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Savannah Jones

965

Bold Points

2x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My life goals include continuously developing my skills as a stage manager and communicator, while also expanding my knowledge and understanding of different cultures and languages. I am committed to creating inclusive and accessible environments within the arts industry, and I hope to use my skills and experience to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I am most passionate about the intersection of arts and accessibility, and the role that communication plays in creating inclusive and empowering experiences for all individuals. I believe that the arts have the power to bring people together and create meaningful connections, and I am eager to contribute to this mission in my career. As a great candidate for scholarship opportunities, I bring a unique combination of skills and experience to the table. My proficiency in sign language communication skills allows me to connect with a wider audience, and my experience as a production assistant/stage manager has provided me with valuable insight into the inner workings of the arts industry. I am a dedicated and hardworking individual who is committed to making a positive impact in the world, and I believe that a scholarship would provide me with the resources and support necessary to achieve my goals and continue to grow as a professional.

Education

Montclair State University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Minors:
    • American Sign Language

Middlesex County Vocational Technical High School Piscataway

High School
2021 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Performing Arts

    • Dream career goals:

    • Production assistant

      Pixie Dust Players LLC
      2017 – Present7 years

    Arts

    • Pixie dust players

      Performance Art
      no
      2017 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      New Jersey Special Olympics — Time keep
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Phil Murphy Technical Theater Scholarship
    As a young woman with a passion for theatre and design, the possibility of attending Montclair State University to pursue my dream of becoming a professional stage manager excites me. My fascination with theater began at a young age, when I was first exposed to the thrill of live performance and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making each performance a success. My passion for theatre got stronger as I grew older, and I knew I wanted to work in this fascinating and dynamic area. However, I was aware that achieving this goal would necessitate a substantial investment of time, effort, and resources. That is why I am so glad for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, which would provide much-needed assistance while I pursue my educational and professional aspirations. If I am given this scholarship, the cash will be used to pay for my dorm room at Montclair State University. Because I intend to live in a dorm for all four years of my Bachelor's degree program in theater technical design, this financial assistance would be critical in assisting me in covering the costs of this important aspect of my education. Without this assistance, I would face tremendous financial stress and uncertainty, which could jeopardize my ability to focus on my education and pursue my professional goals. As a theatre technical design student, I'm excited to learn about all parts of stage management, from lighting and sound to set design and costume design. This degree at Montclair State University, I feel, will equip me with the skills, knowledge, and experience I need to flourish as a professional stage manager in the theatre industry. I am certain that this program will equip me for a happy and successful job because of its challenging curriculum, experienced professors, and emphasis on hands-on learning. Finally, I want to use my theatrical skills and passion to make a difference in the profession and in the world. Theatre, I believe, has the capacity to unite people, to stimulate creativity and invention, and to build empathy and understanding. I aim to be a part of this revolutionary work as a stage manager, creating memorable and powerful productions that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Finally, I'd like to offer my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. If granted, it would give crucial support as I pursue my educational and career objectives, as well as assist me in making the most of the possibilities available to me at Montclair State University. I am delighted about the opportunities that await me, and I look forward to contributing to the vibrant and dynamic community of theatre artists and professionals in the coming years.
    Janean D. Watkins Overcoming Adversity Scholarship
    I could write a sob story about being bullied for being overweight or how my dad passed at a young age but the truth is those experiences prepared me for the future. I never once let hateful words or grief distract me from my goals. I want to focus on my determination instead. My academic career has been anything but traditional, characterized by numerous school transfers. Being deprived of the stability that many people take for granted, I had to maneuver my way through a variety of learning environments, each with its own special set of obstacles. After leaving an uncertified district, I faced opposition when my new school suggested delaying me. Being unwilling to jeopardize my socialization, my mother fiercely disagreed and chose to homeschool me for two years. Even though it was unorthodox, the time away from traditional education turned out to be transformative. By the time I reentered the formal education system in sixth grade, I found myself grappling with a significant academic gap—four to five grade levels behind my peers. Relentlessly, I confronted this obstacle head-on, and my present school worked with me to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that provided the necessary accommodations for my learning disability. However, navigating middle school wasn't without its difficulties. Many teachers would just hand me a calculator or ignore my poor language and spelling instead of attending to my learning needs. A tipping point was reached in high school when teachers grew less forgiving. Some questioned my skills, creating an atmosphere that occasionally made me feel less intelligent. Even though I had moments of uncertainty, I persisted because I was determined to get past the challenges that seemed to stand in the way of my academic success. I resisted letting hardship define me, even in the face of the pandemic's extraordinary obstacles. I received straight As in my sophomore year of high school, which is evidence of my unwavering dedication to excellence. I made my way through a world that frequently didn't appear to be prepared for people like me. Rather than shying away from problems, I have learned to embrace adversity, viewing each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Despite being unorthodox, my journey has presented me with resiliency and tenacity that keeps me moving forward. I'm standing on the edge of the future, certain that I can handle all of the unexpected twists and turns that lie ahead since I've gained invaluable insights from overcoming adversity.
