Hi! I'm Kathryn E. Springstun, a college senior from Clermont, Florida. My experiences with self-confidence and the pressure society puts on the appearances of young women have greatly influenced my decision to pursue my acting career. Since I was 7, I noticed I was always bigger than the other kids. I had also hit puberty before any girl in my class. When they grew into their chubby cheeks, my face stayed squishy. Call it genetics or a general distaste for outside sports in the Florida heat. But, throughout Elementary School, I was still like any other kid. It was okay to be chubby because I was "growing into my baby fat" and it was fine if I wore t-shirts because I was playing in the mud. Then...Middle School. The tumultuous, three-year circus dictated by pre-teen angst and the desire to fit into societal norms. Suddenly you weren't allowed to be a kid anymore because you needed to grow up. Magazines and TV shows controlled what you wore, who you talked to, and how you acted. You needed to look good because that made you worthy. Boys and their attention became an obsession hidden behind a guise of annoyance. It was then that I truly began to notice how different I was. The baby fat was supposed to be gone and the skinny jeans were squeezed on. My clothes were too small, my skin was bad, and my thighs chafed. It didn't help that every other plus-size character in media was either the bullied laughingstock or the hopeless best friend plot device used to further the appeal of the trimmer main character. I had become a victim of vicious stereotyping. Afraid of potential mockery from the angsty masses, I turned to theatre. It was a chance to express myself and feel accepted. I could take all the hurt and frustration, and turn it into something beautiful without fear of judgment. Performing made me feel strong after years of feeling less than. And, it stuck. That was the place I was supposed to be! So, I committed every waking moment to the theatre. I attended every rehearsal, practiced songs in the shower, and watched YouTube bootlegs before I slept. I learned how to dance, despite being a 12-year-old with no rhythm. But, I was in it with my whole heart and soul. Despite how hard I tried, I wasn't getting very far. I was always cast as the old mother character or the ensemble member shoved to the back. Every lead role I went for was given away because I didn't look "good enough" or fit into the pre-bought costumes. I was expected to learn the men's section of the choreography because I could lift the smaller girls. And every. single. time, I took it with a smile. But I wanted more for myself. I knew I could be something more if given the chance! So I fought hard. I auditioned for every role because I wanted to prove that my spirit and voice were greater than what society thought about me. I deserved a spot on stage without physical defining traits holding me back. My determination led me to NYC and Hollywood where I am always working to make a name for myself. My past experiences have given me a strong sense of self and a reason to fight for diversity and inclusion in the performing arts industry. I have used my past insecurities to fuel my characters and better tell stories of the human experience. It's my dream to inspire others to try when they don't feel like they can!

My name is Kathryn Springstun and theatre has always been a big part of my life. Coming from a family of artists, writers, and teachers, I had always wondered if I would follow in their footsteps, but I never had a particular knack for writing and my art skills were always questionable. As much as I loved the magic of musicals, I never felt like I belonged on that stage. Unfortunately, the combination of pre-teen angst and constant competition in middle school threatened to end my acting career before it had even begun. I joined the theatre group at my school because many of my friends had joined and I wanted to be involved in something other than classwork. I was hooked from day one and kept pushing to be on that stage. There was such a powerful energy in the room and I was surrounded by peers who created an environment of inclusion and love. However, it proved to be more difficult than I imagined. I was constantly overlooked because I wasn't "thin" enough or "pretty" enough to be a lead character. The costumes never fit me right and I was forced to the back line for every dance. The only characters who ever represented me were the bumbling comedic relief, the helpless best friend, or the wisecracking matron. While those characters were all important, I wanted to be seen as more than what others thought of me. I would prove that I could dance, sing, act, and live as truthfully as anyone else. While in school, I have been blessed with the opportunity to share and experience music with friends, family, teachers, and peers. From Sondheim to Sara Bareilles, I have learned so much about music and have felt how powerful it can be when you are fully confident in yourself. Now, I feel the need to be entirely honest when I tell you that I have had a hard time growing into my voice. Between lessons and classroom performances, I have cried, laughed, screamed, and vocalized until I felt like my voice would give out. I loved to sing, but my struggle with self-confidence oftentimes choked me up. After a particularly rough performance day, one of my favorite teachers pulled me aside and asked me "What are you so afraid of?" Of course, I didn't know how to answer. He continued, "Are you afraid of finally being heard? Are you afraid to leap because you don't know what's in front of you?" He was right. I was holding myself back because I was afraid to fully live as my beautiful, raw, unfiltered self. His words have stuck with me and inspired me to keep trying even if I fall because I am the one who will create my opportunities. I will make my dreams my reality. I am extremely passionate about making space for underrepresented actors in the audition room and beyond because I believe that art and the stories we tell are not limited to one type of person. For a long time, only a very specific-looking actor was presented by the theatre community as the "main character", causing the exclusion of different body types, races, ethnicities, and other physical attributes in favor of what was "in". I want to use art as a way to celebrate the beautiful differences between myself and my peers. Like Carolyn Talbert, art lives in my soul. In her memory, I would love to open a production company that funds and showcases the arts for everyone, giving opportunities to those who've also been overlooked. My performance videos: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pYs8lbARGBsRZaHKLiS4Zbg9l3fM51qF/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQ2TdLAtxz4_r8_ZdAVPOlHJykIh4YP0/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NE8jxY-ynq4n7-wcn9H7Q20zrnLGaj9o/view?usp=sharing

