(Springboro, OH) – What began as a childhood fascination with the stage at 10-years-old has grown into a lifelong passion for theatre for Rachel, 33 of Springboro.

From a young age, Rachel has loved the arts: dancing, singing, acting, crocheting, cooking, baking, and reading. But it was theater that gave her a place to bring many of those gifts together.

“My favorite part is memorizing lines, monologues, and performing,” Rachel said. “I get a little nervous sometimes, I call that butterflies in my stomach, and that’s normal for me.”

Sitting in the audience of a theatre production as a child, she remembers thinking how fun it would be to be on stage herself. With encouragement from her parents, she began attending school dance workshops and auditioning for local productions.

Rachel was cast in the first production she auditioned for in her sophomore year at Springboro High School. Rachel’s mom and cheerleader, Amy, still recalls the moment with emotion.

“We knew it was a big deal,” Amy said. “People audition for years before they get anything. When they accepted her, I was over the moon. One of the directors said he’d seen her dance in the in‑school workshops and said, ‘Let’s give her a chance.’”

Since then, Rachel has been involved in over 30 plays, concerts, and productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet, Hairspray, and The Sound of Music. Each production varies, but she performs through acting, singing, dancing, or a combination of all three. Most recently, she performed in the ensemble of Footloose, a role that required extensive dancing.

Rachel’s dad, Tim, mom, Amy, and many extended family members attend each new production to cheer her on and celebrate the results of months of hard work. Her dad often brings Rachel flowers and congratulates her after the performance. 

However, what audiences see on stage is only part of Rachel’s story. At home, she is known for her discipline, preparation, and willingness to accept feedback.

Amy, who described her daughter as driven, creative, and positive, said she often finds Rachel reciting monologues at home for hours at a time. Amy, who has a background in dance, helps Rachel break down choreography and refine timing. Sometimes, Amy records her daughter dancing so they can review it together and make improvements.

“It’s mostly both,” Rachel said when asked if she’s always been good at taking criticism or had to learn over time. With years of conversations and practice, she’s grown more comfortable adjusting and trying again.

Although criticism of her performance can be frustrating, she is happiest when she takes constructive feedback, makes adjustments, and improves her performance.

Beyond the roles themselves, Rachel treasures the relationships she’s formed with fellow cast members and directors. Amy said “she’s friends with everybody,” and some of her closest friends today are people she met through theater.

“The community theater is a very accepting environment of who you are, your individuality, and what you bring to the table,” Amy said. Rachel and Amy emphasized the theatre is for everyone of any ability.

Today, Rachel is practicing for an upcoming audition and continuing to gain confidence, skills, and new friendships. Whether she gets the role or not, she will be seen at future productions in Warren County.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker Colburn at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.