Where are they now, round FIVE: Catching up with Ariana & Jessica

Arianna
Alumna of: As You Like It
Currently at: Ball State University, Class of 2021
Studies: Theatre

Jessica
Alumna of: Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar
Currently at: DePaul University, Class of 2022
Studying: English

What field are you in/planning to go into? Why did you choose this path?

Ariana: Performance and Playwriting. I like to share stories, and I have been recently enjoying writing my own plays, but I still enjoy performing, so I thought why not combine the two.

Jessica: English Education!

What did you take from your time with CYS that has helped you in your work?

Ariana: That there are other people in the world that are not only kind and inclusive, but who also enjoy Shakespeare as much as I do.

Jessica: Manon's quote about "grabbing the audience..."

What was the most important thing to you in your CYS experience?

Ariana: The people that I experienced the program with and all of the workshops and techniques that we explored.

Jessica: Working with others, the whole innovative process when it comes to creating a show with a group of people was just incredible. Everyone was pushed to think from a new perspective.

What would you want current CYS students to know now that you did not?

Ariana: The best moments in life come from when you just let yourself be and stop worrying about what people think. When you just be yourself and share with everyone what you love and what you are skilled at. ​

Jessica: Don't hold back on what you have to offer. Be brave, be yourself and don't forget to smile when something goes wrong.