Outstanding Senior Elizabeth Paulino
This week’s Outstanding Senior Spotlight is on Elizabeth Paulino from East Meadow School District.
After learning about LIHSA from a friend who told her about the Summer Arts Academy, Elizabeth attended the summer program. She fell in love with LIHSA and enrolled as a student to study musical theatre for her junior and senior years, complimenting her classical opera training.
Enrolling in LIHSA was the right move for Elizabeth. She shares, “Everyone in LIHSA – all the staff & all the faculty – have made a huge difference in my life. Especially Kim Larkin, Adam Tilford, Chris Brick, Jerry Nobile, Francis Lees. Literally everyone has been so impactful and supportive and so encouraging of not only my dreams but everyone’s dreams.”
Among Elizabeth’s favorite classes over the last two years was Chris Brick’s theater rep class. It offered a unique blend of activities, “I loved watching each other sing, but also learning about the history of theater. It’s a lot of fun!”
Elizabeth treasures the show performances in the school shows over the last two years – Family Album and Big Fish. She felt she learned about being confident in who you are and the work you’re doing, “With Big Fish – Chris {Brick} & Adam {Tilford} kept saying ‘trust the work.’ They let us know that it’s OK to be nervous, but we put in the work and time, so be confident.” Elizabeth also recalled a special moment for her that occurred near the end of the show in Family Album. “There’s a really silly song that ends in us singing and clapping. It’s a moment I’ll never forget – it’s so freeing and looking around I just thought about how I found my people.”
Reflecting on her time at LIHSA, Elizabeth shares, “LIHSA has encouraged me in so many ways and given me so much support. The expectation of professionalism is very high. So being here for two years, you already come in knowing this is the deal, you do the work, and you have fun. It set me up for the real world, helped me find my home and my people and encouraged me to do the arts. I love it here. It’s so accepting.”
Elizabeth is inspired by everyone in the Broadway community with special shout-outs to Barbra Streisand (“She’s my favorite everything!”) and Lin Manuel-Miranda for his talent and influence in the Latinx community.
Next year Elizabeth plans to go to college and pursue the arts. She’s currently auditioning and excited to see where she lands. She felt very prepared for her college auditions thanks to the master classes and workshops offered by LIHSA and the professionalism expected from the school.
She hopes underclassmates and future LIHSA students will take advantage of everything offered at LIHSA. Elizabeth shares, “This year alone we performed at Radio City Music Hall, Old Westbury Gardens and we’re about to do a show at Lincoln Center. LIHSA hands us opportunities on a platter and it’s up to us to take advantage.”
Using one word to describe LIHSA, Elizabeth calls it “Home.” Elizabeth, we’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see you shine bright on stages in your future. And then come back “home” to LIHSA to share your experiences!
