I am pursuing a major in theatre performance and education, a field that has been my passion for the past twelve years. My journey in theatre began at a young age and has since encompassed a wide range of experiences, from performing on stage to working behind the scenes in technical roles. Over the years, I have had the privilege of exploring both the performance and technical aspects of theatre, allowing me to develop a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic art form. My early involvement in theatre began with acting in school plays and show choir. These initial experiences ignited my passion for the performing arts and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling. As I grew older, I sought to expand my skills and knowledge by taking on various technical roles, such as run crew, costume construction, and scene painting. These opportunities allowed me to appreciate the collaborative nature of theatre and the importance of each element in bringing a production to life. One of the most rewarding aspects of my theatre journey has been stepping into leadership roles as a stage manager and director. These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons in organization, communication, and creativity. As a stage manager, I learned to coordinate complex productions, ensuring that every aspect ran smoothly and efficiently. Directing, on the other hand, provided me with the chance to shape artistic visions and guide actors in their performances. Both roles have deepened my love for theatre and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in this field. My long-term goal is to become a theatre teacher, a path that combines my passion for performance with my desire to inspire and educate others. I believe that theatre has a unique ability to foster self-expression, empathy, and creativity. As a teacher, I aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore their talents and express themselves through theatre. I want to share the joy and fulfillment that theatre has brought to my life, encouraging others to discover their own love for the performing arts. In conclusion, my twelve-year journey in theatre has been marked by a diverse range of experiences in both performance and technical roles. My aspiration to become a theatre teacher is driven by a desire to inspire others and foster a love for theatre in future generations. I am committed to using my skills, knowledge, and passion to create a positive and lasting impact in the world of performing arts education. This scholarship would greatly support my educational pursuits and help me achieve my long-term goals in this rewarding field.

I am pursuing a career to teach theatre to high schoolers. I have been doing theatre for over a decade and have grown more passionate about every aspect of the stage and behind it. I want to teach students so they can understand the world of theatre and gain a new level of creativity and knowledge. Theatre allows you to explore yourself and the world through a script or improvised scenes. I love theatre and the expression it allows. Growing up, theatre was my safe space. It was where I could be myself, explore different characters, and understand human emotions better. The stage became a place where I could express feelings and ideas that I found difficult to share in everyday life. This passion only grew stronger as I got older. I realized that theatre is not just about acting; it is about storytelling, teamwork, and understanding diverse perspectives. These are the values I want to impart to my future students. At Midwestern State University, where I am majoring in Theatre Performance, I have had many opportunities to deepen my understanding and skills. My studies have covered everything from acting techniques to stage design, and I have loved every moment. I believe that my experiences and education will help me become an effective and inspiring theatre teacher. As a Black and/or African American, Native American woman who is also physically disabled, I understand the importance of representation and diversity in the arts. Theatre should be a space where everyone feels included and heard. I want to create an environment in my future classroom where students from all backgrounds can express themselves and see their stories reflected on stage. I believe that theatre can be a powerful tool for social change and personal growth, and I want to help my students discover this for themselves. Teaching high school theatre is my way of giving back to the community that has given me so much. I even aspire to teach at my alma mater. I want to inspire the next generation of theatre enthusiasts and help them find their own voices. Theatre has taught me empathy, creativity, and resilience, and I want to share these lessons with my students. By teaching theatre, I hope to help students develop their own passion for the arts and gain valuable skills that will serve them in all areas of life. In conclusion, I am passionate about theatre because it allows for self-expression, creativity, and understanding of diverse perspectives. I am pursuing a career in teaching high school theatre because I want to share this passion with my students and help them discover the transformative power of the arts. With the support of the John Traxler Theatre Scholarship, I can continue my education and work towards my goal of becoming a theatre teacher who makes a positive impact on her students' lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Mental illness is a huge challenge that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to coping with mental illness, theatre and music can be powerful tools for promoting mental wellness and healing. One of the most significant benefits of theatre and music is their ability to provide a creative outlet for people struggling with mental illness. Theatre and music allow people to express themselves in ways that are not always possible through traditional talk therapy. For example, music therapy can involve singing, playing instruments, or creating music, which can be therapeutic and cathartic. Correspondingly, theatre therapy can include role-playing, improvisation, or character exploration, which can help people explore their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Even more than this, theatre can provide a sense of community and social support for people with mental illness. Participating in theatre or music groups can help people build relationships with others who share similar experiences and struggles. These relationships can provide a sense of validation, empathy, and connection, which can be crucial in promoting mental wellness. When I first joined theatre, my teacher opened my eyes to how helpful a theatre family can be, which is why it is one of my greatest dreams to become a theatre teacher. Being a theatre teacher is my dream because it combines two of my greatest passions: theatre and education. As a theatre teacher, I would have the opportunity to inspire and empower young people through the transformative power of theatre. I believe that theatre can teach valuable life skills, such as collaboration, communication, and empathy, and I am passionate about sharing these skills with my students. Beyond that, as a theatre teacher, I would have the chance to create a supportive and inclusive community where students can express themselves creatively and feel valued and respected. Being a theatre teacher would allow me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my students and help them reach their full potential as artists and people. Moreover, theatre and music can help people build self-confidence and self-esteem, which can be particularly important for people with mental illness who may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy. Participating in a performance or creating music can provide a sense of accomplishment and validation, which can be incredibly empowering. Finally, theatre and music can be used to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness. By sharing their stories and experiences through art, individuals can help reduce the shame and isolation that is often associated with mental illness. Music can also be used as a great way to educate others about mental illness, promoting understanding and empathy. Music can bring people from any culture and any mental state together, even if only for a few minutes. In conclusion, theatre and music can be powerful tools for coping with mental illness. Through creative expression, community support, empowerment, and advocacy, the performing arts can promote mental wellness and healing for individuals struggling with mental illness. As such, it is essential to continue to promote and support these artistic forms of therapy to ensure that individuals with mental illness have access to the resources they need to thrive.

It can be hard wanting to help but feeling like you aren't doing enough. Helping people who are in need can feel so rewarding, but then you see something that makes you realize you can't help everyone, no matter how hard you try. Many people begin to volunteer, but then life takes over and they feel that the little time they have isn't enough to truly help someone. I used to have this same feeling, getting busy with school, health, and family, then losing the energy and drive to go out and help others. Getting myself back in the mindset that helping even a little bit is still helping a lot. One day, I hope to see people help others thrive. In our current world, there is so much hatred and people tearing each other down, but the only way for us to grow as a community is to help each other pick up the pieces and place them back together. Life can constantly feel like a race against each other, but it is just a long marathon where we can cross the finish line together. Holding our neighbor up and feeling the accomplishment of fighting a hard battle and coming out of it as a team. There are many ways to help people realize working as a team is infinitely better than working alone. I help as much as I can at my school and in the surrounding community. I look out for any opportunity to help my professors and peers outside of class, or even go into the Admission Office during busy seasons and help them with cleaning/organizing paperwork. One of my favorite things to do is to help the older population on our campus by babysitting or cleaning for them while they are in class. It allows them to work toward their degree and not have the weight on their shoulders of going home and having to do even more work. My close friends and I have begun to reach out to as many people within our college and see if there’s any way we can help to make their life just a little bit easier. A lot of times it can feel like I’m not doing enough, but being able to help these people allows them to go out and help others, or even spend time with their family with less stress in their minds. Even when I feel like it isn’t enough, I see the effect in class of them coming in with more rest and a brighter smile knowing that they were able to complete more work without having to worry about a million other things. I do my best to help when I’m needed, and not hold myself back from being of service.

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