I was scrolling through Netflix's movie catalog wanting to watch something, but not knowing where to begin my search. Of course, there were plenty of movies that I had seen before, but I needed something that I hadn't seen. Something fresh and exciting. Then, a movie named 'Bright' popped up on my screen. It had some notable actors, mainly Will Smith and Taron Edgerton, as well as some lesser-known favorites of mine, Jay Hernandez and Noomi Rapace. From the short trailer, it promised to be an urban fantasy packed full of action. I didn't expect it to be a hard-hitting story about the impact of racial prejudice and a deep bond built from respect. The movie opens in modern Los Angeles, where humans and magical beings (elves, orcs, etc.) coexist. While the elves and humans hold positions of power and are respected by the community, orcs fall victim to extreme racial stereotyping and prejudice. Despite no reason for this prejudice, orcs are seen as "dangerous, aggressive, and worthless" by the rest of the population. Will Smith's character, Daryl Ward, is a policeman partnered with the first-ever Orc officer Nick Jakoby, played by Taron Edgerton. Ward, as well as the other policemen and other orcs, degrade and bully Jakoby despite his hard work and unrelenting kindness. Both characters learn how to work together when they are forced to save a young elf girl named Tikka, who is being hunted down by a group of deadly elves, hellbent on killing Tikka and taking back the magical item she stole from them. There are many powerful moments in this film where the two men must come to terms with who they are and prove to each other that they are much more than the stereotypes they have been given by society. Both characters sacrifice themselves to protect each other and the rest of the world, further strengthening their bond (not to spoil the movie, but they both manage to survive, thankfully). After their sacrifices, both are finally seen by the community (especially Jakoby who is treated with dignity and respect by both the humans and the orcs who treat him with contempt) and are celebrated as heroes. One of my favorite parts of this entire project was the incredible soundtrack. Many notable artists, such as Logic, ASAP Rocky, Rag'n'Bone Man, the X Ambassadors, Future, Meek Mill, Snoop Dog, and Ty Dolla Sign contributed music to the film. The opening song 'Broken People' stuck with me for a while after watching Bright. The beginning chorus "We're broken people now, we're burning out, so cold and bleeding now, gonna let you down" immediately put me into the world of hate and pain that these characters were living through. Then, in the bridge, a chorus sings "Broken, we ain't beaten, there's no glory in defeat, we won't fall into the cracks between our streets" and it begins to feel like an anthem. This song shows the rawness and pain that the people of this world feel but also demands that the listener understand the oppressed refuse to be forgotten and turned to dust. As the credits roll you hear "Home", as the X Ambassadors sing "Home, a place where I can go to take this off my shoulders, someone take me home". It's a perfect way to end this movie because these characters we've grown to care about have finally found their "home". They fully belong in their community and trust in each other. I loved this entire film and I felt like Netflix was able to showcase a special project that felt fresh and important!

My name is Kathryn Springstun and I have been living through theatre for as long as I can remember. Despite having severe stage fright, I have always loved musicals and live shows. Growing up in a family of artists, writers, and other creative minds allowed me to explore my passion without feeling judged or different. I remember my mom and dad playing the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack in the car while they drove me to elementary school or constantly watching my 'Singin' in the Rain' disk until I knew every word. Theatre always felt like a part of me. In high school, I got to experience performing outside of a school environment. I had been going to Renaissance Faires with my dad since I was a little kid (my mom and dad had been going together since their college years) and I had always loved the fun and creativity the faire held. You had performers of all ages and backgrounds coming together to make magic come to life. Some of my best memories were of the noble knights, shining fairies, and dashing pirates. During my freshman year, I decided to audition for my local ren faire and finally be a part of something that meant so much to me growing up! I played a Nobility Lady (a fancy term for wearing a corset and a huge dress, taking pictures with the guests/little kids, and walking around acting as entertainment). I was hooked and continued my time at the faire throughout high school. I was not only having the time of my life with new friends but also volunteering and helping raise funds for a place I cared so much about! That experience helped me understand the inexplicable joy of doing what I loved and how important the arts were for many people in my community. Ever since my time at the Renaissance Faire, I have begun looking into the many possibilities of my theatre industry. While I am hoping to work for stage productions and movie sets, I would love to work in other festivals, faires, and cabarets across the country! This scholarship would greatly help me finish my performing arts education and begin my career. I would be able to use this money to create valuable connections, afford professionally printed photos/resumes, experience more entertainment opportunities, and help launch my calling as a performer!

