CLASS OF 2020: Featuring Azat Sayadi. Creative! Committed! Courageous!
Azat pictured above. Photo courtesy of Azat Sayadi.
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 Azat Sayadi, who studied theatre at Burbank High School and who will attend Chapman University this fall. While Azat plans on majoring in Sociology, she is also very interested in studying Business and Film. Congratulations Azat!
“In five years, I hope to work in a film studio in some capacity, possibly learning how to produce, manage, and market films.”
My name is Azat Sayadi, and I am seventeen.
What was your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools?
My first art experience was in Burbank High School when I was a circus performer in the production, The 39 Steps. I was a freshman, and Ms. Terry, the director, had asked for anyone who had a new skill, and I did my mediocre mime routine. It wasn’t perfect, but I had a great time!
What art experience in the schools are you most proud of and how did it impact you?
I loved playing Crystal in our production of Little Shop of Horrors. It was such a big show with so many moving parts. It was my first musical, so I had to learn how to take care of my voice. I had to work hard to keep all the songs, dances, and costume changes straight in my head. By the end, it was all worth it because we put on a fantastic show.
What advice do you have for younger students interested in doing something like what you do?
My advice to anyone that wants to be part of theatre production is to have fun with what you do. Work hard and do your best, but if you’re not enjoying yourself and the company of the rest of the cast and crew, it won’t be as fulfilling. Remember that any art you do is for you, not for anyone else, and it should make you happy. Now, that doesn’t mean it is all about you; you need to work with others but make sure that the art you make is something you can be proud of and say that it was enjoyable for you.
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? In the Fall, I’ll be attending Chapman University and majoring in Sociology. I’m also interested in studying Business and Film.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you expect the arts to continue to play a role in your life and if so, how?
In five years, I hope to work in a film studio in some capacity, possibly learning how to produce, manage, and market films. The arts have always been a part of my life. Even if this isn’t the path that life takes me on, I know that art will still be a significant part of who I am and what makes me happy in life.
Azat at one of her high school performances. Photo courtesy of Azat Sayadi