A Dream No Longer Deferred
Donation protected
Healing Through the Arts
There became a point in my life when I realized that my past and current accomplishments were merely additions to my resume. During 2014, I successfully completed the Public Health Leadership and Learning Undergraduate Student Success (PLLUSS) program through the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, and was crowned Miss College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS). While both accomplishments were significant and enjoyable, I realized that there was still a void.
It is without coincidence that I mention these accomplishments, as 2014 bore the untimely passing of my mother. Her passing left me shocked and devastated. Generally, I lacked motivation, faith, energy, and felt incomplete by her absence. Often times, her absence over-shadowed my accomplishments. In the midst of my grief, I began my journey to self-discovery, or perhaps a rediscovery of self. It was at my lowest moments, emotionally, that 'the arts' inspired and motivated me to turn my story into a testimony.
During the fall semester of 2014, I had the pleasure of returning to the stage, my truest passion. The role of Charlaine Woodard in the Vagabond Theater's run of Ain't Misbehavin', marked the rebirth of my love for musical theater. Regularly, I managed an extensive class schedule and workload, commitments associated with my title as Miss CNAHS, and rehearsals and performances. No matter the strains or stresses of the day, performing at ‘America’s oldest continuing little theater’ cast a shadow on daily responsibilities and commitments. My experience with the cast and crew of Ain't Misbehavin' was a tactful balance of love and discipline, which groomed me to focus and protect my craft.
Amidst my role in Ain’t Misbehavin’, I was able to draw from my technical training at the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), a magnet secondary school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Recounting my role as Joanne Jefferson in GAMP’s 2012 production of Rent. The compilation of roles and experiences, both at GAMP and the Vagabond Theater, affirmed my undeniable passion for musical theater. It is this passion that became my source of peace, joy, and fulfillment, despite the tragedy I faced.
At the beginning of my undergraduate career in 2012, at Howard University, I had a plan, and was ready to execute. In 2014, MY plan was steered off course; God had something BIGGER in mind. Through him I’ve found my unique ‘light’, which I hope, is illuminated through my craft. Today, I humbly share with you my story, in hopes that YOU will assist in the manifestation of my dream and acumination of my gift. I am calling friends, family, and acquaintances to help me in reaching my goal of $5,000 to cover the costs of tuition and living expenses for Cap21, a summer professional musical theatre training program. The 6-week program, as stated on its website (cap21.org) and shown through its reputation, “provides a diverse curriculum to develop the skills needed to become a well-balanced performer in all disciplines of musical theatre.” Cap21 supports courses such as Acting/Scene Technique, Dance (jazz/theatre dance, tap, and ballet), Music Theory, Audition Technique, and Business of Theatre, all of which will further enhance my repertoire and propel my career forward.
I truly appreciate any donation, big or small, and every bit of encouragement.
There became a point in my life when I realized that my past and current accomplishments were merely additions to my resume. During 2014, I successfully completed the Public Health Leadership and Learning Undergraduate Student Success (PLLUSS) program through the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, and was crowned Miss College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS). While both accomplishments were significant and enjoyable, I realized that there was still a void.
It is without coincidence that I mention these accomplishments, as 2014 bore the untimely passing of my mother. Her passing left me shocked and devastated. Generally, I lacked motivation, faith, energy, and felt incomplete by her absence. Often times, her absence over-shadowed my accomplishments. In the midst of my grief, I began my journey to self-discovery, or perhaps a rediscovery of self. It was at my lowest moments, emotionally, that 'the arts' inspired and motivated me to turn my story into a testimony.
During the fall semester of 2014, I had the pleasure of returning to the stage, my truest passion. The role of Charlaine Woodard in the Vagabond Theater's run of Ain't Misbehavin', marked the rebirth of my love for musical theater. Regularly, I managed an extensive class schedule and workload, commitments associated with my title as Miss CNAHS, and rehearsals and performances. No matter the strains or stresses of the day, performing at ‘America’s oldest continuing little theater’ cast a shadow on daily responsibilities and commitments. My experience with the cast and crew of Ain't Misbehavin' was a tactful balance of love and discipline, which groomed me to focus and protect my craft.
Amidst my role in Ain’t Misbehavin’, I was able to draw from my technical training at the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), a magnet secondary school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Recounting my role as Joanne Jefferson in GAMP’s 2012 production of Rent. The compilation of roles and experiences, both at GAMP and the Vagabond Theater, affirmed my undeniable passion for musical theater. It is this passion that became my source of peace, joy, and fulfillment, despite the tragedy I faced.
At the beginning of my undergraduate career in 2012, at Howard University, I had a plan, and was ready to execute. In 2014, MY plan was steered off course; God had something BIGGER in mind. Through him I’ve found my unique ‘light’, which I hope, is illuminated through my craft. Today, I humbly share with you my story, in hopes that YOU will assist in the manifestation of my dream and acumination of my gift. I am calling friends, family, and acquaintances to help me in reaching my goal of $5,000 to cover the costs of tuition and living expenses for Cap21, a summer professional musical theatre training program. The 6-week program, as stated on its website (cap21.org) and shown through its reputation, “provides a diverse curriculum to develop the skills needed to become a well-balanced performer in all disciplines of musical theatre.” Cap21 supports courses such as Acting/Scene Technique, Dance (jazz/theatre dance, tap, and ballet), Music Theory, Audition Technique, and Business of Theatre, all of which will further enhance my repertoire and propel my career forward.
I truly appreciate any donation, big or small, and every bit of encouragement.
Organizer
Summer Hill
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA