Independence Theatre and Performing Arts company finished off the school year with their last show, “Mary Poppins.” Senior Katie Phillips starred as Mary Poppins in the umbrella cast, the first weekend of the show. The play was double-cast, with different actors playing the leads each weekend. On the following weekend, the role was played by senior Kelly Donlan.

Since Phillips’s sophomore year during ITPA’s inaugural year, she has been performing in numerous productions at Independence. Before that, her previous experience was only being in one show at Rock Ridge High School her freshman year. Her next venture is auditioning for Rent at Infinite Arts in July. Next fall, Phillips will continue to pursue her passions on a scholarship at The Institute for American Musical Theatre, a two-year conservatory based in New York City.

For most of Phillips’s life, she pictured herself becoming a nurse, until she decided last year, “If I can never do theater again, then I won’t be happy.” Previous ITPA productions she has been in include “Little Women,” “Spoon River,” “Puffs,” “Chicago” and “Radium Girls.”

Leading up to Mary Poppins, Phillips was practicing every day after school, attending dance lessons and vocal lessons. “She’s a classic character, and growing up I always looked up to Julie Andrews, so it’s fun portraying someone she also portrayed in my own kind of way. I love the show, the music is great, and the flying part is super cool too!,” she shared when discussing her character, Mary Poppins. 

Phillips explained how they have a lot of creative freedom when performing, thanks to Mr. Nolan. “I’m nervous sometimes, but the energy of the crowd helps me calm down. It’s what I love to do, so I just try to have fun,” she explained. 

Most recently, Katie was awarded the Cappie for Lead Actor in a Musical in a Female Role at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts! She is the first-ever Cappie at Independence.

Phillips has shown how students’ involvement at Independence isn’t only limited to academics, as there are also opportunities to explore other artistic passions. With the senior class parting ways, there are lots of new opportunities opening up for more people to share their talent. Anyone interested can reach out to Mr. Nolan, whether it be about auditioning for upcoming shows or even joining the tech crew.