CLASS OF 2020: Featuring Abby Griffith. Creative! Committed! Courageous!
Abby, pictured above. Photo courtesy of Abby Griffith.
Student Interviews on the Impact of the Arts
The Burbank Arts for All Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2020 who have been part of the robust arts community in Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you Abby Griffith, who studied theatre at Burbank High School. Abby plans on pursuing a degree in Theatre & Performance at Emerson College in Boston this Fall. Congratulations Abby!
My name is Abby Griffith and I am seventeen years old.
“Try your absolute hardest to be fearless. Do exactly what you want without fear of what others may think. Make big choices. Create big art. It can be nerve-racking to try something new especially in an artistic sense, but I think the most perfect time to do it is as a young student.”
What was your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools? My first experience with the arts in the Burbank Unified Schools took place at Miller Elementary where I was able to be a part of Ms. Pamperin’s fifth-grade play.
What art experience in the schools are you most proud of and how did it impact you?
I am probably most proud of being able to play Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible during my junior year. I particularly remember struggling with this play and this character since it was a show unlike any other I had done! My directors, Mrs. and Mr. Glover, really pushed me to connect with Elizabeth and I am very proud of the outcome. The show helped me realize I can go well beyond my comfort zone.
What advice do you have for younger students interested in doing something like what you do?
Try your absolute hardest to be fearless. Do exactly what you want without fear of what others may think. Make big choices. Create big art. It can be nerve-racking to try something new especially in an artistic sense, but I think the most perfect time to do it is as a young student. I regret not involving myself in more art programs at Burbank High School because there are so many great ones, so go out and learn something new!
Please share your plans for your future after graduation. Are you going on to college? If so, where and what do you hope to study?
I plan on pursuing a degree in Theatre & Performance at Emerson College in Boston this fall.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you expect the arts to continue to play a role in your life and if so, how?
Without a doubt, art will continue to be a large part of my life. I hope to continue acting or remain involved in theatre in some way.