Last year, I had the life changing experience of completing my first year of the Professional Actor Training Program at Chattanooga State. Previously, I had graduated Cum Laude from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre. I also enjoyed wonderful experiences working as a vocalist on a cruise ship, acting for several seasons in a professional theatre, and performing for arenas of children on a tour of Sesame Street Live. I had a good amount of knowledge and experience under my belt, but I lacked confidence and certain skills that were simply not a focus in Belmont's training program. I clearly remember my first week of classes last Fall. After each class, I would think to myself, "This is what I have been craving to learn!" Throughout the year, I continued to be thrilled by the new performance techniques I was able to learn and practice in my classes. I was also amazed by the clarity with which my teachers presented these often abstract ideas, and the safe environment they provided for us to practice them.