Phil Murphy Technical Theater Scholarship

Throughout my childhood, I was an extremely shy, timid, and quiet boy who kept to himself. I never liked the spotlight and did everything I could to stay out of sight and out of mind, so when I decided to participate in theatre, everyone around me was taken aback, struggling to understand this bold choice with the reserved person they had always known. The journey began in middle school after a church service one Sunday when I was approached by the youth theatre director from my church, who invited me to join their upcoming Christmas production. Given my dislike of the spotlight, I was quick to decline, citing a vague “busy schedule” as my reason for not participating, however, the director’s persistence and limited options available at our small church meant that my refusal was quickly discarded. A month later, there I was—standing on stage, singing and dancing in front of an audience of a hundred people. It was an experience I could never have imagined myself in, and yet, there I was, confronting my biggest fear. The experience was nothing short of transformative as I set fire to a passion I could have never thought I would enjoy. The delight of performing, the thrill of storytelling, and the sense of accomplishment from overcoming my fears were extremely rewarding. As I entered high school, I continued to explore this newfound passion, participating in the school’s extracurricular theatre productions, finding a supportive community, and forming unexpected friendships. I will never forget that first performance and I look back on that moment with immense gratitude as it played a crucial role in my transformation into a more extroverted and confident person. Theatre became a safe place where I could be my authentic self, make mistakes, laugh, and learn without the fear of judgment or embarrassment. It was a place where love and appreciation were freely given, allowing me to break free from the shell of shyness that had long defined me. Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed significant challenges to my high school experience, my theatre department managed to maintain a sense of connection despite being physically apart, adapting to virtual platforms to keep our beautiful community alive. As I began to consider my college education, the decision to pursue a degree in theatre was a clear choice, however, I knew I did not want to perform, but rather spend my next four years learning how to be a theatre educator so I could create the same caring environment that I was provided. The role of a theatre teacher extends far beyond instructing students on lines and stage directions, it involves creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe to express themselves and take creative risks. Theatre requires collaboration and quick thinking and offers new perspectives on the world—skills that are invaluable in all areas of life. This urge is driven by a hope to create a space where students can discover and develop their own unique voices, just as I was given the opportunity to do in high school. For me, being a theatre teacher is not just a career choice; it is a calling to foster a love for the arts and to provide a supportive environment where students can grow creatively and personally. The impact of theatre on my life has been invaluable, and I am passionate about giving others the same chance to experience its life-changing potential.