I used to read a book a day. I’d go to the school library, grab a short book, read it during class—under my desk, much to the ire of my teachers—and return it that afternoon. My imagination was filled with talking mice, aliens, knights, and pretentious children. I mastered the art of reading while walking, reading while talking, reading while eating. I would take the worlds I found in books and bring them into imaginary play. The...

A classmate posited that the phrase "ignorance is bliss" was true, and thus education was a hindrance to modern society. I disagreed. However, this conversation led me to some philosophical conclusions about why I study. I realized that God is, in part, infinite knowledge, and the purpose of life is the pursuit of that knowledge. I love creating theatre, and thus I create with diligence for I believe that it explores the emotional truth. But I also am interested in...

Throughout human history, we have told stories. We have always felt the need to create narratives that illustrate the hopes, fears, and pains of each stage of humanity. From Beowulf to Achilles to Jay Gatsby to Luke Skywalker, we have conceptualized ideas of heroism and valor and have pitted these conceptions against the evils in the world from the monster Grendel to the fascist Galactic Empire. Building off the works of Joseph Campbell and other notable folklorists, I would teach...

At my school, there is a group of kids who often descent to the basement of the Arts building to play music. Drawn from different parts of the school community, they are joined by their love of music for these informal jam sessions. While I would not say I am a musician or particularly talented in any instrument, I come to these sessions and play. Perhaps one day there is no drummer so I smash out a basic beat, or...

On the final night of the Choate Fringe 2016, we gathered in the calm, empty theatre and began to undo everything we had worked to create. Everyone — actors, directors, stage managers — packed up props, folded away costumes, and deconstructed sets. I remember collecting all the props for the play I directed when I was hit with a feeling of immense pride. I was proud of my show, that I was able to put a concrete vision on a stage. I was...

When I first visited Northwestern University as a Theatre Arts Cherub this past summer, I was awed by the beauty of the campus. I remember walking out of the Louis Theater and seeing the skyline of Chicago across Lake Michigan. I stood for a moment and took in my surroundings: just me, Chicago, and Northwestern. In this moment of tranquility, I realized that I was pulled to Northwestern, that I could see myself thriving here, and that NU could become...

I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a theatrical production, no matter what role I take. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence, and the immense pride I feel at the closing of a show reinforces that belief. I remember closing a show I directed my junior winter and being so proud of what I and my actors had created, proud...

I recently had a conversation with a fellow student at my school on the topic of ignorance. He posited that the phrase "ignorance is bliss" was true, and thus education was a hindrance to modern society. I felt otherwise. However, this conversation led me to some philosophical conclusions about why I study what I do. I realized that the conception of God is, in part, infinite knowledge, and that the purpose of life is the pursuit of that knowledge. I...

I have never lived in the same place for more than three years. Jumping between parts of New York City and Connecticut defines my life. I was born in NYC, then moved to Ridgefield, CT, then back to NYC, where I lived in three different apartments. Now I live concurrently at a boarding school in Wallingford, CT, my mom's apartment in Queens, and my dad's in the West Village. Except the last, these moves were not my choice. I chose...

I love theatre. I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. This love for all aspects of theatre is why I have chosen the Theatre Arts BFA. I started my life in theatre as an actor, but have since found joy in directing...

The title of my story would be "No More than Three" referring to the fact that I have never gone to the same school for more than three years. This constant moving has provided me both with new opportunities and some challenges. What I've learned has significantly impacted whom I am today. By having the freedom to, in a sense, reinvent myself every three years, I understood I was evolving intellectually and socially. But I also had to adapt to...

I decided to apply to the School of Dramatic Arts after visiting USC in March 2016. Walking on the campus, the environment just felt right. The feel of the campus suggested to me a strong community full of opportunities. Since I know I want to study theatre, I took a tour focused on Dramatic Arts. Walking through the performance spaces and talking to the students, I was entranced by the possibilities the school offered. I was particularly interested after being told...

Last year, I decided to start waking early. I was frustrated with my lack of time and productivity and believed that rising at six would give me the boost I craved. The first few nights I spent in bed staring at the ceiling, desperately trying to convince my body to sleep. The next morning, I would haul myself out of the warm, cozy comfort of my sheets, even as my mind begged me to return. Slowly, my body accepted this...

I love theatre. I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. This love for all aspects of theatre is why I have chosen the Theatre Studies BA. Ithaca’s program offers me the chance to work in different disciplines, the opportunity to follow...

I love theatre. I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. To that end, I have acted in many productions since I was very young, at least six in my high school career, and more recently have been involved in the technical side...

I attend a boarding school and live in a dorm with 20 boys. The best aspect of school involves living in a community of positive and loving people that feels like a family. It was for this community that I applied to be a prefect-- a senior dorm member who enforces rules, but also acts as a mentor and friend to younger students. As a prefect, I want to create that family for my prefectees and help them be better students...

Theatre is where my passion truly lies, it is where I express myself, and I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. To that end, I have acted in many productions since I was very young, at least six in my high school career,...

The summer after my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to study in Paris. I wanted to improve my French, so I applied to a study abroad program and was one of 20 students accepted. During the first week, we visited some magnificent chateaux in the Loire Valley while studying art history. I remember touring the first château, wide-eyed at the surreal beauty of the thousand-year-old architecture, and being surprised when the teacher spoke in his rapid-fire French. I was...

I have never attended the same school for more than three years. My family moved several times when I was young and this provided me with new opportunities and many challenges. I have never had the time to really develop roots anywhere, to make long-lasting friends, but by shifting social arenas, I developed the confidence to walk into any room, start a conversation, and make new friends quickly. By having the freedom to, in a sense, reinvent myself every three...

I am drawn to the BFA in Performance with a Directing Concentration because I believe it will help me develop the skills, knowledge and practical experience I need to pursue a career in this medium that I love. I believe one learns best by doing and I believe Michigan can give me many opportunities to work, in particular, through the class projects and the Basement Arts company, which I am extremely interested in. I think that to make a career...