Age: 17

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
   I started acting when I was six. They were filming a short film at my school and I remember I was interested in trying out acting. I am not sure what my motivations for trying acting were at the time, but I think I stuck with it because it gave me the chance to live a more interesting life than my own. To try adventures I could only imagine.
2. Who is your role model and why?
   I don’t think I have a specific role model, but any of my past acting teachers who have helped me further my skill and passion are role models to me.
3. What motivates you to continue to learn this art form?
   I have always loved escaping into another world. Acting is like playing out books. I find acting exciting, as each new project I work on is different than the last.
4. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
   This scholarship may help open more doors and may give me an opportunity that otherwise I would not have.
5. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
   I am a part of the Coquitlam Youth Theatre (CYT) at Place des Arts, and my teacher, Seamus Fera has allowed me to better my acting in a safe and welcoming space. I love knowing that every time I come to class, I will be able to express myself freely, without feeling judged, and Seamus makes that possible.
6. Tell us your favourite memory of Place des Arts.
   My favourite memories from Place des Arts are always when we tour the shows around schools for CYT. There isn’t a specific one, since I have so many, but being able to perform with such a large audience and spending the day with my friends is always a fun experience. I love when we perform at elementary schools since the kindergarteners’ reactions to our show are so adorable!
7. How has studying at Place des Arts inspired you?
   Studying at Place des Arts has inspired me to consider something in the field of acting in post-secondary education. Place des Arts has inspired me to continue trying different approaches to acting, and that acting doesn’t have to be just musical theatre.
8. Describe how you feel when you come to Place des Arts.
   I feel excited to start a class and see my friends again. I always come into Place des Arts with a smile.
9. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your arts education?
   We have had to approach theatre differently, which was challenging. It has kept us on our toes since we never knew when COVID restrictions were going to change. We did not get to do any live performances this year, which was really unfortunate, but without all that added pressure, I found we were able to focus more on the intricate details of theatre.