KENNEDY MIKEL
she/her
Stage Management
Heya! I go to GVSU to study special education. I will be a super-senior and teaching in a full time internship during Finding Nemo Jr. I have been a part of theatre since I was in third grade. I used to take the stage in elementary school–once as a mayor, once a fairy, and once a solider. In middle school, I partook in a Civic summer class called SRTI where I studied the production side of theater. Now I have worked as a crew member on a professional show and work as a stage manager, assistant stage manager, or dresser for many local GR shows. Getting to teach at Civic when I was once a student (formally, but I still consider myself a student of Civic!) is super exciting because I understand how new it can all feel and the kind of growth this experience can lead to. I am going to love fostering a safe and productive space for every student so they can make the most of the show!
What inspires you?
Since beginning my degree in special education, I have become quite inspired by the notion of self-determination; one’s ability to determine what is best for themselves. I have since been driven by a need to help kiddos identify that in themselves, especially if maybe their bodies or brains do not match that of what’s been modeled for them their whole life and they experience differences in the way they learn, think, speak, create routines, ect. That drive has inspired me to learn how to model self-determination for myself and through that I have learned about having a voice that matters and that by genuinely seeing every individual as being worthy of dignity and respect, I am capable of creating positive impacts. I now am inspired to share that news with kids and adults alike and to continue modeling, as best I can, what respect for myself and others looks like in the community. This has trickled into a desire to create stories that help people feel seen and create creative spaces that give way to practicing these values.
Who is your favorite fictional character?
Ang from Avatar the Air Airbender (at least right now in this moment, could change tomorrow haha!)
What was your favorite after-school snack?
Growing up?! It’s still the first thing I can find in the fridge😄