My name is Kathryn Springstun and my current favorite athlete at the 2024 Olympics is Ilona Maher. She is a member of the American rugby team and this is her third year representing the US in the Olympics. I was first introduced to Maher because of her funny videos posted on her Instagram social media platform. She makes daily content about preparation for the Olympics, life in the villa, and special moments with her teammates/competitors. I loved seeing someone with such a natural and friendly energy and her videos make me smile every time I see them. I also really appreciate her camaraderie with the other countries because it's a great reminder and example of the sportsmanship and celebration the Olympics should bring. Her main slogan is #beastbeautybrains and she makes a dedicated effort to encouraging and supporting her fanbase. She proudly shows off her well-earned physique and sports impressive muscles without a care. Though she has gained some haters amid her growing popularity, she has made it a point to fight them with confidence. She talks about how hard she has worked for her success, therefore the negative comments don't bother her anymore. I'm so happy to see a woman who knows and celebrates her worth and talents! I have been incredibly inspired by her strength, grace, and good-natured attitude, even trying to bring her confidence into my daily life. I have begun to work out more and take better care of myself without worrying about the judgment of others, just like Ilona would. I'll be cheering for her this Olympic season and can't wait to see her back for a fourth year!

My name is Kathryn Springstun and I have been a (albeit reluctant) performer since Middle School. I had grown up with extreme stage fright and anytime anyone heard me sing, I had wanted to sink through the floor. I always liked the energy of theatre, in both watching and listening to it, but when it came to actually being onstage, I was mortified to try. Not only was I young and shy, but I had already succumbed to judgment and societal pressures to look like a supermodel at the age of 11 (no thanks to pre-teen angst and childhood popularity contests - I'm looking at you, 5th-grade dodgeball lines)! I was told that, while I could be on-stage as the ensemble or the eternal matronly character, it was ridiculous to audition for a lead or a princess character because I didn't look like one. After all, the only characters who looked like me were the bumbling comedic relief or the hopeless best friend who only ever existed to further the main character's plot. This pissed little 12-year-old me off A LOT. Stage fright be damned, I was going to make people understand that I was more than a physical stereotype. I could try to be whoever I wanted to be on stage because art should be inclusive to all! This passion persisted throughout High School and eventually, led me to college. I chose, despite criticism from peers and school counselors, to enroll in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy to receive my Bachelor's in Performing Arts. Performing was what I was meant for, for the rest of my life, so I would give myself the opportunities I needed to succeed. Despite struggles with mental health and intense competition within an extremely judgemental field, I continue to be driven by my why. I want to make space for myself and other performers who don't fit a "traditional" musical theatre appearance. I want to find myself in the casting room to show my employers I am as passionate, talented, and capable as my peers and prove that I can bring my specific life experiences to the table. I want to continue to add to the spirit of creation and storytelling by paving the way for more voices to be heard within the performing community. My main goal is to show my audience that everyone can exist and thrive beyond the existence of stereotypes. Though performing is my main focus, I am also interested in writing, directing, and producing projects that focus on giving power to queer and minority voices/stories. It would be the biggest honor of my career to create a Playhouse/Theatre or filming company that tells these stories that have been kept from mainstream media because I believe that we all have beautiful stories and art to share with the world.

