When did you participate in the Shooting Stars program?

2010-2011 Academic Year

How did you use your Shooting Stars experience or scholarship?

For me, it was an opportunity to connect with other performers my age around the KC area and to be exposed to new people and art forms.

What type of fine/performing/visual art were you passionate about then and do you still pursue that art today?

I was a musical theatre performer and choral singer.  I still work in the world of theatre and entertainment, but a little bit differently than I did then.  Now, I’ve been working on the administrative/front of house side for the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center& Theatre in the Park as well as Assistant Stage Managing at OCTA.  I also spent some time as a Character Attendant at Walt Disney World, and I’m about to join the entertainment team with Disney Cruise Line as a Youth Entertainment Hostess onboard the Disney Dream.

What has been happening in your life since you participated in the Shooting Stars program?

I went to Northwestern University and earned a B.A. in Theatre and an M.S. in Leadership for Creative Enterprises.  Then I bounced around between Walt Disney World and Theatre in the Park.  Now, I’m about to set sail with Disney Cruise Line.

How has the Shooting Stars program helped you to become a better artist?

Shooting Stars reminded me to look beyond my personal niche in the arts world.  I typically felt that I didn’t have time to explore other arts because my theatrical rehearsals, lessons, and performance took up all my time.  But the Shooting Star auditions and ceremony allowed me the opportunity to view the work of new artists in my age group across disciplines.  It was refreshing and enlightening.