By Alexandra Mier y Teran
Calendar Editor
Senior Julia McDermott, a singer, dancer and actress, is living up to the title of a triple threat, earning a nomination for the 2015 Presidential Scholar Program for Musical Theater as well as winning the Los Angeles Spotlight competition in the acting and classical music categories.
McDermott is president of the Mira Costa Drama Department and has played lead roles including Peter Pan in “Peter Pan” and Abigail Williams in “The Crucible.” McDermott rehearses with private vocal, acting and dance instructors who have helped her achieve recognition from organizations such as YoungArts and John Raitt Awards for Youth.
“Being a finalist in YoungArts introduced me to so many new people and has helped me in many different ways,” McDermott said. “YoungArts has helped get me through the door to be a part of the Presidential Scholar Program and has given me the opportunity to possibly perform at the White House, which is incredible.”
If McDermott continues in the Presidential Scholar Program as one of the top arts scholars, she will travel to Washington, D.C. in June to perform at the White House with other finalists. The Presidential Scholar Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, is a recognition for high school seniors with exceptional artistic talents.
“All of these programs are important learning experiences,” McDermott said. “Whether I am performing or auditioning, I am given an opportunity to grow as a performer through working with experienced stage and film actors, directors, and incredible teachers from around the country.”
To qualify as a 2015 Presidential Scholar Program nominee for Musical Theater, McDermott had to participate in the National Young Arts program in 2014. McDermott was a finalist in the theater division and performed with the YoungArts program in Miami, Florida.
“I went through an intense screening process in addition to qualifying through YoungArts where I submitted my transcript, test scores, a background check and had to get a recommendation from (Mira Costa Principal) Dr. Dale,” McDermott said. “It was a long application process but definitely worth it.”
McDermott plans on using the knowledge she learned through YoungArts to continue her passion for performing. As a recent winner in the non-classical voice category in the Spotlight singing competition, McDermott will be performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 31 where she will sing “How Lucky Can You Get” by F.Ebb & J.Kender.
“Right now I am focused on learning my craft and expanding my art,” McDermott said. “I want to learn as much as possible now so I have the tools to do what I love in the future. These programs have given me so much knowledge, love and confidence that will help me later on.”
McDermott has loved performing on stage for an audience since she was in elementary school. She is currently a member of the Mira Costa ComedySportz team and is cast as the leading role of Millie in Costa’s spring production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
“When I perform, I forget where I am, what I am, how I am,” McDermott said. “Performing is a combination of out-of-body experiences and beautiful manifestations of my emotions coming through the lines of a monologue or lyrics to a song.”
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