I am a performer with some stage fright and wavering confidence. I get how ironic that sounds in writing, but it's true. I am in one of the most judgemental careers, where my worth as an employee is based on how I look, move, and sound to others. Though it's been a difficult journey trying to discover my self-worth as an actor (still an ongoing journey if I'm being truthful), theatre is the thing I want to spend the rest of my life doing. When I'm performing, I feel like I belong and it would be impossible to trade that for anything. I decided to go to college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and Los Angeles. I wanted a Bachelor's degree, but I needed it to be focused in an environment that would lend itself best to my success. In New York and LA, I got to experience the city and make connections with friends and teachers who are skillful and professional performers/directors. I watched live theatre and experienced culture through movies, TV, and music. While these discoveries were new and good, I learned the most in the classroom. Every classical theatre class, 8 am ballet review, and voice lesson opened my mind to all of the new skills I would have to master to be successful. Pair that with trying to eat healthily, missing my family, and constantly comparing myself to my talented peers, let's say I was in over my head. It was extremely easy to let things fall through the cracks. If I was getting all my homework done, I wasn't at the gym every day. If I wasn't at the gym, I wasn't eating or sleeping properly. Not eating and sleeping properly then took a toll on my mental health, which affected my in-class performances, causing me to focus harder on getting my assignments done. Therefore, the cycle continued. One day, when I was alone in my dorm, I looked in the mirror and I didn't seem to recognize myself in my skin. I didn't know who I was or what I could offer to my industry. I had lost the fulfillment that performing had given to me. If I wasn't motivated enough to want to be in school, then why on Earth would I continue to waste my time and money? But the truth was, I wanted to stay and prove to myself that I was supposed to be here. So, I had to learn how to hold myself accountable for my own life. I made daily checklists and set important goals/deadlines to keep me on track. I also got Finch, an app that helped me complete simple daily tasks. Once my daily tasks were squared away, I emphasized self-reflection. It was something that my therapist had recommended to me, but I was always too afraid to dig deeper. Self-reflecting allowed me to understand myself and to give myself the grace to fail or take a break. I was able to do more for myself, which improved my confidence and positively impacted my classwork. Getting a handle on my physical and mental health allowed me to reach out to my friends and family for even more support, which helped me emotionally. Now, in my final year of college, I have systems set up for my daily success and ways to take care of me when everything becomes too overwhelming. I'm allowing myself to enjoy my last moments of school and better prepare for adulthood.

I have dealt with stage fright since I was a little kid, which, I realize, sounds pretty odd when I tell you that I'm training to be a stage actor. After I realized soccer was an unattainable hobby, I quickly switched to musical theatre in middle school. I had always been a theatre lover at heart (my first and still favorite musical was The Phantom of The Opera), but there was a huge distinction between watching a show and being watched as a part of a show. Despite being petrified of others hearing my voice, I stuck with theatre. It was the only place where I felt like I belonged. Suddenly, I had a boatload of new friends who were actively building a group of inclusion and support. Sure, there was competition for lead roles, fighting over the best costume, and the angst of over 50 emotionally charged kids, but I could deal with all of that because I found a place where I was allowed to express myself. Throughout my time in Middle School theatre, I worked through ensemble and smaller speaking roles. I got involved in theatre competitions but was always in a group or a duet. Slowly, but surely, I worked up to potential solos and opportunities to showcase me as a solo performer. Truthfully, it was horrifying, but I found that I was always willing to push through my fear when I was trying to prove a point. I was told countless times that I wasn't thin enough, good-looking enough, or interesting enough to be a main character, but instead of letting that break me, I did everything in my power to show that I could be all that and more. High School was when everything began to click for me. I was surrounded by peers planning to become nurses or business majors because that was considered the "sensible" thing to do. I knew I had to decide my future, but nothing felt right (apart from theatre). I didn't want to spend the rest of my adult life stuck in a career that drained my soul and spirit. I wanted to be a performer in any sense of the word. So, I told my family I wanted to attend performing arts school. They took the news incredibly well and have continued to be my biggest support system, a fact that I will always be grateful for. I committed my time and money to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy because I knew I needed to immerse myself in my training. As a now (almost) graduating senior, I have reached a point where I understand what I want to do with my life. In my 3 years of college, I have tried almost every area of theatre, from directing to acting, to writing or on-camera work, and even some design elements. Though I'm supposed to choose just one path (stage acting and musical theatre will always be my first love), I've realized I don't want to choose just one! I want to dip my toes into as many creative pools as possible because I would be doing a disservice to myself and everyone who has supported me on my journey. As a creative, it is my job in life to share my voice and passion with the world around me. To tell stories and advocate for those who need it. To be myself unequivocally. I plan on doing all that and more, on stage, behind the camera, in the wings, in the writers' room, and anywhere else they'll let me in.

I have loved and followed Sabrina Carpenter since I was a little girl. I grew up watching Girl Meets World and Adventures in Babysitting and always loved Sabrina's characters for how strong or unapologetically themselves they were. Maya was a tough character with a difficult family life, but she always showed Riley and her other friends how much she loved them through action. There was always a part of me that could relate to her, understanding why she made mistakes and how she managed to grow from them. I learned a lot from her. After my Disney Channel days, I didn't follow Sabrina Carpenter until I was in high school. I didn't rediscover her through music but through the Broadway production of Mean Girls! Sabrina was asked to play the lead role of Cady Heron and though I wasn't in New York to see her (something I was pretty upset about at the time), I watched her performances through the few YouTube bootleg performances I could find. It was so cool seeing someone I had grown up watching, sharing my love of theatre! She was onstage, doing the one thing I wanted to do. After that, I was hooked back onto Sabrina Carpenter. I started listening to her music and watching her performances as she began touring with Taylor Swift. She just seemed to glow when she was performing. Her outfits always suited her perfectly and she moved with a confidence that I admired deeply. She has become such an inspiration to me and my musical theatre performances. I aspire to do what I love with as much trust and grace as she does. I can't wait to see what she does next!

