Mary Kathryn Brown
2020 Musical Theatre Scholarship Recipient
Mary Kathryn has cherished her childhood memories of being on stage, where she found joy in the exhilaration of the overture, the magic of trying on costumes, and the intimate moments shared with her castmates. With seven years of training under her belt, Mary Kathryn has dedicated herself to developing the skills required for a successful career in theatre, with a particular passion for acting. Through the art of acting, she finds a deep connection to her inner self, allowing her to authentically live through imaginary circumstances. Mary Kathryn's journey in theatre has taught her the importance of pushing past mental barriers and achieving seemingly impossible goals.
The Children's Theatre of Charlotte's Musical Theatre Conservatory has played a pivotal role in Mary Kathryn's training. Over the course of two years, she has learned to deconstruct songs, explore various aspects of theatre, build confidence in her singing abilities, and embrace vulnerability on stage. However, Mary Kathryn now seeks to shift her focus towards honing her skills in straight acting, delving into the core of her craft. To facilitate this growth, she is drawn to the UNCSA Drama Summer Intensive, which offers a diverse curriculum covering acting for the camera, musical theatre, directing, improvisation, stage combat, Shakespeare, and college audition preparation. Through this program, Mary Kathryn aims to overcome her self-critical tendencies and learn techniques that will allow her to trust her instincts and deliver honest performances.
Despite her continuous pursuit of improvement, Mary Kathryn occasionally loses sight of the true essence of theatre. Nevertheless, she remains captivated by the power of storytelling and how it connects people from different backgrounds. She recognizes the collaborative effort that goes into creating captivating plays and musicals, where actors and audience members alike can immerse themselves in the lives of compelling characters. This profound connection extends not only to the audience but also to the bonds formed within the theatrical community, as each team comes together to bring a new show to life, forging a new family in the process.