Senior Sophie Caswell glides onto the stage, forcing her social fears down to the hard floor. She feels a wave of confidence as she takes a deep breath and recites her monologue under the gleaming stage light.
Normally, she would feel a pang of anxiety.
But in the moment, she feels self-assured, engaging herself into the production with a boost of energy.
“I really struggle with anxiety and I have panic attacks a lot leading up to the show,” Caswell said. “But you can’t really be nervous when you know your lines and everything’s already prepared. That’s just the beauty of theater.”
Caswell has been acting since she was 7, starring in her first play “The Little Mermaid” as Attina, the eldest daughter of King Triton.
“My husband and I were trying to find an activity that she would enjoy and help with her anxiety,” Sophie’s mother Corina Caswell said. “She tried some sports but when that didn’t help, we found Genesis Children’s Theatre in Plano which has helped manage her anxiety and become more outgoing and confident.”
Her early experience in the whimsical and coming-of-age play contributed to her love for acting and theater, finding joy through impersonating different characters.
Despite her social fears, Sophie has grown as an actor, qualifying for varsity theater in her sophomore year and landing the lead role of Corrie Ten Boom in the varsity UIL play “The Hiding Place,” in her senior year.
“She’s just one of the hardest workers I know,” senior Anna-Bella Baker said. “Anytime she’s not hanging out with me or not doing school work, she’s working on doing whatever she can to grow in theater.”
Her personality and work ethic stand out amongst her peers, highlighting her kindness and consideration.
“Sophie has always been really sweet and thoughtful of others while also not letting anyone hinder her progress,” Baker said. “She often very politely declines offers to hang out so she can work on her voice acting and future since her career is incredibly important to her. She’s worked basically her whole life to see her dream come true.”
Sophie has applied for many theater-related opportunities, submitting a voice acting audition about every day for about six to seven months starting the end of her junior year.
“I got a couple jobs but most of it was for practice and small roles,” Sophie said. “Those experiences helped me gain insight into the acting field and have led me to become a better actor.”
Caswell plans to attend Savannah College Art and Design to pursue a career in theater, hoping to become a voice actor and a film director.
“Whatever Sophie does in the future will be amazing and successful,” Mrs. Caswell said. “Sophie is the hardest worker and has persevered through many obstacles, reaching her goals through her grit and dedication to her craft.”
Follow Katie (@katiegpark) and @CHSCampusNews on X.
