Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:
My central passion is making theatre and being a collaborative theatre artist. Although that sounds broad, the main goal of the Flagler College Theatre Arts Department is to create hardworking well-rounded theatre artists. Throughout my time here I’ve been able to experience this and take on roles in various areas of production, from performance and stage management to directing. Now, I want to apply the skills that I’ve acquired to theatrical opportunities post-graduation and continue to pursue art that will challenge me as an individual and help me to grow.
What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?
When I came to Flagler and declared the Theatre Arts major, I was very set on pursuing performance and concentrating specifically in musical theatre. Through the help of all the professors in the department, Leah Page, Andrea McCook, Clinton Weinberg, Britt Corry, Elaina Wahl-Temple and Shawn Fisher I was able to explore other aspects of theatre as well as performance. One person in particular who really helped inspire me and encouraged me to pursuit my passion for directing was Professor Kip Taisey. By seeing something in me that I hadn’t even recognized yet, he challenged me to continue the path I had discovered and provided me opportunities to develop and grow as a director and theatre artist.
Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile:
One memory from my time at Flagler that will always make me smile is performing with the Flagler College Key of Seas in “Cabaret 2023: The House We Live In.” I had been auditioning for that ensemble since my freshman year and was so happy to finally be a part of it. The process of creating the cabaret over the course of the fall semester was really fun and I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by an incredible group of people. In addition, putting on the final product was exhilarating. I cherished the opportunity to perform. And because I also served as one of the assistant directors of the cabaret, I enjoyed watching everyone else work and was incredibly proud of what everyone put on the stage.
What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?
One mentor who proved most valuable throughout my Flagler experience was Professor Leah Page. While she served as my academic advisor she went above and beyond and was always willing to answer any questions I had or offer advice. As I member of the Honors Program, I was constantly having to fulfill specific requirements and figure out how to blend Theatre Arts with Honors. Leah was always knowledgeable about these requirements, accepting of my questions and willing to work with me to make necessary things happen. Without her I wouldn’t have been as successful as I was able to be in both the Honors Program and the Theatre Arts Department.
What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
One piece of advice I wish I could tell my freshman year self would be is to take advantage of any and all opportunities.
In the News
Flagler College Theatre to perform their take on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1957 musical “Cinderella”