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This essay is dedicated to all the incredible Drama teachers and directors who have mentored me over the years, especially Donna McKenna-Crook, who will always hold an enormous spot in my heart for all the love and dedication to both the craft and to her students. She trusted us and gave us so many opportunities to stretch our dramatic muscles in all kinds of ways; the time and energy she poured into A.C. Flora High School’s Drama program made it one of the best in the state. I owe so much of my knowledge (and more!) to her.
(Oh, and I use “theater” and “theatre” interchangeably).
Image: Me as Isabella, in some theatre, somewhere in the world, 1997.