Finding My Place on the Northfield Stage
A Journey in Theater and Leadership
As a senior at Northfield, I am co-president of the NHS chapter of the International Thespian Society. Our troupe recently performed Hadestown: Teen Edition, marking my final Northfield bow as one of the three Fates haunting the principal characters in this hopeful, jazz-infused musical.
A Freshman’s First Steps on Stage
From the moment I set foot on campus, I knew I wanted to be part of the NHS theatre community. In August of my freshman year, I auditioned for the comic-con-inspired fall play. That November, I took the stage with a pink wig and a sword around my waist—a moment I’ll never forget.
Since then, my journey has been filled with incredible opportunities:
Nine full-length productions at Northfield
Annual Thespian Conference competitions
Leadership roles as Troupe Publicist, Secretary, and Co-President
Performances at three (soon to be four!) DPS Shakespeare Festivals
Discovering a Passion for Theatre
I had been a performer before high school—years of dance and even the role of Marian the Librarian in a 7th-grade production of The Music Man. But stepping into Northfield’s theatre program, I immediately noticed something different:
💡 For the first time, I was in a room where everyone was excited to be there.
This welcoming, passionate community helped smooth my transition to high school. To this day, my fondest memories are on stage with my fellow performers and closest friends.
Theatre as a Lesson in Leadership
More than anything, Northfield theatre has taught me how to lead. Whether backstage, onstage, in the pit, or in the house—theatre means putting yourself out there.
Through my experience, I’ve learned to:
✅ Make bold choices and advocate for myself
✅ Encourage and support new performers
✅ Foster confidence in others—just as my mentors did for me
I joined the NHS Thespian Troupe as a nervous 14-year-old with high hopes and found a creative family. Now, I get to motivate younger students, passing on the lessons I’ve learned from the Northfield stage.
Looking Ahead
I am excited to continue my passion for theatre and literature by pursuing an English and Creative Writing degree in the fall.
🎭 For incoming performing arts students, I’d say this:
High school will pass more quickly than you imagine. Let yourself fall in love with the uniqueness and beauty of Northfield’s performing arts.
And don’t worry—we’ll catch you.
Cheers,
Sophie Brown ('25)
