Arianna Gardiner

2014 Theatre Scholarship Recipient

Arianna, a talented 16-year-old, attends the Ruth Asawa School of The Arts and is deeply involved in their theater department. Growing up, Arianna had a natural inclination towards performing. Even as a young child, she would put on one-woman shows and sing for her family. Unfortunately, her father's tragic murder when she was five years old left a void in her life. Despite the hardship, Arianna's mother played a crucial role in keeping her occupied and engaged, encouraging her to pursue her passion for dance. Arianna's dance group achieved remarkable success, winning first place gold in the Showstoppers dance competition in both San Mateo and Los Angeles. Her mother remained a constant source of support throughout.

As she grew older and began to form her own opinions about life, problems at home began to impact her school performance. It wasn't until the eighth grade when Arianna enrolled in a drama class elective that she rediscovered her passion for the arts. Landing a leading role in the play "The New Vampire in Town" provided her with a transformative experience, prompting her decision to attend art school.

A turning point came when Arianna auditioned and was accepted into the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), where she was recognized as a California arts scholar. This reaffirmed her dedication to pursuing a future in the performing arts. More recently, she auditioned for and received acceptance into a summer program at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, supported by AQF scholarship. For Arianna, performing arts is not just an outlet for her emotions and physical expression; it has become an integral part of her life, illuminating her path towards a bright future.