When I was 9, I was introduced to a man my mother was dating for a couple of months. I was ecstatic because I never had a stable father figure in my life and if everything went right, I'd finally have a dad. After a year, they got married and almost everything felt right. My bedroom was in the living room, my step brother and step sister blamed everything on me, causing me to get in trouble every week, but I didn’t mind. My mom was happy and who was I, a child, to get in the way of my mom’s happiness? After a while, the fussing turned into yelling. Stern talks became harsh punishments. Nights of fearing the dark slowly turned into the fear of me making my step-father angry. The day after Thanksgiving in 2016 was when me, my mom, and my brother’s lives changed. That was the day we were kicked out of our home, stranded in another state, and homeless for a week. Although it was a week, every day I heard my mom’s cries and it made me fall into a severe depressive episode. It felt like me ‘doing the wrong thing’ and ‘pushing my step-father to his limit’ made us homeless and I felt like the worst daughter in the world. I was heavily convinced that her life would be a lot better without me in it. After years of us forgiving and falling into the same cycle, we decided enough was enough and we broke the cycle before my younger brothers could be more affected. When I became a senior in High School, my god-father continued his after school program where he would go to middle schools and feed the kids who didn’t have meals at home waiting for them, teach them valuable life lessons, and be the change the kids need in their lives. Since my domestic abuse situation happened when I was in middle school, I was easily persuaded to help out since I was close in age to them. A couple of my mentees wanted to do the same career path I’ve chosen as my major in college so I bonded with a lot of the students there and became someone they could go to for advice. One girl, who I will never forget, opened up to me about her abusive situation and it was exactly like what I went through. I had to report it and after that, she never came back to the after school program. After I stopped mentoring, I realized that many children are in the same position I was in when I was young and children even younger are going through domestic abuse as well. The constant taunts I received from my step father where he would constantly tear me and my mother down into bits and pieces. Saying things like: “I would never be anything in this world without them.” and “It’s their world and we’re just living in it.” I believed them. I believed that I would never reach my dreams of performing in front of a big audience. I never had anyone come to my middle school and tell me that people who doubt me are wrong and that I could do anything I could put my mind to. Seeing my godfather inside middle schools, telling these students that they can achieve their wildest dream, inspired me to work alongside him and also go to middle schools to talk to kids who look like me and might be going through the same thing and let them know that their abusers are wrong.

Without a doubt, I can say that music has changed me into becoming an extroverted, appreciative, and open-minded young woman. Before I discovered music, I was the opposite; Shy, quiet, nervous, never speaking unless I was spoken to. I was always in this invisible shell, jealous of the people who could start up a conversation without any problem or hesitation. I so badly wanted to become like them, but I didn’t know how. I grew up with music because I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old, but I never truly discovered it until I was 13. I was invited by a friend of my mom’s, whose son was doing a production of a musical called ‘Aida’. I desperately wanted to get out of the house because I had two brothers under the age of 2. I wanted a nice getaway and saw this as my way out. I said that I would love to go and got ready to watch a musical. I looked up what people wear to go see a musical and put on my prettiest dress to appear highly sophisticated to the high school production. I was worried that I would fall asleep during the show, so I made sure to take a nap beforehand so I would be wide awake throughout the production. My worries drifted away with every note being played by the orchestra, every note sung by the actors, and every emotion conveyed while they used their instruments to carry the story along. I became entranced into a world of musical theatre and it felt like the floodgates of Broadway crashed down right in front of me. After a song that the main character sings ‘Easy as Life’, I was physically shaking and on the verge of tears. I never understood why people cried during movies until that point. I couldn’t help but feel as if I was in Aida’s shoes even though I never experienced a heartbreak as great as hers. Needless to say, my popcorn became stale by the end of the musical. I walked out of the auditorium with one objective, to find more musicals, and that’s exactly what I did. For weeks on ends, I listened to countless albums and watched dozens of Broadway pro-shots to learn more about what I witnessed. After that, I begged and pleaded with my mom to let me do a musical. She was on the fence about it, but eventually agreed for me to do one. I felt myself becoming someone I never met before. Instead of a girl who looked around the room, hoping someone would come to talk to me; I became the girl who came up to people and struck up a conversation. Discovering a love in the arts and music has broadened my understanding of myself and others like me who also dream of being under stage lights for a living. I’ve met so many friends and made a non-blood connected family because of it and I know that there are so many who share a story similar to mine. Music truly is a puzzle piece that connects people from different backgrounds and experiences to create a finishing jigsaw that showcases their talents to the world.

