The door closed, encasing me in the dimness of my parents’ room. I crept towards the vanity until I could see just the top of my small reflection staring back at me. The warm light that sat on the dresser illuminated my face like the sparkling lights of a stage. I took a deep breath, studying my own eyes as I slipped into my imagination. I improvised drama, comedy, painting my face with tears, smiles, and strength alike. There was something so addictive about slipping into the mind of another and finding the truth in their story. Ever since I was a little girl playing pretend in the mirror, I craved for more. So, at the age of seven, I began recruiting neighborhood kids to put on backyard plays with me. We scrounged up old Halloween costumes and I directed the shows, making up lines. As we performed for our parents, I couldn't help but think of what came next. I begged my parents to audition for a local production of Frozen, and ever since, theatre has grabbed hold of my heart with no plans of letting go. Since finding my passion for theatre I have performed in over thirty shows, each time stepping onto the stage reliving the same sense of wonder as the first. There is something so freeing about escaping the dark curtains, stepping into the blinding lights, and baring your soul to show the truth of your character. Theatre has been so impactful on my life. I skipped that awkward stage where I had to find myself, because I found me through acting. Theatre has allowed me to see others in a way that has built my empathy and has truly helped me find my own soul in the process. As I realized the impact theatre can have on someone's life, I wanted to build a community where kids could feel free to express themselves and find their own way through this art form. So in the summer of 2021 I created Playhouse Productions, my own summer theatre company. Since then I have produced a musical every summer, creating an affordable option for young members of the community to come together, hone their acting technique, and perform live for an audience. The annual show hosts an event prior to the performance complete with a raffle, silent auction, and donated food/drink from local businesses, with all proceeds donated to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the same blood cancer charity that helped my family while my father was battling stage 4 blood cancer. Over the last five years, I am proud to say I have raised over $12,000 for the LLS! The best part of this experience is the impact I see theatre making on the lives of others. Just like I once experienced, I am seeing Playhouse Productions break kids out of their shells, build empathy and comaraderie, and encourage them to be their truest selves. Whether it's the bond the cast shares, or the sense of wonder and joy that spreads throughout the audience, this production company brings people together to express themselves, create art and community, and to help people who are suffering from blood cancer around the world. Theatre has made a lasting impact on my life and is now a career aspiration for my future. This past spring I was accepted into Baldwin Wallace University's highly competitive Acting Conservatory’s BFA program. With this incredible opportunity to further my education, I am excited to reach my lifelong dream of performing professionally and sharing my passion with others.

The summer before entering my eighth grade year, I organized my own non-profit children’s theatre company - Playhouse Productions. Since 2021 I have volunteered my time and skills producing, directing, and choreographing annual summer musicals, giving back to my local community by creating a more affordable option for youth of the area to perform live and work on their acting technique. Playhouse Productions is a nonprofit fundraising company that donates all of its event proceeds to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (a charity fundraising for blood cancer reaserch), giving back to the wider blood cancer community of patients, families and those affected by the burden cancer carries. Prior to each performance, I organize an event complete with a raffle, silent auction, and donated food/drink from businesses in the area, with all proceeds from the event and ticket sales donated to the LLS. My family and I have worked hard to get donations from local businesses and established partnerships with these businesses that continue to support our efforts. Over the last five years since I created Playhouse Productions, I am excited to say I have raised over $12,000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society! My volunteer work begins with organizing the pre-production of the shows. Starting months prior to our rehearsal process, I begin adapting the script, and choreographing the numbers. I create audition cuts/sides and send out the information to my auditionees. In my leadership role as Production Director I work hard to maintain strong and efficient communication with both cast members and families through audition notices, daily schedule updates, and rehearsal notes. I organize auditions, rehearsals and performances on the outdoor stage my family and I constructed in our yard, complete with a sound and lighting system. I direct all of our productions with a cast of around 20 young teens, over the course of two weeks. Over the past five summers it has been a pleasure to watch our audience grow from several parents to 200 audience members eager to support Playhouse Productions in giving back to the LLS and our Lakeville youth theatre community! When I was a young child I was shown the importance of leadership through service. When my father was diagnosed with stage four blood cancer, I watched him battle and survive that cancer, coming out on the other side aware and ready to help in any way he could. Throughout my dad’s battle with cancer the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS), provided us with significant financial aid to help pay for my dad’s chemotherapy. After defeating his cancer, my father has begun working tirelessly with LLS, so that future families won't have to suffer the burden that blood cancer can bring to their lives. As I became older I wanted to do my part as well. My father inspired me to see the importance of leadership through service. When those who are leading your communities or teams put the care of others first it cultivates a culture of support and trust within your community. Leading with service not only gives back to the people around you, it also builds a common goal amongst your team; to support and aid those around you. I have always been very passionate about theater and performance arts, and plan to major in Acting at Baldwin Wallace University next year, so I decided to pair my passion with a fundraising opportunity, and I created Playhouse Productions, a place where I can use my leadership position to direct theatre through service, building strong ties in my community and strengthening support for blood cancer patients and families around the world.