The first concert I ever attended was a Wiggles concert when I was about 2 years old, so unfortunately I can't speak much from memory then! About 15 years later I attended my first concert that I can remember. Post Malone had just released his Hollywood's Bleeding album and announced his plans for a world tour. I had been listening to Post Malone throughout my middle and high school phases (teenage angst anyone?) and when I heard about his tour, I swore I would do anything to get those tickets. Now, being a high schooler with no money and no foreseeable job, I had no idea how I would ever be able to go. My parents were both incredibly hard workers and we had much more important things to spend their hard-earned money on, plus I had never actually been to a concert before, so I had no idea the length of time, driving, and planning it would take. I remember off-handedly talking about my love for Post Malone but did not expect my parents to understand why it was so important to me. A day before the concert, I was at the gym with my dad and we were getting in the car to drive home. He turned on his playlist, normally 90s dad rock and instrumental music, so I was surprised to hear Post Malone start singing. Dad was jamming along for a few minutes before turning to me and asking if I was excited to watch him (Post Malone) play this song tomorrow. I couldn't even speak, I was so shocked. My mom and dad had sneakily bought tickets to one of my favorite artists of all time and I was going to see him perform live! The tears and excited yelling came soon after! Dad ended up driving me two hours down to Tampa the next day. We bought merch and had a blast watching not one, but TWO different openers before it was finally time. The lights dimmed and I could feel bass rattling in my chest. I'm sure I spent the next few hours screaming at the top of my lungs (I have the videos to prove it)! While seeing Post Malone perform was an amazing experience, it was even more amazing watching my dad come out of his shell and do something like this with me. On the way home, we talked about the songs we preferred, while he added them to his playlist and we finished the night eating McDonalds in his car. I was so grateful to be able to share something like this with him. The last concert I attended happened to be the most fun I've ever had. Duran Duran (an absolute kickass group from the 80s and my mom and I's favorite band EVER) was doing their final world tour and they happened to come to Tampa, the same place where I saw Post Malone. I had been in NYC and away from my family for college, so when I came home and found out where we were going, I was over the moon! When Duran Duran came onstage, it was like nothing I had ever seen. The joy and fun they all brought were amplified by the dancing and singing of every audience member (I don't think I saw anyone sit down the entire time)! I got to watch my parents become their teen selves again as they jumped out of their seats and by the end of it, my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole night! It was incredible to share that with my family!

I'll be entirely honest, it took me a second to find Chappell Roan's music. I didn't start a huge superfan, I had heard about her and thought she had the coolest look, but didn't look much further. My little sister got to watch her open for an Olivia Rodrigo concert and told me that I needed to check her stuff out, but I kept putting it off. As I watched Chappell Roan grow into more and more of a superstar, I was in awe but still hadn't listened to a song. One day, I decided to take a walk around LA in the morning and put on my headphones. While going through a shuffled playlist, a song popped up. It was Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan. As the first lyrics came through my headset, I felt something change. She was singing about something that I felt within my bones (moving to LA to be on the stage because that was where I belonged). She sang about missing her mother and never forgetting about home when she felt lonely, but knowing that she needed to be in West Hollywood because she would never get the life she wanted anywhere else in the world. The next thing I knew, I was crying in the middle of the street (probably looking insane too). I had left home (Florida) and moved across the country to LA to pursue my dreams of being an actor. I called my mom whenever I felt lonely, but I knew in my heart that I couldn't have made another decision...this was exactly where I was supposed to be. And even when it got really hard, I was gonna keep on dancing on that stage. That song gave me a way to keep pushing even when it seemed impossible to do so. I completely support Chappell Roan because I always look at her and see a good person with the biggest theatre kid's heart doing what she was meant to do. I understand her struggles and support her because she deserves the greatest amount of love and support!

