My Story

Looking back, I see that theatre has been more than an extracurricular or a stage for me — it’s been a mirror, a refuge, and a place where I could start to understand and reinvent myself. Every audition, every show, every moment backstage has shaped not just the artist I am, but the person I am becoming.

I didn’t step into theatre searching for the spotlight. In the beginning, I was drawn to the world behind the curtain: the quiet thrill of moving props, the rhythm of rehearsal, the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. My first role was in set and props for The Redemption of Gertie Greene. I remember showing up to every rehearsal, not wanting to miss a single moment, and realizing that the backstage world was full of its own kind of magic.

As I learned to handle tools and paint sets, I also learned to handle nerves. When I auditioned for improv troupe, I was terrified. I wore a mask of confidence, but inside I was full of self-doubt. Improv taught me what it means to trust myself and my scene partners, and that even mistakes can become the best parts of a performance.

In 7th grade, I took a leap and applied for Assistant Stage Manager for Something Rotten! Jr. That’s when I started to see theatre as a path for leadership, not just participation. At first, my binder was a mess, and I was afraid of messing up. But each show, I got a little stronger, more organized, more ready to help others find their place too.

When I became Assistant Stage Manager for Alice in Wonderland Jr., I finally felt the shift from “just helping” to leading. I trained a new ASM, learned to keep calm during chaos, and realized that the best leaders are the ones who make others feel safe and included.

Rue was the turning point. As Stage Manager, I was responsible for the heartbeat of the show. I saw the stress, the joy, the breakdowns, and I learned to meet each one with empathy and strength — the quiet rock backstage.

This past summer, my journey expanded even further. I created The Great Pig Heist: The Musical!, a fully independent virtual production that I directed, co-wrote, and composed for, taking on live audio engineering and digital mixing. I also served as Stage Manager and Sound Designer for A Girl Called Opal, where I fell in love with sound design.

I’ve worn many hats: technician, leader, improv performer, mentor, designer, poet. Each role has taught me that I am resilient, creative, and enough, even when I doubt it. My story is still being written, but wherever I go, the lessons and the family I found in theatre will always be with me.