CHS senior Sage Jennings has recently been awarded a scholarship for her outstanding acting talent through the local Cygnet Theatre. The scholarship, funded through the Donald C. & Elizabeth Dickinson Foundation, recognized four San Diego high school performers that showed commitment to their artistic abilities and dedication to acting.

Although Jennings was just recently recognized, the process to receive her scholarship was extensive. Months of preparation went into participants showcasing their talents. Senior Kai DiMaggio, who was also a contestant in the competition, details the process that went into choosing the four winners.

“We initially auditioned in January,” said DiMaggio. “Three judges came into our [theatre] class, and we performed a monologue and a song. Sage and I [received] a callback for the competition… and we performed in front of a studio crowd a lot later in April.”

To get the initial callback, actors must compile all of their talent into a singular audition to stand out from their peers. Both judges and students alike recognized Jennings’ acting skills, including fellow actor Senior Gemma Schmidt. Schmidt highlights Jennings’ strong connections and teamwork skills.

“When acting with [Sage], it’s super easy to form connections between her, character wise,” Schmidt said. “It’s super fun to work alongside her. She’s definitely very bubbly and energetic on stage.”

While Jennings’ passion for acting began years before she gained her scholarship, she has been involved in the theatre community for a relatively short amount of time. Jennings notes that an unconventional start in the class led her to develop her skills and stage presence. Surrounding herself with friends and accomplished peers also allowed her to improve her talent.

“When I started acting in high school, I originally wanted to stick with dance as my elective, but my friends asked me to join theatre with them,” Jennings said. “I stuck with it for the elective credits until junior year, when I played my first lead role as Carrie in Carrie the Musical.”

As her interest in theatre grew, so did her experience. Jennings has participated in multiple school productions throughout her time at CHS. Along with these, years of classes and mentoring have allowed her to strengthen her technique. Jennings describes how this experience motivated her to think of acting as more of a career.

“I started thinking more seriously about acting junior year,” Jennings said. “And the scholarship competition has given me more opportunities to view it as something I can do after high school and as work.”

Those who know Jennings personally are quick to point out that her talent is rooted in dedication. Some friends describe her as driven and caring, while others note that she is always willing to help others. Her ability to connect with people, both on and off stage, plays a major role in her success.

“Sage always has a motivation for her work,” said DiMaggio. “As actors, we always try to ask, ‘Why are you doing that certain movement?’ or ‘Why are you standing like that?’ It’s clear that she always knows what she’s doing and brings a lot of depth and knowledge to her characters. And then she’s always sharing tips about that with other actors when we practice or do run-throughs.”

Jennings’ peers were unsurprised when they found out she received the scholarship. Many believe that her work ethic and acting range set her apart from other candidates. The competition was highly competitive, involving actors from all over San Diego, with many from specific acting schools. Jennings, however, believes her fellow contestants were equally as talented as her.

“I felt like I was going against the best performers in California,” Jennings said. “And I probably was! Every single competitor was flawless, and I didn’t even imagine I would be one of the winners. During the competition, I even thought to myself, ‘Oh, I’m probably just here for the experience.’”

Jennings plans to use the scholarship to further her acting experience and give her more opportunities in the future. While the scholarship gave her $2,500 towards a college of her choice, it also gave her performing experience and allowed her to network with like-minded actors. After graduating from CHS a semester early, she is currently working on her GED at MiraCosta.

“After MiraCosta, I’ll really use the scholarship,” Jennings said. “I plan on getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre.”

With her future college experience, Jennings hopes to pursue a teaching career in the performing arts. But first, she hopes to attend a university with a strong theatre program and play in larger roles for other theatres. With solid support from her community, Jennings is determined to keep growing as both an actor and an artist.

“I hope to make it to Broadway and stay there for as long as I can,” said Jennings. “Once I’m fulfilled, I hope to mentor others and be a theatre teacher for other high schoolers like me.”