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James McGinnis

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

James McGinnis is an incoming musical theatre student at Southern Methodist University from Chalmette, Louisiana. He loves the way theatre brings people together and allows stories to connect on a deeper level. Through performing, James has found confidence, community, and creativity, and he is excited to grow as a storyteller.

Education

Chalmette High School

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Music
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Music
    • Dream career goals:

    • 2025 – 20261 year

    Sports

    Bowling

    Club
    2025 – 20261 year

    Arts

    • Chalmette Performing Arts Academy

      Theatre
      2016 – Present

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      Chalmette Performing Arts Academy — Singer
      2022 – Present
    Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining theatre was a turning point for me. This is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to the world, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression. And in the future teaching the next generation!
    Kay Sykes Arts Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining CHS Voices was a turning point for me. This group is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. I remember preparing for our spring musical. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to college, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.
    Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining CHS Voices was a turning point for me. This group is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. I remember preparing for our spring musical. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to college, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.
    Marshall and Dorothy Smith Music Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining CHS Voices was a turning point for me. This group is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. I remember preparing for our spring musical. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to college, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.
    Lydia Fray Music Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining CHS Voices was a turning point for me. This group is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. I remember preparing for our spring musical. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to college, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.
    Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining CHS Voices was a turning point for me. This group is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. I remember preparing for our spring musical. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to college, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.
    WoodaWorx Music Scholarship
    Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining CHS Voices was a turning point for me. This group is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. I remember preparing for our spring musical. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to college, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
    Winner
    Growing up, I often felt like I was living in the background. I was the quiet observer in all my classes, blending in with the crowd. But music changed my life. In my freshman year, we had a mock audition for an upcoming showcase. As I stood there, my body shook, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. With all eyes on me, i began to sing. And I realized this was where I belonged. Theatre became my escape, a place where I could express myself and connect with others in ways I never thought I could. Joining theatre was a turning point for me. This is not just about singing or performing. It’s a community that made me feel valued. Each rehearsal was filled with laughter, love, and support. Despite the pressure of performing, I felt free. I learned to embrace my vulnerability and to share my voice, not just through song but in every aspect of my life. Through theatre, I discovered much more than just a hobby. I learned about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of storytelling. Each character I played helped me see the world from different perspectives. I’ve portrayed everything from a bug-eating servant to a poetry-obsessed nerd. With each role, I gained insights into human emotions and experiences. Acting pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged my views. It fueled my passion for understanding others, a skill I believe is important in today’s world. One of my proudest moments was during our production of "Newsies." I played Jack Kelly, a character who is constantly for freedom and has a strong determination to create change. As I sang “Santa Fe,” I felt a deep connection with the audience. They reminded me that theatre is not just about performing; it’s about creating a sense of purpose. This created a voice inside me and helped me truly understand the characters’ wants and needs. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I carry with me lessons from theatre. I understand the importance of being genuine, showing empathy, and having the courage to express myself. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to the world, where I hope to explore the connection between art and advocacy. I want to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference through creative expression.