    Kathryn Graham "Keyport's Mom" Scholarship
    I am a dedicated and passionate individual with a strong interest in theatre. As I work toward my bachelor's degree in Theater, Technical, and Design, I am constantly striving to not only better myself, but also to make a positive impact on the world around me through my goals and career. I knew from a young age that I belonged in the theater. I was enthralled by the magic and beauty created on stage, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. As I grew older and learned more about the technical parts of theatre, I recognized that stage management was my genuine calling. My education and experiences have taught me the value of hard effort, dedication, and teamwork in the theatre industry. I've also learned to appreciate the unique opportunity that folks in the theater have to inspire and advocate for others. As I advance in my work as a stage manager, I wish to serve as a role model for my peers and to support them in their own endeavors. I believe that by cooperating and supporting one another, we can achieve our objectives and have a beneficial impact on the world around us. One of my long-term ambitions is to stage manage a Broadway production. This would be a dream come true for me, but it would also allow me to assist others experience the beauty of theatre. I feel that theatre has the ability to inspire, educate, and unite people of all backgrounds, and I want to be a part of that. In addition to achieving my personal career ambitions, I wish to use my position in theatre to positively expose future performers to the theatre business. I feel that theater can be a strong tool for personal growth and development, and I want to assist others achieve that level of development. I wish to encourage and motivate young performers to be their best selves both on and off stage by establishing a welcoming and inclusive environment in the theatre. Whether through mentorship, coaching, or simply leading by example, I feel that my work in theatre may have a beneficial impact on the world. Overall, my love of theater and desire to make a positive difference in the world motivate me to achieve my ambitions and career goals. I am convinced that with hard effort, dedication, and a commitment to quality, I will be able to realize my aspirations and make a difference in the world of theater and beyond.
    Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship
    As a young person with a passion for theatre and design, the possibility of attending Montclair State University to pursue my dream of becoming a professional stage manager excites me. My fascination with theater began at a young age, when I was first exposed to the thrill of live performance and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making each play a success. My passion for theatre got stronger as I grew older, and I knew I wanted to work in this fascinating and dynamic area. However, I was aware that achieving this goal would necessitate a substantial investment of time, effort, and resources. That is why I am so glad for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, which would provide much-needed assistance while I pursue my educational and professional aspirations. If I am given this scholarship, the cash will be used to pay for my dorm room at Montclair State University. Because I intend to live in a dorm for all four years of my Bachelor's degree program in theater technical design, this financial assistance would be critical in assisting me in covering the costs of this important aspect of my education. Without this assistance, I would face tremendous financial stress and uncertainty, which could jeopardize my ability to focus on my education and pursue my professional goals. As a theatre technical design student, I'm excited to learn about all parts of stage management, from lighting and sound to set design and costume design. This degree at Montclair State University, I feel, will equip me with the skills, knowledge, and experience I need to flourish as a professional stage manager in the theatre industry. I am certain that this program will equip me for a happy and successful job because of its challenging curriculum, experienced professors, and emphasis on hands-on learning. Finally, I want to use my theatrical skills and passion to make a difference in the profession and in the world. Theatre, I believe, has the capacity to unite people, to stimulate creativity and invention, and to build empathy and understanding. I aim to be a part of this revolutionary work as a stage manager, creating memorable and powerful productions that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Finally, I'd like to offer my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. If granted, it would give crucial support as I pursue my educational and career objectives, as well as assist me in making the most of the possibilities available to me at Montclair State University. I am delighted about the opportunities that await me, and I look forward to contributing to the vibrant and dynamic community of theatre artists and professionals in the coming years.
    Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship
