Summer Post

Summer Post
Hometown: Concord, NC
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education
2023

Give a little general information about yourself: how did you become interested in theatre? 
My interest in theatre came after being nicknamed “broadway girl” by a youth leader when I was younger because I always loved to play pretend. I did theatre all throughout middle and high school,l and while I may not be complete future broadway material, I have found theatre to be an important part of my life and something that I want to pass down to others. Theatre has given me a huge space to find who I truly am and grow as a person. All of my best friendships have been made in the theatre, and I can truly say that it is one of the most positive impacts on my life. I came into college as an elementary education major, which I never felt 100% about. After one semester, I realized I was not up for having to teach math and decided to switch to theatre education so that I could combine my passions for education and theatre! It was not a hard decision to make, but I did feel a weight off my shoulders knowing I finally found my fit.

What kind of career do you hope to have?
I want to teach theatre preferably in a high school. I felt the most passionate about theatre while in high school because of my theatre teacher, and I want to be that person to students. 

What is your favorite thing about the Department of Theatre?
I really love the friendships you make in the Department of Theatre. On my first day, someone talked to me just in the hallway of Rowe before a stage performance class, and that person is still a best friend of mine, almost two years later. It has not been hard to find these friendships, even on zoom calls, as everyone is genuine and welcoming to you no matter what.

Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I am going to be the President of the Theatre Department Student Advisory Committee for this upcoming school year.

Can you talk about your experience as a scholarship student?
I have the Belk Performing Arts scholarship for the 2021-2022 year! Receiving this scholarship meant so much to me. Coming into college, I only had one full semester done before covid struck, and unfortunately, I was in a different major. My first semester as a theatre major was the one that got cut short. This made me feel discouraged, and  I wondered how I would make connections in the theatre department. As I climb up through the years, I find myself feeling so much more connected. This scholarship made me feel recognized for my achievements and allowed any feelings of disconnect to go away.

When you are not in class, studying, working or rehearsing, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of school, I like to relax most of the time. I love to journal, and I keep up with a bullet journal that allows me to create my own spreads and themes. I like playing video games like Animal Crossing and The Sims. I also enjoy doing makeup and spending too much money on the same shirt in different variations. I’m a huge foodie, and eating with my friends always makes me feel better! I also love to hang out with my cat, Carl!