Bartlesville High School’s Samarah Robinson has always been a performer. Currently Robinson is a senior and participates in musical theatre and choir with the high school.

Robison first started choir back in the third grade at the age of eight, but began musical theatre in the summer before first grade when she had a role in “A Little Princess” and was in the African Ensemble.

“The first time I performed I was filled with such an exciting feeling,” Robinson said. “To a six year old me, it was great because I got to have fun with my friends and got some flowers at the end of my performance.”

Now at seventeen Robinson still feels the same excitement that she felt when she was a little girl, but appreciates the hard work, dedication, and craft that goes into performing.

“Performance [now] has evolved into something more,” Robinson said. “It’s a beautiful way to tell important stories. Choir is no different, so it easily seemed like the next step to me!”

Over the years Robinson has had many wonderful performances and memories with Bartlesville and is thankful for the opportunities she’s had to showcase her talents.

“I’ve had so many fun and memorable times throughout my years in choir and theatre, but my favorite was doing ‘Mamma Mia,’” Robinson said. “I got to do what I love with a really talented and amazing cast as well as some great directors. I would do it over again if I could.”

Currently Robinson is looking ahead to the future and life after high school. She is looking to continue her education in college and is currently applying for Musical Theatre programs.

“No matter where I go, I’m looking forward to being in a close knit environment with people who have the same passions I do while also having the independence that comes with being in college,” Robinson said.

So what advice does Robinson have for others interested in joining choir or theatre as, for some, it can be seen as a nerve wracking experience performing in front of others?

“I understand the validity in being nervous about joining Choir and/or Theatre. It can be hard. There’s difficult rhythms, long rehearsals, and some rejection. However, the growth and rewards I have gained throughout my time in the Bartlesville Choir Department and Theatre Department are remarkable,” Robinson said. “I have not only advanced in skill but in my personal relationships as well. So my advice? Go to the basics. How you can do that is by getting in contact with Choir Directors and Theatre teachers to see what they offer and if it’s something you want to invest your time into. Then, get into those classes! Practice makes perfect and daily class is the best place to implement that principle. Then from there, you can begin to grow in performance skill and make some new friends along the way!”

Photograph courtesy of Lashawn White Hopeful Photography