Every performer hears the phrase 'no' countless times in their life, and it can really cause them to question whether or not performing is worth it, which is why reminding yourself why you perform is so important.

t's been an exceptionally busy summer thus far for recent Cookeville High School graduate Emma Choate as she prepares to make the transition to college student at Tennessee Technological University in her hometown. Making the leap from high schooler to college student is a challenge, no matter who you are, but for Emma - who has been an over-achiever in live theater most of her life - it's probably made easier by her decision to remain at the local college, where she plans to major in vocal music education.

Jess here. As some of you may know, I just graduated from a performing arts high school. Now that I'm on summer vacation I've taken some time to reflect upon my experiences in the high school theatre world. I thought I'd share some observations/insight with my fellow thespians, and attempt to shed a little light on topics that remain a mystery.

We've all been there. We've all had that feeling of anticipation between an audition and the call from the casting team to inform us if we've made the cut. You go over your audition, you sit there in agony, you talk to your friends who also auditioned seeing if they know anything, though they are most of the time in the same boat as you, you even contemplating calling the directorial team yourself. All of these are HUGE red flags. There's nothing you can do about it once you step out of the audition room. You've done your part, let them do theirs. Trust that they will make the best choice. On the odd time that it takes a little longer than you can hope, here are some things to do in the meantime to keep your mind off of the anticipation.

CABARET JAZZ SPRING 2017 - GOOD THINGS ALWAYS COME IN THREE'S

Happiness is... rehearsing a musical! The six cast members of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN are hard at work memorizing and perfecting the show at the Seaside Pavilion.

SOMEONE WILL KNOW HER NAME - CARRIE THE MUSICAL TAKES ON LAS VEGAS

Among those students feted for their outstanding performances was Tullahoma High School's William Kuebitz, a top three finalist for his performance as Bert in Mary Poppins. Performing 'Step in Time' from the show, William gained a thunderous ovation from his fellow actors and other supporters in the audience that night, which was the culmination of his high school career.

Winner of the 2016 Nashville High School Musical Theatre Award (which in 2017 became known as The Spotlight Awards) as best actor in a musical, Ashton Harris is yet another starring light in Kristin Moon and Will Butler's company of outstanding young actors at Hillsboro High School.

The role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the Lynn Ahrens-Stephen Flaherty-Terrance McNally musical Ragtime is one coveted by actors of all ages - not the least of whom is Siegel High School student Caleb Mitchell, who took on the challenge of bringing the character to life in his school's production of the show earlier this spring. And for his efforts, Mitchell was one of three finalists for The Spotlight Award, the culmination of the 2016-17 Nashville High School Music Theatre Awards.

If the theater community had its own royal family and nobility, then it would make perfect sense that young Sevon Askew, recently awarded a Spotlight Award as best male soloist for his performance in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, would be a crown prince. The son of Susan Arnold Walsworth, who has appeared on numerous stages in the midstate, he's the nephew of David Arnold (perhaps best known for his portrayal of Shrek in the musical about the gentle green ogre - a role Sevon has played, as well) and Cat Arnold (who's currently onstage in ACT 1's Noises Off). Talent, it would seem, runs through certain families.

As the school year winds down, and students are scattered to the winds this summer, Davidson Academy's Alexandra Chopson closes out the year on a definite high: Last Saturday night, she was presented the Spotlight Award for best supporting actress in a musical at the Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards for her performance as Wednesday Addams in her school's production of The Addams Family.

With support from the Public Citizens for Children's Picasso Project + Youth and the Curtis Institute of Music's ArtistYear Fellowship Program, South Philadelphia High School, in collaboration with the Curtis Institute of Music's ArtistYear program, presents The Wiz, the musical, on May 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. at South Philadelphia High School's own 1400-seat historic auditorium located at 2101 S. Broad St. Tickets are available at the door as pay-what-you-wish.