If you ask my mama she would say I’ve been nothing but drama since the day that I was born. But, that’s just because I made my appearance before she got to the hospital. I keep trying to explain to her that it was all part of my plan to always make a grand entrance.

My mama thinks a good place to start is by explaining how I got started in musical theatre. She thinks I should tell everyone that my City of Promise pathway coach was looking for ways to keep me motivated and engaged during those long isolating COVID days, months, years! But, in all honesty unbeknownst to my mama and my family, they have always been my audience because I’ve been singing and dancing for them for as long as I can remember.

Okay, back to this pathway coach business. My pathway coach asked me “What’s the one thing you want to do? What would you choose if money wasn’t an obstacle?”

Before she was even finished I knew what my answer would be. I wanted to be on stage. I wanted to be in a show. My pathway coach gave my mama and I the task of finding a theatre company and said the City of Promise would pay for it.

The city of promise is a nonprofit in Charlottesville, VA. There goal is to make a positive impact on generational poverty and support a culture of achievement through child-centered, dual generation, family self sufficiency initiatives.

As far as I’m concerned it was a wrap — Lights, Curtains, Action. I was ready for the big stage. However, according to my mama that was just the beginning and I needed to talk about my first audition. (Yes, insert an eye roll, I am a teenager.)

Well, remember how I implied I’ve been ready for the drama of the stage from the beginning, and that my family has always been my audience. Let’s just say none of that matters when it comes to auditioning. It doesn’t matter how many productions I’ve been a part of. Nor, how many people have seen me preform. Nor, how many big roles I’ve gotten. Nor, how much time I’ve spent preparing each time I walk into an audition room and I feel a rush of nervousness and excitement.

That first audition that my mama think I need to talk about will always go down in history as the worst audition ever. I wasn’t expecting to feel that rush of nervousness. Just my normal excitement of having an audience.

However, I logged into zoom to audition for Beauty and the Beast and instantly the nervousness hit. This is something I wasn’t really prepared for because I have been singing and dancing for as long as I can remember. I remember answering a few questions, reading a few lines and singing “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman. But most of all I just relieved when it was over.

Auditions have gotten easier as my confidence has grown. Just in case you’re wondering yes, I got a role in Beauty and the Beast. I was one of the narrators but, not to worry! I have the opportunity to audition for Beauty and the Beast again this summer. This time I’ve been to enough additions. I feel confident enough to say come see me shine Beauty and the Beast this summer at the Paramount.

Over the last 3 years I’ve had the opportunity to travel with DMR Adventures to JTF (Junior theater festival) in Atlanta. My first time at JTF I was completely star struck. Let’s just say you never know which Broadway star you will bump into walking around the Convention Center and there is nothing more amazing than being in a space where there are other people who look like you that love musical theater as much I do.

For my second trip to JTF, was more than ready. I had landed one of the main roles in James and the Gaint Peach. I felt ready to shine and boy did I shine. I ended up being selected for acting award and was invited to spend a week in New York. It saddens me to say I wasn’t able to go because financially my family can’t afford to spend a week in New York.

My las trip to JFT was just as amazing as my first two trips. My group performed and we won the award for best ensemble and when we got back to Virginia I decided I would send in my audition video and if I was fortunate enough to be selected I would make a Go Fund Me to help pay for my experience. The itheatrics Academy program is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young aspiring actors. You spend a week learning from some of the most talented people in musical theater and you end the week with a big performance.

This is where you guys come in. In order for me to have this incredible opportunity I need your support. I’ve spent some time talking to my mama about this opportunity and I know that it will take $4,000 or more for us to spend a week in New York. I’m not sure what the exact breakdown is but she listed off housing, 3 meals a day, subway fare, train tickets to New York and back. What she didn’t mention was a Broadway show. Fingers crossed she thought about that. I would ask her but she will just remind me to be thankful for whatever funds I receive and going to New York for the week is already a privilege.

I have 30 days to raise the money needed. I’m do in New York July 1st.

Thank you in advance for your donations, support and well wishes. If you can’t donate that’s okay please share with your network.