When I was attending BYU-Idaho in 2011, I was able to go on my first trip to NYC with a small group of theatre professors and students. I had always wanted to see the big city--to see all the famous sites and Broadway musicals. I was also able to have a little weekend getaway there in 2017 while my husband was deployed in Iraq. I went with my sister-in-law (her first time). Her husband's sister, who thankfully knew her way around, came with us as well. If you are planning a t

I was a Theatre/Speech Education major for part of my college education (I took about 14 credits). In 2012, I had the opportunity to volunteer as an intern for a few months at The School of Dramatic Arts in Carmel, CA—also known as SoDA. The program is through Pacific Repertory Theatre Company. Various classes are held for kids of all ages, at an indoor theatre, underneath the “Outdoor Forest Theatre” stage. I was able to observe and learn from various theatre instructors who

In August 2015, I had the amazing opportunity to compete in a vocal competition hosted by LDS recording artist Jenny Phillips, where I also attended some workshops presented by other music industry professionals, including well-renowned producer/songwriter Tyler Castleton. At the time, Jenny was only holding these workshops and competition every 3-5 years, in Utah--and though I was living in Montana, I happened to be visiting my parents, just a few hours away from where it wa

Music influences our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is designed a certain way to allow us to feel different emotions and moods, as well as serve as a way to express ourselves and simply enjoy something beautiful. MUSIC.... 1. Acts as a change agent, where we use it to go from a non-desired psychological state to a desired one (for example, we go from stressed to relaxed, or from low motivation to high motivation). Music also intensifies or helps with the expression of

In the summer of 2009, I auditioned for Season 9 of American Idol in Denver (the season Lee DeWyze won). I had just finished my first semester of college in Idaho and decided to make it a fun road trip, going with two friends from high school in California for support. As a young small town girl, with very little traveling experience at the time (especially being kind of on my own essentially), seeing the "big city" was exciting and new. Auditions took place at the Mile High