My love for performing began at a very early age. While my first official school performance in the third grade, Oliver Twist, could be considered my artistic debut, my performance career began in my cousin's basement. In our annual production of Little House on the Prairie, I was always cast as Nellie Olson, the mean girl. I greatly resented this part and begged to get a chance to play one of the Ingalls sisters. But I chose to remain professional and accept my role, giving the best performance of Nellie that I could. I guess you could say that this basement production was my introduction to the classic “typecast” experience. Fortunately, I am proud to have now expanded my versatility as an artist through contrasting roles that have pushed me out of my comfort zone. From playing a Dungeon and Dragon's mystical elven in She Kills Monsters to a Southern nightclub singer in Bus Stop, I find joy playing unique characters and exploring new sides of myself.
One of my versatile fun facts and party tricks comes from growing up as a competitive Irish dancer. While I am now retired from those days of poofy wigs, spray tans, elaborate costumes, and listening to traditional Irish music for eight hours at feisenna (competition), I look back fondly on the art form that shaped me into the person I am today. Irish dance taught me how to face rejection, how to work as a team, and how important it is to pick yourself up when you fall. Through Irish dance, I have been able to travel to Ireland for the World Championships, go to Nationals with my Celi team, and gain inspirational mentors and friendships that will last a lifetime. By combining my culture with an art form, I found an additional artistic outlet to theatre.
However, with all the good, the anxiety that develops from growing up in the world of dance is something that never leaves you. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the comparison, envy, and frustration that come with competition. In those moments of tears from low scores, comparing myself to others, and feeling like a failure, my dance teachers left me with a mindset that helped me see the bigger picture: to put on “horse-blinders” and focus on my own path. Everyone’s journey is going to be different, but that’s what makes it all the more special and worthwhile. No horse is going to win the race by looking over at the next lane; you have to focus on what’s ahead and know that everyone will get to the finish line eventually. This was monumental to my anxiety and low self-esteem, and now, whenever I feel that I am behind in an audition room or in life, I put on my “horse-blinders” and focus on my own lane.
Acting is my therapy. When I am on stage, I feel invincible, like I can truly be myself while pretending to be someone else at the same time. Through this professional skill of playing pretend, I am able to process, analyze, and deeply express emotions that my personal self might suppress. Theatre has taught me how to lead with empathy, to put myself in others' imaginary circumstances, and to express the unspoken energy between the actors on stage and audience members. Through performance, I continue to grow into the best version of myself.
When I was accepted into Frank Sinatra School of the Arts for high school, I was ecstatic to have the privilege of training in a pre-conservatory style program as a Drama major, where I learned the discipline and dedication that it takes to succeed in rigorous programs. When beginning my college search, I was torn between pursuing a B.F.A program similar to my high school training, or to look into other options. At Sacred Heart University, I have been able to grow as both an artist and a person by seeking a B.A in Theatre Arts and Strategic Communications. I am very grateful to have been able to pursue both of my artistic passions at SHU through the impressive Theatre Arts Program and Claddagh Irish Dance Team. I am now ready for the next step, and am looking for a more focused training program for Acting in
graduate school. I would be honored to attend the Guildford School of Acting, where I can grow as an individual and train alongside passionate artists. I will be expressive, a sponge to the lessons I learn, and open to imagination and vulnerability.
As I set to graduate in May, I am in pursuit of my next artistic and academic journey. I see myself training and learning with other artists at the Guildford School of Acting, growing in our craft, and inspiring one another every day. I am ready to challenge myself, to connect both body and soul to imagination, and to use art as healing. The world needs art, and through storytelling we can make others feel less alone. Theatre is our powerful tool to make the world a better place. We need empathy and to see that the emotions we feel as humans are universal, no matter what lane we are in.