It took a lot of effort not to burst out laughing at my grandpa's disaster of a funeral. He had passed away and we held his funeral a week later. When I tell you everything went wrong, I mean everything went wrong. From terribly timed music ("I've Had the Time of My Life" to be exact), to a random family walking in during the service, and my grandpa painted a terrible shade of yellow in his open casket, I used to humor of the situation to overcome my grief. There were speeches and eulogy's given by people who I had never met in my life (and I'm secretly convinced had never met my grandfather based on their completely incorrect statements). The entire event was run by the all-too-cheery funeral director and his extremely goth assisstant (a delightful comparison by the way). There was even a releasing of doves fronted by his evil ex-wife where the doves were quick to escape their box and got tangled in the ex-wifes hair (perfect poetic justice in my opinion). I was so taken aback by the perfect comedic timing of that day that I ended up cracking up in the car afterwards. The entire day the only thing I was thinking about would be the sound of my grandpa's laughter had he been there to see it. I could see his smiling face and it reminded me that everything would end up alright. I even got to use my retelling of these events to write a final college essay, as well as to start working on my own Dramedy play! Talk about creative inspiration huh? This experience helped me to understand that even in dark moments, we can find something good, something to remind us that hope or laughter is not lost. Actually, after his funeral, my family and I went to get ice cream (strange, morbid family tradition...don't ask) and I told them about what I had witnessed that day and we just laughed until our faces turned red in the ice cream parlor. Now, when we talk about grandpa, we laugh at his ridiculous funeral, rather than morn what could've been a pretty depressing day. I have been performing through middle school and high school. I was a character performer for my local renaissance faire all four years of high school (where I got to learn a lot about improv). I went to AMDA New York for two years and got my Associates Degree. I am currently in my final year of school at AMDA LA where I will be earning my Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts with a focus on Musical Theatre Performance. I want to be well-versed in as much forms of performing arts as possible (theme parks, haunted houses, tours, stage, film, tv, cruise ships, cabarets). I would love to experience theatre in many different states as well, with an emphasis on New York City and LA!

Being an artist means allowing myself to be vulnerable and open, even when I'd much rather hide under my blankets and not let anyone in. Open with my thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Not being afraid to leave a deep and meaningful part of me on stage even if it terrifies me. Acting allows me to share my true self with a whole group of strangers, even if I'm technically pretending to be someone else. I am driven by my art because it is my true passion in life. Performing is what pushes me to work hard and be a better person each day. I'm inspired by the love that the theatre industry creates. Acting brings me joy and I know that it's something I want to do for the rest of my life. I was always was an overweight kid. Even when I was little, I weighed more than kids my age. I never really noticed it, but when I grew older I began to care more and more about how people saw me. That was why I started getting into acting in the first place. I was self-conscious of myself, so I would become other people who were brave and confident. When I became these different characters, I began to feel how they felt, and slowly, as my skill grew, so had my sense of self-worth. Instead of focusing on a character's body-type, or my weight compared to the other actors who've played that part, I focused on doing that character justice and telling an important story to the audience. Acting drives me by allowing me to feel and share my emotions with every part of my body. I was, and still am, a very emotionally closed-off person, so I think art gave me a way to let go of the negative thought and feelings I tried to suppress. I often found it hard to be open and talk about how I felt, even to my family, so I use performance and design as an outlet. I always find at least one thing to connect me to whoever or whatever I'm playing. Then I use that similarity to truly become my role and make that character an extension of myself. I love telling a story, whether it's happy or sad because I know that I might change the life of at least one person in the audience. My art may inspire others to follow their goals or give someone the strength to make it through a difficult time in their life. That's the real beauty of it to me, knowing that I am making a difference by doing something I love with my entire being. I plan on using my art to change the outdated views of the theatre industry. Being a plus-sized actor, I have faced so much rejection and embarrassment because of how much I weigh. Even if I was qualified and able to perform a part, I usually didn't get it because someone smaller or skinnier better looked the part. Too many plus-sized actors are ignored or only given stereotypical roles despite their hard work and their talent. I want to be an ambassador for change by breaking through appearance-based stereotypes and cultivating an inclusive, more accepting work environment. I want young actors to know that they all can be successful and happy no matter how they looked. I want to help remodel the theatre and make it a safe space for all who love it as much as I do.

