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Who am I? And what is my story?
Hi! My name is Regina Leon. I was born and raised in la Misión in San Francisco, California and I'm 19 years old. My parents are from Nicaragua and have worked hard to make sure I’ve been able to succeed in America. I am the first person in my family to ever attend college and am currently studying Theatre Arts at San Francisco State University.
As a young person, particularly an actor, I know that cultivating my craft through experience and interaction is key. Luckily, I have been blessed enough to live in a city and neighborhood that is spontaneous, vivid and, yes, comfortable. However, I am now ready to step out of the bubble of my experience in California and learn integral lessons that I feel only New York can teach me.
A few short years ago, I was a student lost in the system, getting below average grades, and didn’t dare dream of the future. I knew I needed to find a purpose and I found the New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC). I started taking an acting class and did my first play, The Good Doctor by Neil Simon. I learned about the meaning of community (ensemble), the power of supporting one another, and the importance of loving every part of yourself (good and bad). I felt like a new person every time I would step out of the building. I knew I needed to learn more. At NCTC, I performed in several shows for children, even starring as the lead in Bollywood Sleeping Beauty. In order to give back to NCTC, I volunteered any chance I could and was eventually hired as both a stage manager and teaching artist. I still have so much to give back and find every opportunity to do so.
As my love for theatre grew, my grades and hunger for knowledge improved and I was lucky enough to be accepted at San Francisco State University. At SFSU, I took the first year off from acting in order to concentrate on my studies. Although I excelled academically, I felt hollow without acting. Luckily, this past fall, I was delighted to be chosen to play the role of Hero in Much Ado About Nothing and am working on three short plays written and directed by students. I am now ready for my next challenge.
What am I raising money for?
After auditioning, I was accepted to the Stella Adler Studio of Acting’'s summer conservatory. I was also accepted in 2015. However, due to financial constraints, I couldn't attend. I CANNOT let this opportunity pass by a second time and am willing to work hard and share my story in hopes that I may attend this year. I will need your help to raise money for this potentially life-changing experience.
For 10 weeks (June 6th-August 12th, 2016), I would live in New York City and study at Stella Adler's Studio of Acting. Classes will be held at NYU (New York University). Tuition for the program is $3650. As living in NYC is expensive, I would need an additional $2350 for housing, food, and transportation around the city. I have calculated that I would need $6000 to pay for the program and support myself.
Currently, I am saving what is left of my financial aid ($800) and contacting financial aid counsellors at SFSU. With their help, I will search for scholarships/grants and am looking for a part-time job that works with my school schedule. I am doing my best to earn and save money for this opportunity.
How soon will I need the funds?
I would need the funds four weeks prior to the program by Friday, May 6th, 2016.
Why will this opportunity mean so much?
One of my parents’ greatest dreams is to grant me as many opportunities as they can. Knowing how much I love New York and its artistry, my parents helped me spend valuable time there. I was there for 5 days during Thanksgiving week 2015 and the short experience undoubtedly changed my life. I knew it would. It was my first time flying on a plane, stepping out of California, and—most importantly—experiencing something shockingly new. It is incredibly uncommon for a lady of my background to travel and study her craft. New York City will make me feel uncomfortable, which a young person needs to feel in order to grow up.
Being a Latina woman has been both a blessing and a curse. I walk into a room and am instantly labeled. I then find myself in a constant state of limbo. I ask myself, “Who am I? What am I supposed to be? Am I Hispanic? Am I American?” I understand that people are combinations of what they have endured and experienced. These things make us who we are, right? Unfortunately, living in a neighborhood in which your friends are shot or imprisoned by the system can change your complete approach to how you see and present yourself.
Acting has been helping me find the voice that I lost as a young girl. Every time I step on a stage, I am challenged to use that voice behind an invisible mask. I always imagine what I would do and create if I finally found the full power of that voice. I would manifest my experiences through art and present the world a very fresh perspective; I would teach those who will listen what I have learned; I would help those who feel frightened to speak up.
There are not enough successful, well-spoken Latina women who refuse to follow the stereotypical criteria, create electrifying, meaningful art, and use their success to restore their communities. We need more Latina women who can do these things. I believe Stella Adler’s summer conservatory and two months in New York City will hand me my voice and transform me into that proud, electrifying Latina woman I was meant to be. This opportunity would mean so much to my parents, my community, and especially me.