    When I think about the things that set me apart from other people, I believe that my drive to help others and my capacity to form meaningful relationships are two of my most important qualities. My time as a volunteer with the Special Olympics as a timekeeper has been very rewarding for me since I am able to make a significant contribution to the overall success of each competition that we work on. Because of the position I play as a youth leader in my community, I am always looking for new ways to contribute to the community and have a positive influence. My experience as a production assistant for a young theater group has given me the opportunity to put my abilities and interests to use in a way that is to the advantage of others. Due to the fact that I am also a young person, I am able to empathize with the struggles and goals that the other young performers have, and I do my best to serve as a constructive example and a guide for them. I take great satisfaction in being someone who they can look up to and confide in, and I am dedicated to establishing an environment that is inviting and supportive for everyone engaged in the process. In the years to come, one of my goals in the field of theatre will be to continue to broaden both my knowledge and my skill set. I aspire to be able to contribute even more to the success of the theater company as well as the growth of the younger actors by expanding my horizons in terms of the roles I play and the facets of production that I study. My constant pursuit of ways to advance both my own life and the society in which I live has led me to the conclusion that my dedication to personal development and community service will enable me to leave a positive mark wherever I go. In addition to the volunteer work that I do with the theater group and Special Olympics, I am also looking into additional opportunities to offer something back to the community. I am always seeking for new ways to contribute to the well-being of individuals who live in my community, whether it is by helping out at community events as a volunteer, patronizing locally owned companies, or simply being a kind face in the neighborhood. My ultimate objective is to motivate other people to see the importance of giving back to their communities and to have a positive impact on the world, just as I have been able to achieve thanks to the opportunities afforded to me.
    Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship
    The world around me serves as a constant source of inspiration for me as a backstage assistance for the performing arts. There is always something to be learnt and applied to my work in the theater, whether it is through the individuals I contact with or the situations I find myself in. For instance, it might be helpful to see how individuals move and interact with their environment to get ideas for how performers should move and react on stage. The design decisions chosen for costumes and sets can be influenced by taking note of the hues, patterns, and textures of my surroundings. My workplace's neighborhood is another source of inspiration. I have the opportunity to collaborate with a varied group of people who bring their distinctive experiences and viewpoints to the stage since I attend a high school magnet in central New Jersey. This enables us to produce plays that are both representative of our neighborhood and available to a larger audience. The difficulties and victories of daily living can serve as a reminder of the value of the performing arts. The arts may offer a sense of hope and healing during difficult times. They might act as a celebration of life and all its intricacies at happy moments. In the end, my surroundings serve as a constant source of inspiration for me as a backstage worker in the performing arts. We can use every encounter, experience, and observation to improve the work we do on stage. We can communicate with people, convey important stories, and have a significant impact on our community through the art of theater.
    Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal Scholarship for Scientific Studies
    Winner
    Numerous inventive answers to common societal problems have come from the fusion of creative thinking and science. The application of virtual reality technology in the performing arts sector is one such instance. Physical space and financial constraints have historically been constraints on performing arts enterprises. Extensive stages and intricate sets are sometimes needed for large-scale productions, yet these items can be expensive and challenging to transport. Additionally, due to financial or geographic limitations, many people might not have access to live performances. The performing arts sector's innovative minds looked to science for a solution to these problems. The development of immersive, interactive experiences that are accessible from any location in the world is made possible by virtual reality technology. Through the use of VR technology, both performers and audiences are able to transcend physical boundaries and interact in fresh and engaging ways. The Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen"'s virtual reality production is a prominent illustration of this innovation. The show's creators collaborated with Google to develop a 360-degree virtual reality experience that let viewers enter the musical's universe and interact with its inhabitants. Anyone with a VR headset may access the experience thanks to Google's Daydream platform, which makes it available to audiences worldwide. This "Dear Evan Hansen" virtual reality performance was able to overcome many of the difficulties encountered by conventional performing arts shows by fusing creative thought with science. No matter where they were in the world, viewers could participate in the show because to the immersive experience provided by VR technology. Additionally, the production was more cost-effective and sustainable because to the use of VR technology, which reduced the need for expensive sets and physical stages. Other performing arts productions are now able to investigate the potential of VR technology because to the success of "Dear Evan Hansen" in the virtual reality space. The performing arts sector has been able to overcome some of its most difficult obstacles and produce fresh and thrilling experiences for audiences all around the world by utilizing the power of creative thought and science. In conclusion, the application of virtual reality technology in the performing arts sector is just one illustration of how innovative solutions to common societal problems can result from the fusion of creative thought and science. We can keep pushing the limits of what is possible in the arts and beyond by embracing new technologies and investigating new creative outlets.