Musical theater is so much more than just people spontaneously bursting into song in the middle of a grocery store (though, let’s be real, I’ve definitely been that person). For me, it’s this high-energy, living, breathing world where every emotion is cranked up to an eleven. It’s always been my ultimate safe space—the one place where the boring, everyday "real world" fades out and a reality that’s way more vibrant, dramatic, and sparkly takes over. The biggest reason I’m head-over-heels for musical theater is because it captures those massive feelings that a regular conversation just can't handle. You know that moment in a show where a character is so overwhelmed, so happy, or so heartbroken that they literally cannot just talk anymore? They have to sing. That "lift-off" moment—where the orchestra swells and the story takes flight—is pure magic. It creates this electric connection between the stage and the audience that you just don't get from a movie screen or a pair of headphones. I’m also obsessed with the beautiful chaos of the whole thing. A show isn't a one-person circus; it’s a giant puzzle made of actors, the pit orchestra, lighting geniuses, and the stagehands who make the impossible happen in the dark. There is absolutely nothing like the "delirious but happy" vibes of a tech week or that heart-pounding, breathless silence right before the conductor drops the baton for the overture. It’s a community built on pure empathy, where you’re literally paid to step into someone else’s shoes. On a personal level, theater has basically been my greatest life coach. It taught me how to actually take up space, stand tall, and find my voice (and not just my "belt" range). Through the characters I’ve played, I’ve explored everything from messy heartbreaks to major social issues. Theater doesn’t just give people a fun night out; it forces them to feel something real. For me, the stage is a playground where I can figure out who I am while telling a story that might actually change someone in the front row. As I look toward graduation, I’m ready to go all-in and see where this wild path takes me. My goal is to pack up and head to a major theater hub—most likely NYC or Chicago—to officially kick off my professional career. I know it’s going to be a total grind, but I’m actually excited to hit the audition circuit hard, aiming for everything from regional summer stock to Equity houses to build a resume that’s as diverse as my Spotify Wrapped. While I’m out there pounding the pavement, I plan to stay in "forever student" mode by keeping up with vocal coaching and dance intensives, because you’re never truly done leveling up. I’m especially hyped about the idea of getting into the workshop scene, where I can help composers and writers develop brand-new shows from the ground up. At the end of the day, I just want to be part of the reason theater stays alive, inclusive, and weird. It’s given me so much purpose, and I’m ready to work my tail off to give that same "wow" feeling back to an audience every single night

If you had told me when I was eight years old that theater would become such a huge part of my life, I probably would’ve just smiled and gone along with it. Back then, I only knew that I loved to perform and sing. I didn’t realize that stepping into my first production would spark something that would stay with me for years and shape who I am today. Since that first experience, theater has grown with me. What started as a fun activity quickly became a passion. I’ve spent years learning lines, rehearsing songs, and working through the ups and downs that come with every production. At first, being on stage was nerve-wracking—the lights felt too bright, and I was always worried about messing up. But over time, that fear turned into excitement. Now, the stage feels like home. One of the things I love most about theater is the chance to sing and fully express myself. Music adds a whole new layer to storytelling, and being able to combine acting and singing is something that makes performing even more meaningful to me. Whether it’s a powerful solo or a group number, those moments on stage are the ones I feel most connected to what I’m doing. Theater has also given me so much beyond performing. Some of my favorite memories come from backstage—last-minute costume fixes, running lines with castmates, and laughing during rehearsals. The people I’ve met through theater have become like a second family, and that sense of community is something I truly value. It’s taught me how to work as part of a team, trust others, and support the people around me. What really inspired me to pursue theater more seriously is the impact it can have. There’s something powerful about bringing a story to life and watching an audience react—whether they’re laughing, crying, or completely absorbed in the moment. That connection is what makes theater so special, and it’s what motivates me to keep improving and pushing myself. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to perform on Broadway. It’s a dream I’ve had for a long time, and one that continues to inspire me to work harder and grow as a performer. I want to specialize in acting, while continuing to develop my singing, so I can fully embrace everything that musical theater has to offer. I’m also open to exploring other areas, like directing or working behind the scenes, because I want to understand the full creative process. As much as theater has given me, I want to give back just as much. I hope to help younger performers find their confidence and discover their own love for the stage, just like I did when I was starting out at eight years old. I want to be someone who encourages others, creates a welcoming environment, and helps make theater a place where everyone feels like they belong. Theater has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me grow, and given me a place where I can truly be myself. From that first moment on stage to the dream of one day performing on Broadway, it has been an incredible journey—and I know it’s only just beginning.

“One heart, one beat” is what musical theater feels like to me—but honestly, it’s a little louder, a little more dramatic, and way more fun than that sounds. It’s the moment when the lights dim, the music swells, and suddenly my heart is keeping time with the orchestra like I’m part of the show. From the very first note, I’m drawn in, not just as a spectator, but as someone who feels every emotion pulsing through the music and the story. When I watch musicals like Hamilton or Les Misérables, I’m not just sitting there—I’m in it. My emotions are doing choreography, my thoughts are hitting high notes (or at least trying to), and every big ensemble number feels like one giant shared heartbeat between the cast and the audience. There’s a magic in that synchronization, a thrill in feeling a story unfold so vividly that it becomes part of me. I’ve wanted to be on stage for as long as I can remember, and it’s also where I feel most comfortable. Being on stage is more than performing—it’s being fully present in a world where music, emotion, and storytelling collide. There’s something profoundly natural about stepping into a role, inhabiting someone else’s story, and connecting with the audience all at once. The stage is where I can breathe, where I can express the parts of myself that words alone can’t capture, and where I feel completely at home. Musical theater isn’t just something I like—it’s something I feel in every fiber of my being. It’s where stories burst into song because talking just isn’t enough, where emotions are bigger, brighter, and impossible to ignore. There’s a joy in losing myself in a number, a comfort in knowing that I am part of something bigger than myself. I’ve always been drawn to that sense of unity—the way music can connect people, break down barriers, and make a room full of strangers feel like a family. To me, “one heart, one beat” represents that connection: the rhythm that links performers and audience, the harmony between emotions and action, and the shared exhilaration of bringing a story to life. It’s laughing, crying, and wanting to give a standing ovation all at once. It’s feeling that indescribable energy when everyone in the theater is aligned, even if only for a few magical minutes. Musical theater is more than a passion; it’s a part of who I am. Being on stage lets me experience life in its fullest intensity, with my heart syncing to the music, the story, and the people around me. In that space, everything clicks into perfect rhythm. Basically, it’s my heart saying: “Yep… this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”