Scholarship Essays for College Admissions

I remember the exact moment. I was on my way to my 8th grade Honors English class. I felt someone tap my shoulder and heard her say “Hey, Gretl!” At first I was confused, but I soon realized what she was talking about. “What? The cast list is up?” I asked eagerly. Auditions for the musical, The Sound of Music, had been held earlier that week. I would be a freshman the next fall, and so with great ambition and excitement, I had auditioned. When I received the news that I would be playing Gretl, I was incredibly excited. Sure, I had gotten decent roles in the past, but this was High School, and I was a freshman!

I was ecstatic! I felt so accomplished to have scored such a great role as a freshman. It really all started when I was still in diapers. I would sit in my stroller in the back of the theater and watch my parents, both actors, work. Of course I don’t remember any of this, but I strongly believe that this early experience is what first sparked my interest in theater.

My first on-stage role was in the children’s chorus of SUNY Brockport’s production of Cabaret when I was five. Other roles included Ollie in Pandora’s Box, and Fagin’s Gang in a production of Oliver!, both at SUNY Brockport. In 6th grade, I played Bielke, the youngest daughter in Fiddler on the Roof. I was young, and so I was cast into young roles. However, as I grew up, my characters stayed young and I began to worry that I might play a child for the rest of my life. Junior year for me came with great expectations. I was an upperclassman, a seasoned actor, and a role model to some. I knew that this was my year to shine. When it was announced that we would perform Into the Woods, I immediately imagined myself as Little Red Riding Hood. No one had as much experience playing kids as I did - however, before auditions, I began to reconsider. Why did I want to be Little Red so badly? It wasn’t the lead role, and I’ve played children all my life.

Why couldn’t I be the Baker’s Wife or the Witch? The day the cast list was posted, I began to doubt whether I would have a role at all. Had I been too quick to cast myself as Little Red? Despite my uncertainty, I did land the role of Little Red. As it turns out, it was a very rewarding experience for me. It was much more than putting on the “cute face” and acting like a child. This role demanded a deeper character, relying on more than instinct. I had to be somebody with real opinions and problems. In the spring we found out that Into the Woods received many nominations from an awards program based loosely on the Tony Awards, known as Stars of Tomorrow. I found out that not only were we nominated for best show, but I was nominated as best actress - one of only five actresses nominated from over fifteen schools in the Rochester area.”Hey, ANNIE,” I heard someone call. That was the first time, but not the last.

I heard it almost every day after that. It had been announced that we would be doing Annie my senior year, and everyone told me that I would be Annie. I’d never had the lead before, so the thought of having that opportunity was a pleasing one. I reflected upon the past 3 years. I was always the little kid. No one could ever look past my short stature and cast me as a character that was older than 12! At call-backs, they lined up the girls by height, auditioned the shortest girls for orphan roles, and the taller ones for the adult roles. I didn’t have the slightest chance of playing one of the adult roles. I never complained about this, because I felt lucky just to have the opportunity to get a good part. One of the most important things I have learned in my experience in theatre is that attitude and motivation is everything.

If someone is arrogant or hard to work with, their odds of getting a good role are slight. In the four high school musicals, I played a child in every one. I’m petite at 5′2″, so it was easy to stick me in the role of a little kid. If I had complained constantly about playing the child, I doubt I would have gotten any part at all in future shows.Reading the cast list, I found that I would be, like everyone had predicted, Annie. Like Little Red, this role demanded more than just the “little kid act.” Annie really did have real emotions and goals and I grew as an actor playing this role. I felt what it was like to “carry” a show. As I stood backstage waiting for my curtain call, I felt complete bliss. Hard work and dedication had gotten me this far. Long rehearsals, learning lines, working with other actors, and trying to improvise when the dumb dog wouldn’t come when called, were all factors which led to this moment of elation. I thought about how I had been a big sister to the younger students, and a steadfast friend and supporter to others.

I thought about all of the other roles I had played. Suddenly I knew! I deserved this! I stepped out onto the stage, heard the roar of the audience’s applause, and accepted it with the utmost appreciation. Perhaps playing all those kid parts really did prepare me for Annie. Perhaps they were more of a blessing and less of a curse than I had thought. Taking the last bow on opening night was exhilarating-one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced - and one that I will work hard to experience again and again.