Thank you so, so much.
Hi! My name is Regina Leon. I was born and raised in la Misión in San Francisco, California and I'm 19 years old. My parents are from Nicaragua and have worked hard to make sure I’ve been able to succeed in America. I am the first person in my family to ever attend college and am currently studying Theatre Arts at San Francisco State University.
As a young person, particularly an actor, I know that cultivating my craft through experience and interaction is key. Luckily, I have been blessed enough to live in a city and neighborhood that is spontaneous, vivid and, yes, comfortable. However, I am now ready to step out of the bubble of my experience in California and learn integral lessons that I feel only New York can teach me.
A few short years ago, I was a student lost in the system, getting below average grades, and didn’t dare dream of the future. I knew I needed to find a purpose and I found the New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC). I started taking an acting class and did my first play, The Good Doctor by Neil Simon. I learned about the meaning of community (ensemble), the power of supporting one another, and the importance of loving every part of yourself (good and bad). I felt like a new person every time I would step out of the building. I knew I needed to learn more. At NCTC, I performed in several shows for children, even starring as the lead in Bollywood Sleeping Beauty. In order to give back to NCTC, I volunteered any chance I could and was eventually hired as both a stage manager and teaching artist. I still have so much to give back and find every opportunity to do so.
As my love for theatre grew, my grades and hunger for knowledge improved and I was lucky enough to be accepted at San Francisco State University. At SFSU, I took the first year off from acting in order to concentrate on my studies. Although I excelled academically, I felt hollow without acting. Luckily, this past fall, I was delighted to be chosen to play the role of Hero in Much Ado About Nothing and am working on three short plays written and directed by students. I am now ready for my next challenge.
What am I raising money for?
After auditioning, I was accepted to the Stella Adler Studio of Acting’'s summer conservatory. I was also accepted in 2015. However, due to financial constraints, I couldn't attend. I CANNOT let this opportunity pass by a second time and am willing to work hard and share my story in hopes that I may attend this year. I will need your help to raise money for this potentially life-changing experience.
For 10 weeks (June 6th-August 12th, 2016), I would live in New York City and study at Stella Adler's Studio of Acting. Classes will be held at NYU (New York University). Tuition for the program is $3650. As living in NYC is expensive, I would need an additional $2350 for housing, food, and transportation around the city. I have calculated that I would need $6000 to pay for the program and support myself.
Currently, I am saving what is left of my financial aid ($800) and contacting financial aid counsellors at SFSU. With their help, I will search for scholarships/grants and am looking for a part-time job that works with my school schedule. I am doing my best to earn and save money for this opportunity.
How soon will I need the funds?
I would need the funds four weeks prior to the program by Friday, May 6th, 2016.
Why will this opportunity mean so much?
One of my parents’ greatest dreams is to grant me as many opportunities as they can. Knowing how much I love New York and its artistry, my parents helped me spend valuable time there. I was there for 5 days during Thanksgiving week 2015 and the short experience undoubtedly changed my life. I knew it would. It was my first time flying on a plane, stepping out of California, and—most importantly—experiencing something shockingly new. It is incredibly uncommon for a lady of my background to travel and study her craft. New York City will make me feel uncomfortable, which a young person needs to feel in order to grow up.
Being a Latina woman has been both a blessing and a curse. I walk into a room and am instantly labeled. I then find myself in a constant state of limbo. I ask myself, “Who am I? What am I supposed to be? Am I Hispanic? Am I American?” I understand that people are combinations of what they have endured and experienced. These things make us who we are, right? Unfortunately, living in a neighborhood in which your friends are shot or imprisoned by the system can change your complete approach to how you see and present yourself.
Acting has been helping me find the voice that I lost as a young girl. Every time I step on a stage, I am challenged to use that voice behind an invisible mask. I always imagine what I would do and create if I finally found the full power of that voice. I would manifest my experiences through art and present the world a very fresh perspective; I would teach those who will listen what I have learned; I would help those who feel frightened to speak up.
There are not enough successful, well-spoken Latina women who refuse to follow the stereotypical criteria, create electrifying, meaningful art, and use their success to restore their communities. We need more Latina women who can do these things. I believe Stella Adler’s summer conservatory and two months in New York City will hand me my voice and transform me into that proud, electrifying Latina woman I was meant to be. This opportunity would mean so much to my parents, my community, and especially me.
Thank you so, so much.