During the ages of 9-13, I was in a domestic abuse situation at home. Almost every day I was getting yelled at for minor things, stuff I was blamed for that I didn’t do, or just existing. I had everything I loved stripped away from me. Dance, sometimes church, and doing theatre. I never did theatre before going to school for musical theatre. The one thing that kept me going was people I watched online. Their dumb jokes, inside jokes that only their fans would get, and just their mere online presence made me happy. I had a smile on my face because of those people. And they are the reason I went to school for theatre. I always loved musicals. I would dance around to the Hamilton soundtrack and sing out the cuss words the west end Heathers had on their album. I wasn’t the best singer back then, but I did have a voice. And boy did I use it. I knew I wanted to make people happy and get through a rough patch in their life, but I didn’t know what outlet I would do that with. I discovered that musical theatre could be it. So I researched for years on musicals. I looked up different shows, watched illegal productions of it. I tried so hard to do it before I went to school for it so I wouldn’t be too far behind, but it didn’t work out as I hoped it would. I’m so thankful that my school saw potential in me and allowed me to come to school for the one thing I dreamed of doing to put a smile on people’s faces. And because of them, I have put people’s smiles on their faces! I became my school’s improv team president and I also gained a job being a party princess and had my first party this week! I almost sobbed at how many kids ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug in the world! My heart is so full that even though without my degree, I’ve been doing what I always wanted to do; giving people a reason to smile. With my degree, I want to continue doing that. I either want to go to the disney parks and be Princess Tiana to give representation to little girls, or do musicals on tour and being a representation there as well! Either route that life will give me, I know one thing is for certain. I’ll be the reason a person has a smile on their face.

my definition of creativity isn’t just based on what’s in my head, but of the people i collaborate with as well. i’m a sophomore BFA musical theatre student at Anderson University and I aspire to be a choreographer for musicals. i choreographed a musical for the first time a couple of months ago and it sparked my love for dancing even more than the 16 years i’ve danced. i’ve learned many lessons when it came to teaching choreography, but the biggest one that i’ve learned from it was that it’s a collaborative art. as much as i didn’t want to go to rehearsals sometimes because i thought it was hard to choreograph, i had to remember that this is a work of art people have paid (and sold out) to see and that it would be an injustice to not go just because i was tired. i couldn’t put a video of any performances or rehearsals, but i did want to include pictures of my castmates who made this happen and helped me realize what i wanted to do in life.

My name is Akemonte Roberson, and I am a rising junior at Anderson University majoring in Theatre and Performing Arts. I am writing to express my deep passion for theatre and my commitment to expanding theatre opportunities for underprivileged children. Although I was fortunate enough to have the resources to pursue my dreams, I am aware that many children of my ethnicity do not have the same opportunities. Growing up, I was always drawn to the performing arts. Theatre gave me a sense of purpose and a way to express myself. It has also taught me important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and empathy. I believe every child should have the chance to experience these benefits, regardless of their background or financial situation. My future plans involve creating theatre programs specifically designed for underprivileged children. I want to establish community theatre workshops and after-school programs that provide a safe space for kids to explore their creativity. These programs will not only teach acting and performance skills but also focus on building confidence and self-esteem. By doing this, I hope to inspire a new generation of performers and help them realize their potential. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals. It will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns. With the scholarship, I can invest in resources and materials needed for my theatre projects. Additionally, it will enable me to attend workshops and conferences where I can learn from experienced professionals and bring back valuable knowledge to my community. As a Black woman, I am particularly passionate about supporting children from marginalized communities. I know firsthand the challenges that come with being underrepresented in the arts. By creating opportunities for these children, I hope to help break down the barriers that prevent them from pursuing their dreams. My high school GPA of 3.7 reflects my dedication to my education and my commitment to excellence. At Anderson University, I have continued to work hard and maintain strong academic performance. I am actively involved in the theatre department, participating in various productions and taking on leadership roles. These experiences have further fueled my desire to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on others. In conclusion, my plans for the future are centered around expanding theatre opportunities for underprivileged children. The Bright Lights Scholarship will help me achieve these goals by providing financial support and enabling me to focus on my studies and community projects. I am committed to using my passion for theatre to inspire and uplift others, and I am grateful for your consideration of my application.

