Senior Year at Interlochen

My name is Zhivan and I just finished my junior year at Interlochen Arts Academy. I am 17 years old and I study Acting. I have loved and been involved in Theatre since I was in elementary school. Interlochen is such a fantastic opportunity for me to continue doing what I love and a stepping stone to pursuing acting at the next level.

I am fundraising for my tuition and other school-related expenses for my senior year at Interlochen. Doing well this past year has allowed me to continue to receive a generous scholarship, but I need your help and support to pay the rest of my tuition and other school-related expenses until I graduate in 2024.

This past year has truly been one of the best years of my life. I learned so much, about my craft, myself, and just about what I want in life. The friends I have made this year are honestly such a blessing. I feel that I have found the people who I, not only have made some of the best memories of my life with but also who inspire me and push me to be the best that I can be. Every experience, even the challenging ones, has reinforced my understanding that coming to Interlochen was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my life.

Theatre Highlights from last year at IAA

Shot from Kate Hamil's Dracula (pictured as Fisherman)

Interlochen has not only exposed me to productions and training but also a level of academic/college prep support that I have never received at such a high level before.

For productions, in the first semester, I understudied Jonathan and played an ensemble role in Kate Hamil's Dracula. Second semester I was a part of the rehearsal process and did understudy work for an original play by Emilio Rodriguez (who also directed the production) which was a Caribbean-inspired take on The Frog Prince. These shows were such a good experience for me in multiple ways. The production, ranging from the stage managers to the directors, to the actual design of the sets, costumes, and lights was at such a high level it motivated me to put all that I had into these shows.

Me working in the Shed (rehearsal space)

The training I have received at Interlochen over the past year has been such a game-changer for my Acting, especially with college auditions coming up next year. The Acting courses that I took throughout the year were; Introduction to European Classical Acting, Voice and Diction, Acting Technique, and Audition.

My teachers for my Acting classes were incredible. I am so lucky to be able to study and learn from some extremely wise, and talented instructors. The staff of the Theatre department is one of my favorite things about Interlochen. I feel comfortable with them, but not too comfortable. They push me to learn and grow all while feeling taken care of and at home. I just loved working with all my teachers and getting to know them in and out of classes, and I hope I can have another year of learning from them, getting to know them, and getting the training that will maximize my chances of taking Acting to the college level and beyond.

Aside from Acting classes, I also had my academics; My core classes were Precalculus, Contemporary British Literature, Social Justice, and my history, Century of Conflict. These classes were quite different from the academics I have taken. A few were similar but the level of teaching made a world of difference. At previous schools I have experienced teachers who are not invested in their student's learning, they just seemed to not care all that much. But my teachers this past year have all been so invested and they really care about us doing well in their classes and constantly show that they care.

Next year at Interlochen I am looking forward to continuing to better myself and solidify the work that I’ve done this year. I can’t wait to come back refreshed from the summer and take part in another year of learning, beautiful productions, auditioning for college, and of course, seeing my friends!

Interlochen is truly one of the best opportunities I have had in my life. It has shown me that I do want to take this longtime passion of mine to the next level. At school, they have the resources to truly help me do that. Whether it be my academic counselor helping me stay organized and on top of everything application-wise to my Audition Tech class where I’ll work one-on-one with a member of the Theatre faculty weekly to ensure the best possible pre-screens and auditions.

The life-changing experience of Interlochen does come at a price and it is pretty hefty. Although I was given a generous scholarship, it is a very expensive experience and I would like to raise this money to cover the remaining amount. This will help ease the burden on my family in terms of the tuition and the many other expenses associated with my attending the school; traveling to and from the school several times during the year, staying in Interlochen when they come to see shows (family weekend, Graduation/ Festival), tests, field trips, laundry, and college applications, the list goes on. With college expenses approaching, I would like to help my family with the remaining tuition costs as much as I can with YOUR help.

Just remember any amount helps and is highly appreciated! Even if you are unable to donate, sharing also helps.

Thank you so much for your time and generosity!

I look forward to sharing my journey with you.