Your Story

Where does your story begin? Does it begin at a farm house in the heart of Tennessee? Or maybe you lived in Southern Florida apartment. The first 13 years of my life were spent on a lake. My parents had bought a cabin before I was born and had made it into a year round house. A large part of my story didn't take place at home or church, but on stage.

When I was 10 years old, my Mother had mentioned that the high school was looking for 3 middle schoolers to help out with the production of Sound of Music. It didn't phase me how big this was. Never did the high school ever ask for younger kids to help out in a Senior High play. After my Mother had told me how awesome and fun it would be, I decided to give it go. 

A few days later I found myself in the high school choir room. It was packed with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade girls. We were to sing "My Favorite Thing" and to dance to the song "Lonely Goatheard." Afterward I felt fine. Not having a clue if I would move on, I was ok with whatever happened. However, my Mother was cheering me on to get a part. A week later my Mother recieved a phone call, the Director said he wanted me to come in for a callback. Full of excitement we headed into callbacks. At this time they narrowed it down from 85 kids to around 20. They needed to pick out 7 that could act, sing, dance, and look like siblings. They lined us up in a row and asked 7 of us at a time to read lines. When that was done they sent us all home. Now we waited.  

The next few days would be a long few days for not only me, but for my Mother. We then recieved the call. My Director asked if I would fill the role of Gretl Von Trapp. At that time I had no idea that this would just be the beginning of an amazing life expirience.

Gretl was by far the best blessing I'd received as a child. Within the next 7 years I would get the honor to act in more than 10 theatre productions including Little Shop of Horrors, Hello Dolly, She Loves Me, Hair, and my all time favorite Once Upon a Mattress. 

Two weeks before auditions my Junior year, I lost my voice. In tears, I practiced my audition song over and over again. For some reason it just wasn't working. I finally took out my iPod and just started playing songs. I had to find one that didn't sound terrible. With my voice gone, I figured it would be best to find a song sung by a male since naturally they have deeper voices. After singing through the first 3 lines of "Son of Man" I knew this was my song.

"The power to be strong
And the wisdom to be wise,
All these things will
Come to you in time.
On this journey that you're making,
There'll be answers that you'll seek.
And it's you who'll climb the mountain,
It's you who'll reach the peak." -Phil Collins

My Junior year I was given the honor and privilege of fulfilling the part of Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress. I was able to sing, dance, and act beside some of the most talented people I know.

Theatre wasn't just part of my story but it shaped who I am today. After I graduated I was asked to perform in another show and even though it wasn't on the same stage, stage will always be my home.