My name is Akemonte Roberson, and I am a rising sophomore at Anderson University, majoring in Theatre and Performing Arts. I chose to pursue a career in Musical Theatre because I rarely see people like me on Broadway. Growing up, I looked up to people like Barrett Wilbur Reed, Annaleigh Ashford, Phillipa Soo, and Christian Borle. The only person who slightly looked like me and inspired me was Daveed Diggs. Seeing him in a musical about history inspired me and taught me that a role can be for anybody, no matter what color the inspiration is. Even though I could not find someone who looked like me on Broadway, I want to inspire black girls who look like me and want to be on Broadway. I want to be the role model I never received when I was younger. Representation matters, and I believe that by pursuing a career in Musical Theatre, I can help change the narrative and open doors for future generations. My passion for fine arts began at a young age. I have always loved performing and being on stage. There is something magical about transforming into a character and telling a story through song and dance. The energy, the lights, and the connection with the audience are experiences that I cherish deeply. Theatre has given me a sense of belonging and purpose, and I want to share that with others. At Anderson University, I have been able to further develop my skills and knowledge in theatre. The supportive environment and dedicated faculty have helped me grow as a performer and as an individual. My high school GPA of 3.7 shows my commitment to my studies and my determination to succeed. I am eager to continue learning and improving, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Receiving the John Traxler Theatre Scholarship would be an incredible honor and would greatly support my journey in Musical Theatre. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns, enabling me to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Anderson University. With this scholarship, I can continue to work towards my goal of becoming a professional performer and, ultimately, a role model for young black girls who aspire to be on Broadway. In conclusion, my passion for Musical Theatre and the fine arts is driven by my desire to see more diversity and representation on stage. I am committed to working hard and making a difference in the industry. I want to inspire others and show them that they too can achieve their dreams, no matter their background or appearance. Thank you for considering my application for the John Traxler Theatre Scholarship.

My name is Akemonte Roberson, and I am a rising sophomore at Anderson University, majoring in Theatre and Performing Arts. I chose to pursue a career in Musical Theatre because I rarely see people like me on Broadway. Growing up, I looked up to people like Barrett Wilbur Reed, Annaleigh Ashford, Phillipa Soo, and Christian Borle. The only person who slightly looked like me and inspired me was Daveed Diggs. Seeing him in a musical about history inspired me and taught me that a role can be for anybody, no matter what color the inspiration is. Even though I could not find someone who looked like me on Broadway, I want to inspire black girls who look like me and want to be on Broadway. I want to be the role model I never received when I was younger. Representation matters, and I believe that by pursuing a career in Musical Theatre, I can help change the narrative and open doors for future generations. My passion for fine arts began at a young age. I have always loved performing and being on stage. There is something magical about transforming into a character and telling a story through song and dance. The energy, the lights, and the connection with the audience are experiences that I cherish deeply. Theatre has given me a sense of belonging and purpose, and I want to share that with others. At Anderson University, I have been able to further develop my skills and knowledge in theatre. The supportive environment and dedicated faculty have helped me grow as a performer and as an individual. My high school GPA of 3.7 shows my commitment to my studies and my determination to succeed. I am eager to continue learning and improving, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Receiving the Jeff Stanley Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor and would greatly support my journey in Musical Theatre. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns, enabling me to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Anderson University. With this scholarship, I can continue to work towards my goal of becoming a professional performer and, ultimately, a role model for young black girls who aspire to be on Broadway. In conclusion, my passion for Musical Theatre and the fine arts is driven by my desire to see more diversity and representation on stage. I am committed to working hard and making a difference in the industry. I want to inspire others and show them that they too can achieve their dreams, no matter their background or appearance. Thank you for considering my application for the Jeff Stanley Memorial Scholarship.

“Mama ain’t raised no fool.” Is what many people where I’m from says often, but I felt like the biggest fool for trusting the man my mom married. The anxiety I have around new people is from him. The flinch my body makes from people just touching me is from him. The cry I let out when I hear someone yell is from him. Most importantly, the insecurity I have of my face, my body, my legs, my arms, my everything is from him. When I first met him, I looked up to him. He told me all the right things, taught me things, took me places; I thought I would be safe and have a father in my life. But, after he got his brain injury, it turned for the worse. The verbal abuse started with me. Then, his son started to see it and take advantage of it. After a little while, it started to go to my mom. It hurt me more to see my mom get yelled at more than it hurt for me to get yelled at, and when she would leave because she was frustrated, I would be scared for my life because I had no idea what he would say or do to me when she was gone. He constantly made me do horse-stance because I didn’t clean right. He would yell at me because my step brother accused me of something he actually did. He would get all up in my face and yell when I made a simple mistake. He told me that I should eat more because my arms were skinny, and my whole body looked like a 2nd grader when I was actually in 5th grade. On the day he kicked me, my mom, and my baby brother out, he told me on the ride to where he dropped us off at that I was nothing without him and that I’m just a background character in his show that him and his son are going to make millions off of and I would be sitting broke at home wishing I was them. With this money, I’m going to prove both of them wrong and show them I can be anything I want to be without them and that I don’t need their help to be successful in life. Hearing that I wouldn’t be successful from someone who was supposed to be my comforter, my provider, hurt so much for my 12 year old self. I started to doubt what all I could do and what my future would hold so much, that it hindered my schoolwork, my train of thought, and my abilities. After I got out of that situation, I promised myself that I will become something, I will prove them wrong, and most importantly, I absolutely will give my mom a lifestyle she deserves.