Our Stories

Amira first learned about the Center Stage Program from her choir teacher. After one of her school’s actors, Isaac Schultz, received a nomination for outstanding lead, the Brillion High School student saw an opportunity to step up. Amira plays an important role in her school’s theater program, as she’s in charge of the program’s publicity through social media. Amira was honored this year to submit the Student Ambassador application with an eager nudge from her teacher.

Through this opportunity, she wants to learn more of the behind-the-scenes of a nonprofit fine arts organization, because she aspires to go into communication and public relations.

“I am gaining the skills of how to use social media positively.” Amira adds, “In our generation, we have been using social media negatively, and having this experience shows me how to use it in many positive ways.”

Since Amira is from a small school, she is always thrilled to take part in every fine arts opportunity available. You might find Amira playing brass in her school’s jazz band, drums in pep band, singing her heart out as an alto in choir, editing the school yearbook, or on stage performing as the Witch from Into The Woods. Stagecraft is nothing new to Amira. In her free time, she even directs middle school and elementary performances. The opportunity as a Center Stage Student Ambassador has opened Amira’s eyes to new possibilities.

“Doing musical theater in the future is fuzzy, but I am hoping that I will do theater in college. If not, I would love to do local community theater productions. The nice thing about this program is that it really shows me how I can use my major in theater,” Amira explains.

Amira will always find ways to feed her passions of writing, taking photos and exploring different media. She has many role models in theater, but there is a certain group of seniors who will keep her creative light glowing.

“They were so welcoming and fun that I strive to be like them.”

Amira’s creative journey all started thanks to theater. One of Amira’s favorite stories growing up was Beauty and the Beast. When she was younger, she had the opportunity to see the stage adaptation and watch the Disney magic come to life in front of her young eyes.

“I remember I was so excited to get all dressed up and see one of my favorite stories in person.” Amira noted.

During the extravagant musical number of “Be Our Guest,” confetti erupted in long streams. To this day Amira still has this piece of confetti to remind her of her passion. Having the opportunity to see this magical show once again as a Center Stage Student Ambassador was a dream come true for Amira.

Written by Center Stage Ambassador Norah Boehm