Sara Bracamonte, a freshman at Eastern New Mexico University, chose to major in theatre after being cast in a musical during her sophomore year of high school.

"I fell in love with it," Sara explains. "I want to be an actor for film, theatre or both. I also really love directing and would like to do that eventually."

Sara dreams of her time in the spotlight, sharing that she would like to perform in a touring show or on Broadway.

"If I don't get the chance to perform I'd like to stage manage a show," she says. "Being involved with a production in any aspect would be amazing."

Sara, who was born in Tucson, Arizona but raised in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is the vice president of a friend's theatre company called "Get In The Fridge Productions" based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"It's aimed towards teenagers and young adults. We put on shows that have casts that mainly consist of teens. We also give people the chance to submit their own pieces to perform," Sara explains. "This company means a lot to me because I get to help others expand their love of theatre and performing."

Sara has also done her fair share of community theatre.

"I've been a part of six shows at Albuquerque Little Theatre, both on stage and backstage. I've also been a part of a few other productions at other theaters in Albuquerque," she says. "Currently, I'm playing Luz Barela in ENMU's production of 'Las Arañas.'"

The Dean's List member says that she chose Eastern due to her connection with both alumna Amy Carter, whom Sara was in a few musicals with last summer, and current student Caleb Ramsell, who convinced her to go to the University.

Sara loves the Greyhound community for its friendliness. "It makes things feel really welcoming and like home," she adds.

Her favorite class last semester was "'Introduction to Performance" because she "learned so many new things about acting and it really helped me break out of my shell."

Janeice Scarbrough, professor of theatre, and Jon Barr, associate professor of digital filmmaking, have been a "great help" to Sara since she started at ENMU. "Both of them directed a play I have either crewed in or acted in, and I've learned so much from them," she says.

Sara finds peace and quiet from the hustle of production in the Golden Student Success Center, explaining that there are "lots of quiet places where I can study and get my work done."

She shares that studying theatre is "a lot of hard work," but advises students interested in that field of study not to give up: "Love what you do and never stop. Performing is storytelling. When you're performing in a show or helping out in any aspect, you're making the audience feel things. Being able to move an audience is a wonderful feeling."

Sara, who has two younger brothers, enjoys singing, painting and cooking when she isn't acting.