Lights, Camera, Action by Kamdyn

Lights, Camera, Action by Kamdyn - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

My heart pounded as the curtains opened, and the stage lights slowly shone upon me like the rising sun in the first hours of the morning. From that defining moment, I was hooked on the exhilarating feeling of being on stage and telling magical stories through other people's eyes and perspectives. While competing in UIL One Act Play for the last 4 years for my school, however, I have realized that while all art forms are important, acting is my true calling and what sets my soul on fire; consequently, I want to share this passion and the lessons I’ve learned from this awe inspiring craft with the world at large while showcasing that young people from small town USA’s dreams do not have to fit within the confines of their city limits. Upon graduation, I want to return to my hometown to offer theater and art workshops to students and ultimately offer scholarships to support young people pursuing the arts that are often underfunded and overlooked.

Art in general, but more specifically acting, has helped me to think about many different topics and people in a variety of ways from various perspectives. To date, I have played an English female boxer in the 1800s vying for women's rights and an opportunity to showcase her talents in a male dominated sport, a young, religious small town American woman in the 1950s trying to find her place in her family and the world, a young barrel racer on her way to being a world champion and faced with the difficult decision of how to navigate an unexpected pregnancy and most recently, a special education teacher aiding a young man with autism solve a mystery. These roles have not only opened my eyes to the hardships and triumphs of people from all different walks of life, but they have also made me realize that the people we tend to think are the most different from us have one defining and unifying thread. The basic human experience, and the struggle to overcome obstacles and our circumstances is what binds us together and unifies us. Through my interpretation of the characters I portray, I can give the audience a glimpse into what circumstances others face and find the link that binds them to that character in a world that seems fixated on trying to highlight our differences instead of our basic commonalities. Art has the power to strengthen the connections we form and help us be more cognizant and compassionate to the plights of others. Being an actress and artist have opened my eyes and heart to the complexities we all face, and I will inspire others to do the same using this wonderful craft as a conduit.

Since my feet first hit the stage in 2021, there has been no doubt in my mind that acting and theater are what I was called to do. With each role I perform and character I portray, I am not only growing as an actress but most importantly, as a person. I am more aware of and compassionate to people and the situations they may be facing. Acting has forced me to reach beyond my small town bubble and connect with different people from all walks of life with varying circumstances. I am eternally grateful for the lessons this craft has given me and the ways it continues to grow and stretch me as a person and citizen of the world.