Dear Taylor,

I wish you could see me now. It’s ten minutes before show time. I am sitting in my dressing room, surrounded by lights, applying my final touches of makeup, and going over my lines. Staring into this mirror has made me realize how extremely blessed I am. I begin to daydream and think back to where it all began. Don’t you remember?

During sixth grade year, you were introduced to performing for the first time. You attended a summer camp at the Ensemble Theatre in Houston, Texas. This camp was a program where children up to 17 years of age learned to execute their own monologue, song, and dance routines to prepare for an audition for the casting of a Young Performers Showcase. You knew you were talented in dancing and singing, but to your surprise you caught the attention of the Showcase Director who told you, you were a “natural”. He invited you to audition for their Main Stage productions. This was not a summer program for the youth anymore, the Main Stage productions were the major leagues! Do you remember being filled with emotions? Honored, yes, but to be so young and not having any other experience, it made your stomach turn. The stress of having to prepare a headshot, monologue, and song to sing just for the first day (not including call backs). This was you first step into the professional world. It was a long ride and but you buckled up for the journey ahead.

The production was “Cinderella”, and it was a huge turnout! As nerve wrecking as the audition process was, you nailed the audition and was cast as “young Cinderella”. The practices were brutal and time consuming. You had to juggle school work with shows like it was a full time job. You were living a real Cinderella Story, without the evil stepmother and sisters. Over the next several years, you continued to grow as an actor, singer and dancer in other productions and on the high school dance team. However, it was in that moment as “young Cinderella”, you realized your destiny and was provided clarity for what your final destination would be; the stage.

Where is the best stage to perform on in the world? Where is the one place that all your dreams come true? With a ticket in hand, I made that dream a reality. I actually flew to New York City! After landing at LaGuardia Airport and rushing through the crowded streets, I hopped on the subway straight to Broadway to begin pursuing my career as a professional actor.

Reminiscing about how far I have come, we have come! Thinking back to times spent working on lines and facial expressions, auditioning for productions, rehearsing for performances continue to prepare me for this moment. Taylor, don’t stop believing in yourself. Don’t stop pursuing your dream. You will get there. I promise. I have to go now, I hear a knock at the door. See you soon!

The curtain opens… Lights, Camera, Action!

With love,

Your Future