Spotlight
Stories

Performer Spotlight Stories

During our 2024 Fundraiser Campaign, we featured 32 Performers and their stories of courage, resilience, strength and talent, while highlighting the profound impact of our specialized programs far Beyond the Curtains!

If you missed it during the campaign, the Spotlight Stories will remain on the website here. Please continue to share and continue supporting arts for all abilities!

Thank you and enjoy!

SPOTLIGHT STORIES

Headshot of a south asian woman with shoulder-length, wavy black hair wearing a flowery headband, a gold necklace, and a pink tank top. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Anjali.”

ANJALI

I'm thrilled to share with you how DramaWay Productions has empowered people like me to reach for the READ MORE

CONFIDENT & INDEPENDENT

Headshot of a white woman with short, curly gray hair wearing a white t-shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Joanna.”

JOANNA

DramaWay has made a huge impact on my life and helped me strengthen a lot of skills. Thanks to the READ MORE

PERSONAL GROWTH

Headshot of a white woman with shoulder-length, straight black hair wearing glasses and a white t-shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Jessica R.”

JESSICA R.

I've been part of DramaWay since I was 14 years old and it's been an amazing experience. DramaWay is READ MORE

TRIPLE THREAT

Headshot of a white man with curly blond hair and a beard wearing glasses and a white t-shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Matthieu.”

MATTHIEU

When I first joined DramaWay, I didn’t realize how much it would help me gain skills I could apply to so READ MORE

SELF-CONFIDENT

Headshot of a woman with chin-length, straight brown hair wearing glasses and a blue shirt with black stripes. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Karen.”

KAREN

I've noticed that I feel more confident in my independence and I have maintained strong relationships READ MORE

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Headshot of a white man with short black hair wearing glasses and a blue and white plaid shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Victor.”

VICTOR

DramaWay has provided me with a safe and supportive environment where I can fully express myself READ MORE

SELF-EXPRESSION

Headshot of a white woman with shoulder-length, straight brown hair wearing a black shirt with a sparkly striped design. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Jenna.”

JENNA

DramaWay has helped me build up a strong sense of confidence in myself that I bring to lots of parts of my life. READ MORE

FEELING VALUED & LOVED

Headshot of a white man with neck-length, straight brown hair and bangs wearing glasses and blue button up shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Lindsey C.”

LINDSEY C.

DramaWay has given me self-confidence in my abilities, which has allowed me to take on leadership READ MORE

LEADER & TEAM PLAYER

Headshot of a woman with chin-length, straight black hair wearing a pink shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Monica.”

MONICA

DramaWay helps to make you feel empowered, included, and it builds a really supportive community. For READ MORE

SPEAKING UP & OUT

Headshot of a man with short black hair hair wearing a grey sweatshirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Dariush.”

DARIUSH

DramaWay helps to make you feel empowered, included, and it builds a really supportive community. For READ MORE

DECISION-MAKING

Headshot of a white woman with brown hair tied up in a bun wearing glasses, a striped black and white shirt, a fuzzy black jacket, and a tiara. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Hailey.”

HAILEY

It has helped me discover new things and made me feel a real sense of belonging with the group of friends, READ MORE

TRUE VALUE & PURPOSE

Headshot of a white woman with chin-length blond hair wearing a light green shirt that has a green and white flower design. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Betsy.”

BETSY

DramaWay has given me the confidence to pursue my interests and engage with others in READ MORE

PURSUING MY DREAMS

ALDENE

Having a sense of independence and being able to contribute to my community means a lot to READ MORE

THINKING POSITIVELY

Headshot of a white woman with long, curly brown hair wearing a white t-shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Melissa.”

MELISSA

I feel really safe in my DramaWay classes, and it makes me feel good that all the facilitators and READ MORE

ACCEPTED & INCLUDED

Headshot of a white man with short brown hair and a mustache wearing glasses and a grey dress shirt, suit jacket, and tie. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Andrew C.”

ANDREW C.

DramaWay isn't just a place I go to do classes, it’s like my second family; my home away from home. We are a READ MORE

EXPLORING MY PASSIONS

Headshot of a man with short black hair and a beard wearing a grey sweatshirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Abdullah.”

