Being on the stage, feeling the lights shining down, heating the top of your head. Acting your heart out, telling the story.
Some people see acting as a hobby, but I see it as a reason to keep going. I mean it honestly and truly when I say theatre is my lifeline. I started when I was in 8th grade. I had the opportunity to audition for an ensemble role in the spring musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ here at Millard South. Much to my surprise, I got cast. With that show being my first theatre experience, it holds a special place in my heart. After performing, I realized this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I want to act and tell stories through my acting.
Since then I have tried to be involved in every show I possibly could with the Patriot Theatre. In the 2023-2024 season, I played in the ensemble in the fall play “Fire in the Hole” and was on the run crew for the musical “Freaky Friday.” In April I played my first lead as Anne in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” helped with pre-production for “Sherwood,” and played Truffledina in “Wild Strawberries” for my advanced theatre class. After completing my first full year in theatre I was ready to start the next one and keep doing more shows. So far in the 2024-2025 season, I have played Tiger Lily in “Peter/Wendy”, stage-managed “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and was cast as Ophelia in “In Juliet’s Garden.” I have also taken on new responsibilities in being a part of our Patriot Theatre Leaders teamView Story. I was chosen to be a member of Patriot Players which I auditioned for last year. I was also elected as the Publicist along with Ari Barnhardt.
Ever since I started theatre has been a positive influence in my life. I’ve made so many friends and countless memories. Before we perform each show, we always do warm ups in the black box. On Sundays, the seniors and our directors usually make short speeches. I always tear up, knowing what theatre has done for me. It breaks my heart to know that I won’t be able to continue playing characters on this stage forever, but I know all good things must come to an end eventually. I feel connected to theatre in my soul and I know it was something I was meant to do. Until I started, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but now I do. I want to do this. I want to play different roles and be a light for others. I want someone in the audience to see me and say “I want to do what she does.” I belong on the stage and it’s like a home to me. Even though I can’t do this forever, I know I’m leaving behind my footprints on the stage.
