Esme, a sophomore and a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester (BGCGM) has achieved a remarkable milestone, one that sets her apart on a national level. Out of 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, Esme has been selected as one of only 20 performers invited to take the stage at the Boys & Girls Club National Conference in San Diego this May.
Growing up in the Manchester School District, Esme has been an active member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester and has also been heavily involved with the Palace Youth Theatre, both of which have played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for the performing arts.
Esme’s love for theatre began in first grade, initially as a fun activity, but it has since evolved into a serious pursuit. Over the past decade, she has become a true triple threat—excelling in singing, dancing, and acting. Currently, she is a prominent member of the Palace Theatre’s Teen Company, a prestigious group that requires auditions for participation and produces professional-level productions.
Her journey into performing arts was inspired in part by her brother, Isaiah, who is not only her biggest supporter but also the Performing Arts Director at BGCGM. Isaiah, who also grew up participating in the Palace Theatre youth programs, was the one who encouraged Esme to audition for the National Conference. Together, they prepared three video submissions showcasing her talent: Rise Up by Andra Day, Valerie by Amy Winehouse, and a piece from In the Heights. After submitting her videos, Isaiah received an email confirming that Esme had advanced to the next round. Three weeks later, Esme was invited to a Zoom meeting, which she believed was about Diane Fitzpatrick, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester, being honored as Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. However, to her surprise, the meeting was actually with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s CEO Jim Clark to announce that she had been chosen to perform at the National Conference!
To prepare for this incredible opportunity, she has begun weekly coaching sessions with a professional mentor provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. These sessions, held every Monday, help her refine her skills and ensure she delivers a stellar performance on the national stage.
Looking ahead, Esme envisions a future in performing arts, considering schools in New York or Boston to further her studies in acting and performance. Her dream role? Carmen Diaz in Fame, a character she describes as a “diva with emotional depth,” a challenge she is eager to embrace. In addition to her passion for theatre, Esme has a strong academic interest in literature, citing World Literature as her favorite class this year due to her love for reading and writing about books from different cultures.
Despite her packed schedule of school, rehearsals, and coaching sessions, Esme also balances a part-time job. She comes from a close-knit family with two siblings and four dogs, drawing strength from their support.As she prepares for this exciting performance, Esme offers a message to those who aspire to get involved in the performing arts: “Don’t be afraid to get out there and push yourself.” Her journey from a young theatre enthusiast to a nationally recognized performer is proof that dedication, passion, and a willingness to embrace challenges can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
