Video Reflection

Written Reflection

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? 

The process of my capstone was a very rocky one. I had several Ideas and originally wanted to costume a whole show on my own and make patterns for them as well as style wigs, but I realized that, realistically wasn’t possible. After several trials and errors, I then wanted to just have AMIA be my capstone since I was doing it already, but once I received the national critiques, I knew that I had to defend my choices. I am very proud of how my costumes looked and how I was able to defend them with every minuscule detail and psychology. If I were to complete a project similar to this in the future, I would want to focus on a solid goal. I will admit, I was very back and forth the entire process (I apologize, Mr. Smith) but I believe that I turned out the best product possible in the end. 

Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project.

    My life experiences are reflected through my project because everything that I am and everything that I stand for is in relation to art. I want to be a costume designer when I finish high school, and by designing an entire show with influences from my own interests, I believe that my experiences are reflected. My months of research that went into costuming AMIA were a direct result of my artistic take on the 50’s. Being able to defend my art allows people who may not have understood or were confused be able to see my vision.

Thinking about your Extra-curricular hours you completed, reflect upon what you learned through the experiences and/or how you have been impacted as an artist?

    A lot of my Extra-Curricular hours come from performing and attending thespian festivals, and the workshops I took were like no other. I had a very fair share of learning and having fun. I was taught how to properly style synthetic wigs without damaging the fibers at ITF, and I was taught how to juggle at State Festival. I have made so many connections and new friends, especially at regional festival and ITF. Because of my experiences, I feel like I am more well-rounded as an artist, able to make my designs through the point of view of an actor instead of just a technician.  I include actor comfort and reality instead of just designing the most fantastical thing that comes to me. Since I focus on more points of view now, I am more respected as a designer within my troupe.

How is your life positively impacted by the arts?

My life has been influenced by the arts from a very young age. I went to see The Little Mermaid in the QCPAC when I was around two or three, and I have loved watching others perform ever since. At seven years old, I joined my first production at the PAC and was part of the choir in their production of The Lion King. It was an amazing experience and taught me how to work with others, and I did a few more shows there, like Seussical and Alice in Wonderland. The PAC taught me how to handle rejection gracefully when I didn’t get cast and how to uplift others when they got the role I wanted. The last time I performed was to make my career a full circle. I played Shenzi in their 20th anniversary production of The Lion King. 

Now, I have moved on to becoming a technician, making the actors look good while my work is observed from the shadows. It is fulfilling now to step back and allow other people to have the limelight while I am still a part of everything they do.  Theatre has taught me so many incredible things throughout my time so far, and I hope that in the future I can continue to learn even more.

How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school?

I plan to include artistic experiences throughout my entire life. Later down the line, once I graduate from college, I plan to become a costume designer, cosplay artist, and visual artist, and do creative writing on the side. Art is an incredibly enriching thing, and I don’t want to imagine my life without it. Doing what I love means having art with me every step of the way, and that is something that makes me excited for my future.

What advice would you give an incoming freshman about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school?

    When I was younger in elementary school, I often received a question similar to this. At the end of every school year, my teacher would have the class write advice on what the incoming class should know about the content or the class as a whole. I remember reading these letters from the students before me and thinking that their advice was fake, something quick they wrote down despite spending the entire day thinking about what I wanted to tell kids for the incoming year. 

     Now it is my turn, and my final turn at that, to share my advice. For any incoming freshman who wants to do anything related to the fine or visual arts, I encourage you to take whatever class you are thinking about. Within the creative realm at Queen Creek High School, you will forge bonds strong enough to last a lifetime, gain connections at competitions and events, and be pushed to keep your grades high. That is the big thing. In order to be able to make the most out of your experience, specifically in theatre, you must keep your grades up. If you can do that, then the world is your oyster. Go to thespian festivals, go on field trips, make as many friends as you can, and make sure to keep drama out of your life. High school is nothing like middle school. Drama becomes obsolete, cliques don’t really exist anymore, and you will be able to find people who truly love you for you.