Send Ella to Interlochen Fine Arts Camp

My name is Ella. I am 13 years old. I love theater. There’s something magical about stepping onto a stage, but it can be scary. Seven years ago I could never picture myself on a stage, I don’t think anyone could. I have always had a hard time talking to and being around big groups of people.

My first show was Cinderella Jr. in 2018. My mom saw that there were auditions for the show at Tecumseh Youth Theater. I said I would think about auditioning but a few weeks went by and I completely forgot about it, until we were heading back from my friend’s house. I said to my mom, “Hey, can I audition for Cinderella?” She looked back at me and said, “Auditions are tomorrow.” Well, guess what I did as soon as we got home? I practiced my little 9-year-old heart out. When I went to the audition I remember crying all the way home because I thought I completely messed up my audition. But somehow, I got a callback. This being my first audition I felt pretty special. One of my favorite memories is my mom and I walking to the TCA to check the cast list. I got cast as The Herald.

After Cinderella I learned that I loved theater and decided I was going to continue auditioning for more shows through Tecumseh Youth Theater and The Croswell Opera House. My most recent role was Chad, one of the leads, in All Shook Up. I think my favorite part about performing is that I am making a world that doesn’t follow the rules of the real world. The whole town could start dancing and singing and no one cares, it feels normal. At least it feels like that to me. It brings me joy to make a world for people to escape to. Theater also taught me how to work with a team, how to be a leader, and I even got better at talking to people. But I think the best thing that I learned from theater is that it’s ok to be me.

In December, I auditioned for the Interlochen Fine Arts Camp. And I was accepted! It’s an amazing opportunity I am so grateful for. It will allow me to spend three weeks among new theater friends focused on acting and doing something I love. I can only imagine how much I am going to learn and grow. Thankfully, I have received a scholarship to help pay for the program. Unfortunately, we still need $2,000 to cover the remaining tuition and expenses. I am hoping you can help me reach this goal with this fundraiser.

Can you help me follow my Broadway dreams?