me to gain a sense of home and recognition, but also how stereotypes are meant to deceive us. The Bronx is labeled as a dangerous place, where violence occurs, but people neglect the beauty and happiness that surrounds it too. Meanwhile, when people think of Manhattan, they see it as the heart of New York where everyone is living their dreams. When in reality, the “heart” of New York is much more distant from itself, and that is not just because it is on an island.

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

I got involved in what I could and then high school came along. In high school, I took my very first theater class and put my all into anything the class was assigned. I am doing theater all four years of high school and plan to go deeper into it when I graduate. Theater has impacted me in so many different ways, positive and negative. Acting is extremely stressful, but it does not upset me. Being stressed out by something I love doing is different from being stressed by something merely important to my

Through the years I’ve done theatre as an extracurricular activity. I started when I was in 1st grade and I show no signs of stopping. Theatre has helped me grow in so many ways; I owe my

This year the fall play was Almost, Maine and I had the privilege to play Glory. This spring I am auditioning for High School Musical at Yorktown as well as A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Taylor University. I believe theater is the most worthwhile thing in my life. It helped me make friends but most importantly it brought me out of my shell and gave me a passion. I love the joy theater brings into my life but I also love the ability to give that to

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

I enjoy theatre because it provides insight to understanding humans and their behavior. This is not through lectures and textbooks, but through real experiences on a live stage. The understanding of behavior is shown through performing realistic (or metaphorical) situations that audience members can relate to or learn from. This provides comfort for an audience member to compare their lives to the ones that are spilling onstage. For me as the performer, it also provides a comfort because I can conform into another person and flee from any struggles that I am having in my

I took theater all four years of high school and I really enjoyed it. It really helped me get out of my shell. It was a great way to learn to perform and stand in front of an audience with confidence while socializing with peers and having fun! I also took dance and it was taught by the same teacher who taught the theater classes, so I was very comfortable in that class. Theater and dance were the classes I looked forward to because not only were they fun but they also

Acting moves me to explore and reflect the curiosities I have for the beauty and the ugliness of the human condition, and the big questions that affect the world. I want to use my passion for acting to be a storyteller, an artist, a communicator, a commentator that provokes thought and creates conversation from an audience through theatre, film, television, song, and radio, on life and on what connects us to the world around us. Acting is therapeutic, so magical, and a great adventure to me; there is not a thing that excites, fulfills me, or that I enjoy doing more than

Being a member of theatre has caused me to grow as an individual in ways I am still beginning to understand. I believe theatre has molded me into a much more personable and tolerant person, and it has most definitely given me a high confidence level. Theatre has helped me develop my sense of self, as I’ve become highly aware of how I am perceived by others.

My freshman year if high school I took a theater class. One day while in this class my teacher, Ms. Jonas, came up to me and asked me a question that would change my entire high school experience. She asked, “Do you want to audition for one act play?” By asking that question she got me involved in high school theatre which entirely changed me as a person. Joining theater helped me gain confidence, become a better leader, and find what I want to do for the rest of my life.

The theater is the attempt to bring together various human experiences and to project onto ourselves and others. Theater can range be dark, funny, and thought-provoking. It emphasizes human interaction, which in turn helps people can express themselves. Furthermore, it encourages public speaking and brings people together. I enjoy theater because it influences the way we think and feel about our own lives. In addition, it encourages us to take a look at our values and behavior. Participating in the Open Doors Theater Scholarship gives me the excellent opportunity to explore theater arts, learning more about communications, human relation skills, and the world around us. I am passionate about extending my experiences and taking advantage of

The most essential reason as to why I took Acting Skills is because I want to gain back my overall public confidence. Even though, it may show that I am a very vocal and socially comfortable, I struggle with embarrassment and personal shame like most people do. I used to be very vibrant and energetic on stage and I lost that when I decided to focus on academics. I would love to be able to do drama class in school to have time afterwards for homework. I would also want to acquire the skill of relaxed public performing and on-stage presentation. Lastly, I cannot wait to learn voice projection, dialogue, script reading, and so much more.