Thinking about the process and product of your Capstone, reflect upon what you are most proud of and what you might do differently if you were to complete a similar project in the future:
One of the things I'm most proud of in my capstone project- directing The Anxiety Project- is how my cast and I embraced the emotional depth of the show and shared its powerful message with others. This musical tackles such an important topic, and seeing my cast bring it to life with honesty and dedication was incredibly rewarding. If I were to complete a similar project in the future, the only thing I would do differently is to make sure I could be present for the capstone night (talked about more in my capstone presentation video). Not being there was difficult, but it doesn't take away from how proud I am of the entire experience.
Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project:
Directing The Anxiety Project was deeply personal to me because I have always struggled with anxiety and mental health challenges. This experience allowed me to take something so close to my heart and share it with others in a meaningful way. Through this project, I was able to highlight the reality that not everyone is okay, even if their struggles aren't visible. It was powerful to bring that message to the stage and create a space for understanding and empathy, reminding people that they are not alone in what they're going through
Thinking about the Extracurricular hours you completed, reflect upon what you learned through the experiences and/or how you have been impacted as an artist:
Through the extracurricular hours I've spent in dance and theatre, I've learned how to balance being there for others while still performing for myself. These experiences have given me a sense of mental and emotional freedom, allowing me to express myself fully while connecting with so many different kinds of people. Theatre and dance have also made me more social and opened doors for me to travel, compete, and grow as an artist. Because of these opportunities, I've developed into a well-rounded and versatile performer who can adapt to different styles and settings.
How is your life positively impacted by the arts?:
The arts have had an incredibly positive impact on my life, shaping me not just as a performer but as a person. Dance and theatre have given me a creative outlet to express myself, helping me navigate my emotions and find mental and emotional freedom, They've also connected me with a diverse range of people, allowing me to form meaningful relationships and become more social. Through opportunities to travel, compete, and perform, I've gained confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. The arts have shown me the power of storytelling and self-expression, and they continue to inspire me every day.
How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school?:
After high school, I plan to take a gap year to save money for a conservatory, where I can fully immerse myself in training and refining my craft. My ultimate goal is to become either a dance choreographer or a theatre director, using my passion to inspire and teach young children. I want to create a space where they can express themselves freely, just as the arts have allowed me to do. No matter where life takes me, I know that the arts will always be a central part of my journey.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school?:
My biggest advice to incoming freshmen studying the arts is to embrace every opportunity and not be afraid to put yourself out there. AUditon for everything, take risks, and push yourself outside of your comfort zone- you grow the most when you challengve youself, Also, remember that the arts are just as much about supporting others as they are about performing yourslef. Build strong connections, be a team player, and lift others up. Most importantly, enjoy the process. High school goes by fast, so make the most of every rehearsal, every perofmance, and every moment you get to do what you love.
Watch My Reflection Video Here: