Becoming the Director of My Own Story by Etta

Becoming the Director of My Own Story by Etta - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

Trying to narrow down the subject that sparked my passion for theatre education seemed impossible, until I remembered the first time I got to direct a show. My school had an event called “Night of One Acts” , a night dedicated to a select few short works directed and put on entirely by the students. I was first introduced to this event by watching my sister perform in her class’s show when I was still in Middle School. I eagerly waited until I was a sophomore and applied to direct my classes show for that year. My best friend and I co-directed a show called “The Audition” and it was the most amazing experience of my life. I have always considered directing, because as a performer I was constantly thinking about what I would do if I were playing all of the roles. After this taste I was hooked for life. I went on to direct 4 more shows before leaving High School to pursue my degree in theatre education at Emerson College.
Moving from Florida to Boston to pursue theatre was not something that gained a lot of support. Especially because it was not only theatre I was pursuing, it was education as well. While working with my peers in High School, I discovered my love for directing and teaching. Emerson College is one of the only programs that has a specified theatre education program, I knew I had to go here no matter the obstacles. Being at this school has completely changed my life. I have gotten to assistant direct a few shows at a more professional level, observe many different classroom settings around the greater Boston area, and have been able to take drama education classes which is something that no other school has. We aren’t just learning to become good teachers, we’re learning how to use theatre to teach any subject, how to make it a welcoming space for all people, how to make theatre an inclusive experience, among a million other things. These lessons are ones I never even imagined I’d be learning.
I am forever grateful to my High School program for giving students the opportunity to direct. If it weren’t for that I have no idea where I would be right now. Moving to Boston to pursue this has meant the world to me, I have made lifelong friends, incredibly valuable connections, and feel thankful to all my mentors and peers.