My graduation letter!

Dear Family, Friends, and Teachers-

After 5 years of fun, work, and busy schedules, I am finally graduating with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre! As most of you know, I already have my Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre from my 2 years of studying at Casper College in Wyoming. After leaving Casper, I transferred to the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and after 3 years I am now receiving my BFA. I have always been more of a personal type of girl, so instead of sending out the generic graudation announcements, I decided to send out a letter thanking the people who helped shape the last 5 years of my life. You are one of those people.

In the words of Blanche DuBois from A Streetcar Named Desire, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." Now, hopefully I don't end up like Blanche. And, really, none of the people reciving this letter are "strangers." But, I can tell you that I would never have been able to achieve what I have in the last 5 years without the help of you and countless other friends, family members, and teachers. For this, I am forever in your debt and I hope you all realize what an impact you have had on my life with your kindness. Honestly, words cannot convey my gratitude.

The last 5 years has been tough, but extremely rewarding. I made many, many friends who I consider my family. I met many, many teachers, bosses, and coworkers who helped guide me down a path of professionalism. And, of course, I had my family always present to help me escape the world of school and theatre for a while, de-stress, and suppported me all throughout my decision to become a performer. My time at Casper was a whirlwind of shows, late night rehearsals, and quirky friendships. My summers were spent either touring with Gypsy Theatre Company, working at theatre camps, or doing summer stock at Big Country Dinner Theatre. Those two years helped me realize that I really, honestly want to work in theatre the rest of my life. Transferring to UWSP was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Not only did I have to figure out which credits transferred, but it was also difficult to be in a new place with new people in a state I had only been to twice. But, eventually I began to make amazing friendships that will provide useful contacts for future artistic endeavors, not to mention a whole lot of fun! At UWSP, my acting and singing developed more than I could hav ever imagined. I was tested and shaped which proved difficult at times, but has made me a stronger, more confident and inspired artist. During my summers at UWSP, I dabbled into a different side of me- The Humanitarian. I worked for Project Transformation, an AmeriCorps sponsored program that puts on a summer camp for underprivileged children. I was so blessed to spent two amazing summers with PT. Not only do I feel like I helped transform lives, but I was also transformed along the way. It also helped show me why I do theatre- to tell the storied about people, to people, and hopefully transform them. In a nutshell- that was my college experience!

Now to answer the question I have been asked ever since I declared my major- What are you going to do after graduation? And all I have to say is- THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION! Honestly, I am open to wherever the wind takes me. In my life, I have always been shown where I need to go, so I have no doubt that something will turn up. As of right now, I will be going to New York City for four days with the rest of my graduating class to audition in front of 21 agents and casting directors. After I return, I attend graduation on May 19th and am lucky enough to have both my father and younger brother, Caleb, coming to Wisconsin from Colorado to celebrate with me. Then, the very next day I drive 10 hours to Brownville, Nebraska where I will perform all summer with Brownville Village Theatre. I will be playing lead and supporting roles in 1 musical and 2 plays, as well as working backstage for two other plays. If you find yourself in southeast Nebraska, consider visiting me and seeing a play or two! My contract wih BVT ends August 14th and as of right now, I do not have anything lined up to do afterwards. However, I know I will figure something out. I have applied for a few year-long AmeriCorps jobs and am looking at applying for other "survival" jobs in larger cities. My dream would be to somehow end up in Chicago with a survival job and to start auditioning, but we will just have to see what happens. If nothing pops up, I will most likely end up back in Colorado for a little bit to save up money and eventually move. But we will see where the wind decides to take me! I enjoy adventures.

In the meantime, all I ask is for your prayers, hugs, and support as I embark on a new chapter of my life. Once again, thank you for the support you have already shown me and I hope that I will make you all proud! I am going to be starting a blog all about my life and the life of a young actor trying to make it; so, if you wish, please feel free to follow my blog and my Facebook! God's blessings to you all!

Hugs, smiles, and love!
Johanna Jackson