I think society can most effectively empower women by teaching the importance of seeing that everyone has the ability to be successful in any work position no matter their gender, as well as teaching the difference of the male versus female gaze and its impact on our society. Though anyone can learn something new at any stage of their life, I feel like the term "beating a dead horse" stands true when it involves the older generations and their ableness to change. True societal evolution begins with children. Children can shape their new world and create a less gender-powered environment, especially regarding jobs. Another big game-changer is educating more people on the male gaze and how it affects media, work, and other aspects of everyday life. The male gaze has taken center stage for almost all parts of the media for far too long. The main focus is always on how women look and how they behave. The TV and Film industry has always made a profit off of a scantily clad woman. Despite that actress being credible and talented, even trying her best to act a poor script, her abilities are not the first thing a casting director was looking for. Though there has been a sizable breakthrough of female directors, writers, and producers as of late, the response to their films always has a wide range of reactions. Not only should women try hard to make more breakthroughs in the acting industry and dare to make/work in pieces that are bold and innovative, but groups such as The Academy's or The Globes should work to broaden their view and bring more attention to female-oriented, created, and produced pieces, so that they may widen their diversity. The work environment seems to consistently be the most noticeable issue when trying to empower women. When you talk about a "boss," most people think of a powerful man in a suit calling all of the shots, almost always followed by the image of a quiet, heel-wearing female secretary. Most women could work at one place for 20 years, put in the hours, try as hard as they could every day, and only receive a card and a pat on the head in thanks. Instead of focusing on her skills and contributions as an employee, a women's success is made by her attractiveness and her demure attitude. If a woman doesn't show up with a full face of makeup or a sunny disposition, she is "unprofessional and not easy to work with." In reality, people's quality should be how they contribute to their business or how hard they work. Women today have to fight for the attention they deserve in a conference room full of men who are more than ready to talk over them. In order to improve the work environment of women, there has to be more acceptance that women are more than capable of everything a man is capable of. There should be more safe spaces for women to talk without fear, as well as more accountability from workplaces if female employees are experiencing misogyny or harassment. Most importantly, we women need to continue doing what we do best, persevere. It may take a few months or a few years before we earn the respect we deserve, but I know that it is possible as long as we keep pushing through and continuing to prove the incorrect female stereotypes wrong.

I always knew that I wanted to be an actor. Whenever I could, I tried out for the lead roles even if I had never seen another plus woman perform that role before. I always danced my heart out at every callback, despite looking very different from the other girls when I moved. More often than not, I didn't get the role(s). There was always someone skinnier or fitter ahead of me. I was told to "Just wait next year"; every year. Still, I kept pushing and dreaming and growing. My self-worth and belief in my abilities only improved. As I've become an adult, I've learned to love and accept the beauty of my body. My skills grew and more people noticed me as a serious performer, a director, a designer, and a leader. This past year I kept succeeding! I earned lead roles, directed my very own show, got into accepted my dream performing arts college, and earned a theatre award for my home state. I plan to bring plus-sized performer normalcy to the theatre world by proving that a plus-sized woman is just as talented and driven as any other performer. My biggest ambition is to become a successful actor and director. I want to use any platform I gain to inspire other plus-sized children to follow their dreams and see their worth. This scholarship would help bring my vision to life because it would help pay for my college dues. Because I wanted to make theatre my career and an integral part of my life, I decided to attend a theatre college in NYC. I knew that this opportunity was too good to waste. The skills I will learn and the connections I make there will be the most valuable thing for my future, so the cost will all be worth it. This will be a big step. I know this change will probably be one of the scariest things I have experienced, but I know that school will be the best decision of my life. Once I'm there, I will work towards change every day, through big performances or small conversations in class. I'm thrilled to live directly in New York City and I'm so excited to be in the heart of the industry, where I will fight hard to be a force of change, and impact the outdated values of Broadway.

Mental health has played a role in the lives of my family. My mom and my little sister were diagnosed with chemical depression, while my dad and best friend suffered from trauma-based anxiety as a result of living in an abusive household while growing up. Learning to deal with my mom’s depression is something that I’ve done for most of my life. There was no way to stop it from happening, so it was something I just understood. When I was eight, my grandma passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. I was then diagnosed with mild depression and started taking weekly therapy sessions. Trying to talk about my feelings was not easy. Eventually, I stopped seeing my therapist. I always convinced myself that my life was too busy, but I think it was because I was uncomfortable with the idea of completely opening up or being vulnerable to someone. This past summer, my grandpa also passed away after fighting cancer. Not only was my family stuck in a quarantine rut, now we were forced to stay at home and mourn. Those next few months were some of the hardest to endure. My mom’s and sister’s depression grew, but there was nothing I could do. It was painful, feeling that helpless and knowing there wasn’t an easy solution. These experiences helped to shape the person I am today. Though I know there is much I have to learn and mental battles I will have to fight to find peace, I am aware of the trauma I’ve had to experience. I know that pain will shape me and teach me how to grow. I want to teach others how to keep going after facing loss. I want to teach others to allow themselves to be vulnerable. How to use change as a means of becoming a better version of themselves.

