BWW Blog: My Theatrical Life: From Disney to Studying Abroad

Since I was little, I always dreamed about working in entertainment. Being born in Orlando and growing up there the first eleven years of my life made me a Disney Fanatic. I was an annual passholder and would go weekly. Favorite thing there being this show called Belle's Storytime. It was a show that would take kids up on stage and put them in costume to help retell the story of Beauty and The Beast. I would attend that show multiple times every visit for years. It was to the point where all the cast members knew me by my first name. Whenever someone asks how I got into theatre, I always tell them Disney World because that's how. After the show took its final bow, I started hunting for ways to get involved in theatre any way I could. From school plays, to community theatre companies- you name it.

At the age of twelve my family made the move to California. Due to bullying and wanting to have a flexible schedule, I became homeschooled through an independent study program. I would do all my work at home, and then turn them in to the teacher for grading. Still was involved in theatre classes and productions (also disneyLAND annual passholder), but became more involved in seeing productions than acting in them. Throughout high school, I was the kid who saved up all their allowance money to see productions of shows at theatres throughout Southern California. This includes The Geffen and La Jolla Playhouse. I would also attend special events like Little Mermaid Live in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and the filming of Newsies at Pantages (which I got a free orchestra seat for, so you can slightly see me in the audience- thank you standby). I am so blessed for all the amazing experiences I've had growing up, and they just inspired me to want to work in theatre even more.

As a homeschooler, I was able to travel A LOT. I went on a bunch of trips including NYC, England, and of course Orlando for the theme parks. By sophomore year I wanted to start planning out my options for college. Traveling to these places, I learned a bit about college options there too. I knew I wanted to be involved in entertainment. Started with that. Eventually I received an offer to study abroad in England and couldn't say no. Went to England, and got really involved in theatre societies. I even became the Shakespeare Society publicity officer and a shadow stage manager for a production of Cabaret. From these opportunities, it made me realize a fact I've dismissed for so long. That I was more interested in pursuing behind the scenes roles rather than acting. 

By being in England, I get an amazing study abroad experience that can never be replaced. Being in London as well, allows me to experience West End theatre too which is something I absolutely adore. Yes, I get homesick. However, I truly enjoy my experience here and the education I'm receiving. Plus, I know that I can always find my way back home. Would recommend studying abroad, short or long term, to anyone.

I have a true passion for theatre since I was little, and that has never changed. Growing up I discovered I'm more interested in behind the scenes roles rather than acting. I hope to be able to make a career out of it wherever it may take me. I choose to never give up, stay kind to others, and always try my best at whatever task comes my way. This is my story, and it's just the beginning.