About me
I was introduced to a life of performing at age six. You could easily turn on the TV and watch a little me act in commercials for Life Alert, Hasbro Gaming, Chevy Cars, and many more. Living in LA was the foundation for my love of the craft. My family moved to Jacksonville, Florida when I was just getting started. We drove to Orlando to audition for film projects but my heart yearned for something else. Doing live theatre brought me endless joy because I could hear a group of people laugh when I was on stage. Throughout my time in the arts, I have explored many theatrical mediums, specifically backstage work. My experience spans student directing, playing principal characters, stage management, swinging a musical, handling microphones, ensemble work, leading deck crew, being in a choir, spotlight operator, and creating props. I even switched schools my senior year just for theatre opportunities. I love being well-rounded in my field and I cannot wait to study more.
Directing Galary
Having opportunities to direct at my age is unique and very special. Without access to performing arts in schools, I wouldn't know how much I enjoy taking leadership roles. I found my passion in theatre by taking initiative while working on creative teams, and I plan to continue in this field throughout college.
In high school, I have participated in directing scenes for our district thespian competition (ITS). My work has received high superior-rated scores every year. My favorite genre to work with is comedy, because I challenge myself to find what really makes people laugh. My first directing scene was from Company by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, a comedic musical. I got to work with a group of talented actors that were older than me. I was happy when they listened to my ideas and developed them. It was a great learning experience because I got to see what worked and what did not. This past year, I directed a scene from Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. This choice was personal to me because of the feminist material. I connected the script with making characters that are morally grey based on their past relationships and how it affects them now. As a female director, I got to input my artistic vision on a play that is typically directed by men. My actors for this piece applauded me on how I let them build off of their own natural instincts and it rewarded us all at the end.
This Winter, while playing a supporting character in Douglas Anderson School of The Arts' fall musical, I helped out at a community theatre to assistant direct a production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This show had a large cast of children and they reminded me of a time where I was new to acting as well. I got to introduce some of the kids to theatre, as it was their first time in a production. Working with children, as young as 6, to adults in their 50's and 60's, was a challenge because everyone was at a different level of experience. I had to intentionally break down character studies and explain the motivation behind lines to reach the full comedic effect. I had parents thank me after each run because their child wanted to continue doing theatre, which is the best Christmas present I could ask for.
Starting in February, I am assistant directing my school's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I'm researching how to accurately depict autism on stage with the two actors playing Christoper. We are going to be the first school in Florida that follows the new rule of making a sensory friendly performance that is accessible to everyone. There are many technical elements that I am going to tackle, as this show is staged in the round, has intense lighting cues, features a live dog and rat, and includes an ensemble stays on stage the entire duration of the show. At school, I am often asked by my theatre teachers for my opinion during rehearsals, so I can help solve problems with staging or choreography. This shows me that I can be a great director.
Ultimately, I want to be a director because I have a passion for the arts that has persisted throughout years of studying different theatrical materials. I am a hardworking person, great with kids, an advocate for making theatre accessible for everyone, and a creative outlet for contemporary ideas. My versatility, compassion, and drive will make me a valuable asset to any collegiate directing program.
