The show goes on! Students looking to pursue performing arts careers put in years of hard work and preparation, and for senior Audrey Navarrete, this work ethic leads her from Brookline to the Big Apple this fall.
After years of acting and performing in musicals, Navarrete has committed to New York University Tisch School of the Arts for theater.
Navarrete performed music and dance before her foray into the acting world in fifth grade, when she began taking acting classes and performing in school plays.
“Once I performed, I realized how fun it was, and I loved being able to make the character my own. Since then, I haven’t really stopped doing shows,” Navarrete said.
According to Navarrete, getting to collaborate with industry professionals at a summer theater program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts helped her realize that she wanted to take acting beyond the high school level.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting to get in, so I was really shocked. At the same time, I felt incredibly relieved. The audition process for acting and musical theater programs is very intense, so getting accepted felt like a huge weight off my shoulders,” Navarrete said. “Since I applied early decision, it was my first choice, which made it even more exciting.”
Senior Abby O’Halloran became friends with Navarrete during their freshman performance of “Oz”, and has acted alongside Navarrete throughout high school. O’Halloran said she often jokes about wanting to be like Navarrete when she grows up, and is inspired by her talent.
“She’s an incredible actor. The second she steps on stage, she completely commands attention. She brings so much energy and fun to every role, whether it’s Velma in “Chicago” or another character entirely. She brings parts of herself into each role but still makes every character feel distinct,” O’Halloran said.
She said she’s excited to grow as an artist.
“At Tisch, I will have many opportunities to grow. I’m a little nervous, which I think is normal, but mostly excited, especially to meet people who are just as passionate about performing as I am,” Navarrete said. “I’m also excited to work with faculty who are currently active in professional productions, as directors and working actors. That kind of mentorship is really inspiring.”
O’Halloran said that she is grateful for the memories she has shared with Navarrete throughout high school, and that Navarrete’s kindness and passion will serve her well.
“She’s going to do amazing things at Tisch and beyond because of how she treats people, how hard she works and how much she loves what she does,” O’Halloran said. “I truly can’t picture it going any other way for her.”
