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Ciara Hargrove

935

Bold Points

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Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Hello! My name is Ciara Hargrove, I am 21 years old, and I am a native resident of Washington DC (yes I know it's rare, but it's true! I am a born and bred DC native). I am an aspiring black female artist who is currently attending The Hartt School to pursue my intention of being an actress. Having the ability to attend one of my top schools has been a dream, considering the financial hardships my mom and I have endured over the years. With my father not being in the picture for most of my life, I have watched my single mom sacrificed so much to get me to where I am today. As a result, I actively try to provide as much relief as I can for her through scholarships and a promise commitment to my passion. While at Hartt, I take advantage of every opportunity I can and actively dedicate my time and energy to the life that I see for myself post-graduation. My career will be one that advocates for diversity and inclusion for performers of color, provides inspiration for future generations going into this business, and most importantly, radiates and spreads joy. Upon establishing myself in the industry, I want to move towards education and philanthropy so that others may enter into this business with the necessary tools for success that I did not have growing up.

Education

University of Hartford

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Musical Theatre

National Cathedral School

High School
2016 - 2020

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Performing Arts

    • Dream career goals:

      non-profit leader, teacher, and director

    • Employee

      Here's The Scoop
      2019 – Present5 years
    • Cathedral Chorister

      The Washington National Cathedral
      2014 – 20206 years

    Sports

    Field Hockey

    Junior Varsity
    2017 – 2017

    Arts

    • Theatre Lab

      Theatre
      A Chorus Line, Public Theatre's Twelfth Night, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Kid's Table, Children of Eden
      2016 – Present
    • The Fredericktowne Players

      Theatre
      A Chorus Line , Cabaret
      2017 – 2018
    • Camp Broadway

      Theatre
      New York Pop's Annual Birthday Gala (2016-19)
      2016 – 2019
    • The Washington School of Ballet

      Dance
      The Washington School of Ballet Nutcracker
      2006 – 2017
    • Washington National Cathedral Choristers

      Music
      Handel's Messiah at the National Cathedral, Britten's Ceremony of Carols at the National Cathedral, Senator John McCain's Funeral at the National Cathedral , Former President George W. Bush's Funeral at the National Cathedral, Howell's and Mozart's Requiem at the National Cathedral, Bach's Mass in B Minor at the National Cathedral
      2014 – 2020
    • Washington National Cathedral Choristers

      Music
      Handel's Messiah at the National Cathedral, Britten's Ceremony of Carols at the National Cathedral, Vivaldi's Gloria at the National Cathedral
      2019 – 2020
    • Troupe 7834 with the International Thespian Society

      Theatre
      Midsummer, Leader of the Pack, Antigone, Titanic, Laramie Project, Urinetown, Spring One Acts
      2017 – 2020
    • St. Albans/National Cathedral School

      Theatre
      Once Upon a Mattress, Alice in Wonderland, Panto of the Opera
      2016 – 2019
    • Troupe 7834 with the International Thespian Society

      Theatre
      Laramie Project, Urinetown
      2019 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Anna Julia Cooper Charter School — Volunteer
      2014 – 2020
    • Volunteering

      A Wider Circle — Volunteer
      2016 – 2020
    • Volunteering

      Buddy Break — Volunteer
      2018 – 2019

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Kozakov Foundation Fellowship for Creatives
    Winner
    Everyone has a memorable ride-share experience; TikTok creators have even made it a global hashtag. For me, my most memorable ride involved being asked a simple question, “Why are you pursuing a career in acting?” This was when I realized the magnitude of my passion - I realized at that moment that I am pursuing acting because there’s no backup plan in my life; there is no career option or subject matter that makes my heart flutter in the same way the thought of standing on a stage after weeks of preparation to deliver my memorized lines to audience members. The energy of transforming lives through art expression keeps my passion burning, even after rejection. As I rode home with the stranger who was only attempting to make small talk by asking me why I wished to be an actor, I realized how fortunate I am to have experienced the power of storytelling and the value it can make one feel. Through storytelling, I create my realities as a neurotypical Black girl not shown in popular media. I can become a beacon of representation while rewriting stereotypical stories by telling my own stories. To work towards this dream, I am currently in three musicals: Kinky Boots and Jesus Christ Superstar (ensemble) and a lead role (Sandy) in SpongeBob. I wish for my acting dreams to come to fruition as a Broadway performer and later commit to a career of service to teach underdeveloped children the art of acting and dance. With a platform on Broadway, I aim to inspire young girls who look like me to dream big and pave their destinies. Through the pursuit of my dream to be an actor, I hope to cross someone’s mind when asked the question, “Why are you pursuing a career in acting?