Before High School, I had never really taken much thought into my personal health. I was overweight for my age, but I only got exercise when I was playing soccer or performing in a show. After I got into High School and joined my theatre troupe, I began to think worse and worse about my body. I was unhappy that I was heavier than the other girls around me. It was also then when I decided to follow my dream of becoming an actor. I knew that I needed to become my happiest and healthiest self if I wanted to reach my career goals. It was my dad who opened the door to fitness for me. He decided to buy a gym membership for both of us. We started going to the gym 4 days a week and we were each other's personal motivators. I grew stronger and I felt more in control of my body. Singing and dancing became much easier for me because I was more in shape. Though I wasn't losing a lot of weight (which wasn't the goal anyway), I began to feel really good about myself and how I looked. Working out made sleeping easier and it helped with my mental health immensely. I was able to use the gym as a way of relieving my stress and unloading the weight of my day. Once the pandemic started, I wasn't able to return to the gym for safety reasons. I did gain some weight and I began to feel bad about myself again. I finally decided to drag myself out of my slump and try working out at home because any kind of workout was better than no workout. Things have been going really well for me and I am excited for the day when I can go back to the gym. I am a happier and healthier me, working out has changed my life.

This was the first time I liked looking at a picture of myself. I have self-confidence problems and I hated when people took pictures of me. These were my first headshots, which was a terrifying moment for me because it was the first real, definitive step I took to following my dreams of becoming an actor. I was so scared to get these pictures back because I thought I would be unhappy with the person I saw in them, but I was actually blown away. I honestly couldn't believe that the woman in these photos was me. I felt beautiful.

COVID-19, something so small that managed to make a personal indent on human history. A virus most of us never saw coming. A spark of events created a disastrous metaphorical wildfire: the pinnacle of the year 2020. I was in a rehearsal for my school's spring musical when I heard that students were getting an extra week added onto their spring break. I was as excited as every other student (who wouldn't be?) But those two weeks turned into a month, then until the end of the school year. I was heartbroken. It was the first year that I never fully finished a spring musical. Though it sounds irrelevant, that musical was going to be the highlight of my year. It was supposed to be a beautiful send-off to all of my senior theatre friends, all of whom I loved so dearly. I was never able to give them the goodbyes they deserved, which crushed me. Summer in quarantine was fine at first. I was happy to spend so much more time with my family. I had honestly subconsciously wished for that extra time a few months prior. I had been busy for so long. I had done two shows simultaneously and then almost performed in the following musical, not to mention competing for in-state competition. I rarely spent time with my mom, dad, or sister besides eating with them or giving them hugs in the morning. This opportunity felt like a blessing. I was becoming a senior myself and soon to turn eighteen, so I relished in the fact that I could fully be around my family with no schedules or plans. That summer was bittersweet. I learned that being in the eye of a storm still meant worse weather ahead. My grandpa died that summer. While we could see him, we couldn't be with him because of the pandemic. We couldn't smile or hug or kiss him without heavy masks and gloves on our hands. I think we all sunk into a small depression after he was gone. We couldn't go out anywhere. We were just stuck inside, having nothing else to do but mourn him. I lost a lot of my motivation then. I became trapped in a constant loop. Theatre was no longer a means of escape because there was no theatre to be doing. I didn't want to tell anyone how I felt because I didn't want to become a burden (which I know isn't logical, but grief has a funny way of twisting the truth). I couldn't even find comfort in the presence of my friends. Almost none of my friends followed the same safety protocols that I was following, but I could never understand why. They were willing to put their health on the line just because they were bored. This meant that I had no one to see unless I risked my safety (or the safety of my family). So I sat by myself and watched my friends go out, having fun without me. I stopped receiving check-up texts or invitations to hang out. After that, some of my self-loathing grew stronger. My mental health reached a new low, but I had no real way to cope with what I felt or tried not to feel. Eventually, life began to pick up. The new school year began, which meant theatre would also have to start as best it could. I became the President of my theatre troupe and the director of my very own show. Things were finally going back to normal and I finally felt like I had at least a little bit more control of my world. Though it was not the same, I was still able to design and perform and create. I could see dear friends and pour my heart and energy into something that I loved so dearly. I was able to audition for the college of my dreams. To my surprise, I got accepted almost immediately. I saw the light at the end of the quarantine tunnel. My path into life was becoming clearer every day. Even though the theatre world was still on hold, I began to dream and plan for my future. When I could share my talents with the people who would appreciate them and when I could finally step onto that stage as a working professional. But as life goes, not everything is perfect. There are still days where I fall into a slump. I don't get my homework done on time, I don't work out when I know I need to, I don't clean my room or I sit surrounded by a pile of clutter. There are days when grief opens up and I know I won't heal for a while. But I've learned to become more than that. I know that brighter days are just before me, I know that I can reach them. I have grown as an artist, as a leader, as a person. I've become a strong, independent woman. I know that I can achieve greatness. All of my perseverance and fight I've gained over these long months will be what helps me get there. COVID-19 has damaged me and my world, but as a forest after a fire, we are capable of regrowth. We will see the day when we can finally take off the masks and hug our loved ones. We will be able to eat and laugh and cry without fear of sickness. We will do all of this and more because, like Earth, we are anything if not resilient.