Dahlia Ballesteros

Personal Statement

Yellow. Green. Red. Pink. Purple. Blue. White. The colors I used to enhance the performance on
stage. As I sat in my chair, hiding behind my light board, I never pictured myself in front of the
spotlight. You see, I was never one to voluntarily call attention to myself. Ive always been the person
that sits in the back of the classroom. The one who chose to never give their opinion unless necessary,
until junior year.
Halfway through my freshman year, I was given the title of Light Engineer and the responsibility
to control, repair, and conduct the two-hundred seventy two lights in my schools auditorium during
school talent shows, valentine shows, concerts, etc.
At the start of junior year, I noticed the theatre director did not have a tech team for the years
upcoming play. Since Im responsible for most performances, my friend thought I can handle all of the
theatre directors demands, but I was worried I wouldnt be fully committed to school as I usually
would because of her rehearsal schedule. Even though I was scared I wasnt going to complete my
assignments, I knew that since I am organized, I can also handle the additional time commitment that
theatre had.
Without realizing it, I attended auditions thinking I was attending rehearsals because that was what
I was told and who was I to second guess anyone. After being practically forced to audition in front of a
group of people, I realized it wasnt so daunting. I was still scared and that timid little girl inside
wanted so desperately to come out but I didnt let her. Instead I pushed myself harder.
After auditions were over, our director called us back into the main room and announced our roles.
I was thrilled when I was assigned light engineer along with a senior. Since he was new to the whole
experience as light engineer, I decided to let him practice more than I should during most rehearsals.
This lead to the theatre director taking notice in my note taking on all the changes being made and she
decided to make me left stage manager while maintaining my position as light engineer.
Even with both responsibilities, I was never busy during the dance pieces that were part of the play.
My director didnt like this, she wanted everyone to be doing something productive at all times, so I
eventually became a dancer without taking into account what it actually meant: I had to perform on
stage in front of a couple hundred people. When I took this responsibility, I slowly began becoming the
person who sits in the front row, hand raised high.
Although, the first practice as a dancer was difficult for me. I was timid and didnt want people to
see me dance. The director noticed and began to push me harder. She removed me from my spot ,
behind the other dances, and placed me at the edge of the stage, where anyone in the audience can see
me. She encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone by instructing me to make my movements
bigger and . Because of this I eventually stopped worrying about whos looking at me since we were
all performing the same dance.
I learned to appreciate who I am and with this I tried my hardest to perform the dances to the best of
my ability by coming to every rehearsal, practicing out of the theatre, and asking for help when needed.
As show day was approaching, I was practicing alongside the dancers in a permanent position as a
dancer, while maintaining my responsibility as light engineer, stage manager, and a scholar.
This experience has put me in the position I now hold. I am a leader. A leader for the HOSA club,
for my companions in this years play, and a leader at home.