Calling the Spots

Holy Cross Scholar
Sadie Hollifield ’14
proves the extraordinary is
possible with opportunity.

Whenever you are watching a play, have you ever wondered how everything comes together seamlessly? Actors enter the stage in perfect synchronization, sounds cue exactly as they should and lights hit performers at just the right time – these things happen as a result of the meticulous detail of the performance’s stage manager.

Normally a role reserved for professionals, junior Sadie Hollifield ’14 has been entrusted with the responsibility for two Mary Moody Northen Theatre (MMNT) productions. “It is a huge honor to have gained so much trust within the Theater program, especially when working with professionals like Michelle Polgar and Bill McMillin.”

Sadie has dreamed of a life dedicated to theater since she was six years old. She has performed in children’s theater, competed in One Act plays and stage managed her high school’s productions as early as her freshman year. However, with big dreams often come challenges; for Sadie it was how to pay for the necessary college training. “From a young age, my parents made it clear that I was responsible for paying

my own way in college,” said Sadie.

Sadie's close high school friend, Tyler Mount ’13, suggested that St. Edward's could help answer her challenge. Several weeks after visiting the campus as a high school senior, Sadie was awarded the university's Holy Cross Scholarship, which provides full tuition freshman year and the same amount in subsequent years to students with high merit. “That news changed my life,” says Sadie. She has also received The Blakely Thompson ’97 Memorial Endowed Scholarship, funded by gifts in memory of the late Theater alumnus.

Though Sadie says she is already living her dream, she continues to work hard and challenge herself so that she can grow her passion into a career. By day she works in the theatre’s box office and by night she calls spots for FronteraFest at Hyde Park Theatre. “I used to think that if you were the best and worked the hardest, you would always get the job,” says Sadie. “St. Edward’s has taught me that it’s also important to build relationships so that I can open even more opportunities for myself.” She hopes summer internships will help her gain contacts in the New York theater community. “I understand that these opportunities aren’t given out every day,” Sadie shares. “My life would look very different today without the support and investments of others. I am going to make something great out of myself to show that it was worth it!”

To learn how you can provide life-changing opportunities for today’s and tomorrow’s St. Edward’s students through the establishment of a scholarship, contact Chris Gallegos at 512.448.8407 or chrismg@stedwards.edu.

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