Bella McGill is one of many talented seniors involved in the fall play this year.  Throughout the years, she has taken on many roles; she’s been a pregnant woman, a sheep, an earthworm, and a queen, to name a few.

On the stage, she stands under the spotlight beaming with passion for the art of theatre. Off the stage, she occupies herself with clubs such as NHS (where she is the historian), Oracle Writing Club, BOB, and French Club (meet your second year president). Bella also happens to be an editor on the Parnassus staff, specializing in the monthly paper edition.  When she’s not writing, acting, or telling other people what to do, she spends her time between band practice, volunteering with the Delphi Public Library, or writing for her internship with the Delphi Opera House.  
Pertaining to the arts, Bella is a devotee. “I’ve been in a total of sixteen plays and musicals. I’m currently involved in two more plays, so by the time I turn eighteen I will have eighteen plays and two skits for a charity event under my belt,” she claims.  When asked her favorite play she had ever been involved in, a straight answer was neither expected or obtained.  “It would take forever to write all of my plays, but I think that my favorites (if I absolutely had to choose) have to be The Wizard of Oz (7th grade, Tin Man), See How They Run (this past summer, Ida, a Cockney maid), and the recent production of  Little Women in which I play Jo.”

The dreaded question for seniors. . . “What’s your plan for next year?” Bella gave us her answer: “If money were not an issue, I would act every day of my life. However, as I need food and shelter in order to survive, I will be attending Ball State University to study English Literature with a minor in French and (hopefully) Theatre.” Although theatre is not the focus of her curriculum next year, she says, “ I will most definitely still be in plays. Whether it’s a civic theatre in wherever I move to (New York and London are my top two choices) or if I actually manage to catch a break and do theatre for a living, I will make 100% sure that theatre is still a part of my life.”

As she pursues her passion for theatre, Bella looks to her idol, Audrey Hepburn. “She’s seriously amazing. Before she ever became an actress, she smuggled messages for the Allies over enemy lines during World War II posing as a dancer. After her acting career, she was an ambassador for UNICEF.”

Because of her varied theatrical experiences, Bella understands what it takes to truly take on a character.  We asked about her technique.  She replied, “When I play a role, I become the role. I don’t think that I can fully act a part without putting myself into my character and letting the character shape me as well. It’s fun to be different characters and get to see the world from their viewpoint, but I think the thing that has shaped me the most has been theatre as a whole rather than just one character. Theatre has taught me to be confident in myself, and I don’t think that I would be the awesome person I am today without my background in drama.”
Bella’s advice for those who are still in the midst of their treacherous journey through the social plane of the public school system: be yourself. “I don’t care who you are, but you are amazing and there is no need for you to be someone you’re not. Become who you are and don’t change yourself for anyone else. I know it’s hard, but don’t listen to what other people say. Listen to yourself because you’re the most important person. (Also, do a play. For real.)”