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In her first year at ������Ƶ, theatre major Macy Bridges ’26 stepped into the central role of the Storyteller in “The Turtle of Michigan” — a children’s theatre production created for The Little Read, the university’s annual literacy outreach program. Tasked with carrying the performance from start to finish for visiting elementary students, she immediately felt the joy and responsibility of bringing a story to life.

“There was something about being in that show that set a fire and showed me what I wanted my four years of college to be. I felt a connection with that character because it’s a person who wants to tell stories and engage with people. The Little Read is the most joyful thing to experience because it’s like a rock concert — the kids are so excited and you’re introducing these children to theatre.”

Bridges’ love of theatre started long before college. Growing up in Cherryville, N.C., she participated in school and community productions. As a young audience member, she remembers watching “Junie B. Jones” at the Charlotte Children's Theatre — an experience that felt less like a performance and more like seeing the characters come to life. That sense of connection continues to shape her work today.

At ������Ƶ, Bridges has embraced a wide range of opportunities, from acting and singing to stage management and directing. Still, The Little Read remains her favorite while it offers a chance to combine performance with community impact. Each year, she returns to help introduce young audiences to theatre.

“A lot of campuses don’t do things like Little Read that tap into the educational side of theatre. If you want a B.A. with educational experience, to explore the whole of what theatre has to offer, ������Ƶ is the place to do that. We bring up the energy.”

That focus on audience connection extends beyond campus. Bridges has taught classes at Green Room Community Theatre in Newton, where she works directly with young students.

“Getting children to really enjoy something is more challenging than most people think, so having that kind of energy grabs their attention is so rewarding,” she said.

Through two internships with The Walt Disney Company, Bridges further explored how performance can create meaningful, immersive experiences for audiences of all backgrounds.

“I played the part of a paleontologist at DinoLand U.S.A. — so it was an acting job to create an immersive environment for the kids,” she said. “Maintaining that illusion for guests was eye-opening — to see how theatre can work in an outside form that people don’t really think about.”

This spring, Bridges returns once more to The Little Read as Venus in “Our Solar System! A Stellar Neighborhood,” a role that brings together her love of performance and an academic interest she said sets her apart among her creative colleagues.

“I’m a bit of a science junkie, so this is the best show to end up on,” she said.

Looking ahead, Briges is eager to continue growing as a performer and sharing her enthusiasm with others. She hopes to expand her experience in unconventional performance spaces — more tourist venues may lie ahead.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way, and I feel so proud of what I’ve accomplished at ������Ƶ,” she said. “I’m excited to see what comes next!”