Student Blog: A Summer of Balance

My Summer 2023 plans have been constantly evolving since January of this year. I applied to music programs, internships, and part-time jobs. I spent countless hours stressing over how I would occupy my time if none of these endeavors came to fruition. While some of these doors closed, other doors opened unexpectedly. I’ve found new ways to get involved in my community in the months to come, and now that things have fallen into place, I am truly looking forward to everything this summer has to offer.

One of my priorities for the next few months will be reconnecting with old friends. I am planning to spend the majority of the summer back in my hometown, revisiting my favorite hangouts with my high school buddies attending different colleges. I cherish these mini reunions; we swap stories about college, theatre, and life updates that just can’t be exchanged via FaceTime. A few of my close friends are living in other cities, so I have a few quick road trips planned to catch up with them as well. I can’t wait to make more memories with some of my favorite people this summer.

Speaking of road trips, I also have plans to travel to the beach with my family later this month. The weather in South Carolina is beautiful this time of year (besides the occasional pop-up thunderstorm), so I’m going to take advantage and get some much needed sunshine and fresh air. We’ll be meeting up with some of my extended family there, and I’m planning to spend the week taking walks by the ocean, trying new restaurants, and cooling off by the pool. I’m planning to take a few books with me and get back into reading as a hobby. I burned through my first book of the summer, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, in just a week, and I have a laundry list of other titles I’m just dying to jump into. Next on the list is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. During the school year, I rarely have enough time to commit to reading for fun, so I’m eager to get caught up and find some new favorites.

One final part of my summer plan fell into place only recently. Throughout June and July, I will be assisting with musical theatre intensives for middle and high school students, both through my university and at a local community theatre. I don’t have much experience working in the educational side of the arts, but it’s something I’ve always been interested in. While I’m definitely excited to gain valuable experience in this area, I’m even more excited to work with a crew of amazing young theatre kids. As I work towards a career in the arts, I am so grateful to have these opportunities to gain knowledge, experience, and a new perspective. 

This summer definitely looks different from what I had planned back in January, but I am thrilled with the way things have turned out. I’m learning to take things day by day and enjoy every opportunity that comes my way. Between visiting friends and family, taking time to rest, and embracing new experiences, I know this summer will be well-balanced and full of joy.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lighting Design - Top 3

1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys

30.5% of votes

2. Kevin Adams - Chess

15.4% of votes

3. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

7.5% of votes

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