ABDULLAH

DramaWay has not only helped me develop my performance skills, it has also allowed me to expand my social READ MORE

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES

Headshot of a white woman with shoulder-length, straight brown hair wearing glasses and a grey, plaid shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Ariana.”

ARIANA

Being in the DramaWay classes has helped me in lots of different ways, including my confidence with READ MORE

AN EVERLASTING IMPACT

Headshot of a white woman with shoulder-length, wavy blond hair wearing a light blue t-shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Lindsey T.”

LINDSEY T.

DramaWay has shown me how to be patient and work well with different people. DramaWay has READ MORE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Headshot of a white woman with long, curly brown hair wearing a flowery pink and green shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Madison.”

MADISON

Since joining DramaWay, I've become more independent, confident, and capable of advocating for READ MORE

CONTRIBUTING MY VOICE

Headshot of a white man with short brown hair wearing glasses and a red shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Andrew H.”

ANDREW H.

It’s been a safe, friendly, and inclusive space that has let me develop my acting and public speaking skills. READ MORE

COMMUNITY & CONNECTION

Headshot of a white man with short brown hair and wearing a black dress shirt with white polka dots and a tan suit jacket. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Kaedin.”

KAEDIN

DramaWay has, without a doubt, helped me become more confident, especially when it comes to READ MORE

STRONG STAGE PRESENCE

Headshot of a white woman with shoulder-length, curly brown hair wearing glasses, a purple headband, earrings, and a black shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Candice.”

CANDICE

Being a part of DramaWay has given me the confidence to express myself and showcase my talents on READ MORE

UNLOCKING MY CREATIVITY

Headshot of a white woman with short, wavy brown hair wearing a white tank top. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Christine.”

CHRISTINE

I've become more motivated to improve my acting abilities, and I'm always excited to attend programs READ MORE

FEARLESS PERFORMER

Headshot of a white woman with shoulder-length, curly brown hair wearing glasses, a grey hat, and a black tank top. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Juliana (JD).”

JULIANA (JD)

It taught me lots of social skills that have helped me make friends and get along with others. I’ve READ MORE

SHINING BRIGHTLY

Headshot of a white man with short brown hair and wearing a green bow tie and a white dress shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Jason.”

JASON

These skills have made me feel more confident to navigate social situations and engage with others in my READ MORE

ADVOCACY & INITIATIVE

Headshot of a black man with very short black hair wearing glasses and a grey shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Nathan.”

NATHAN

It has given me the confidence to interact with others, improved my communication skills, and READ MORE

MOTIVATION & PRIDE

Headshot of a white woman with short, curly brown hair wearing glasses and a pink shirt with a flower design. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Heather.”

HEATHER

I really feel that DramaWay is about breaking boundaries and discovering your true potential. There READ MORE

FULL POTENTIAL

Headshot of a white woman with long, blond hair tied in a braid and wearing a teal sweatshirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Jessica L.”

JESSICA L.

I find myself being more upbeat, energetic, and communicative, which is something I've READ MORE

EXCITED ABOUT LIFE

Headshot of a white woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing a black shirt and a red blazer. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Nicole.”

NICOLE

DramaWay has given me the space to be myself, to express who I am, and to know when to take time for READ MORE

AUTHOR & ADVOCATE

Headshot of a white woman with long, straight blond hair wearing glasses and a marn sweatshirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Brigid.”

BRIGID

DramaWay's given me the confidence to pursue my passions and the discipline to prioritize my READ MORE

JOYFUL MUSICAL OUTLET

Headshot of a white woman with chin-length, curly blond hair and wearing an owl mask on her forehead and an orange shawl. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Grace.”

GRACE

I am learning to manage my emotions, prepare for the workforce and work on my independent READ MORE

EMPATHY & RESPECT

Headshot of a white woman with long, straight brown hair and wearing a purple button up shirt. The headshot is framed with red theatre curtains and has text that says “Beyond the curtains with Kimmy.”

KIMMY

DramaWay has given me a sense of great pride and confidence that I carry with me wherever I go, READ MORE

PRACTICE & HARD WORK