Shayla's Story
As a passionate Theater major from Sag Harbor, NY, Shayla Lopez ’25 has thrived at Walnut Hill School for the Arts since joining as a freshman in 2021. Drawn to the stage by her childhood idols on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, Shayla found a nurturing environment that allowed her to excel both academically and artistically. From leading the Dance Club to co-managing her class’s Instagram account, Shayla's journey at Walnut Hill highlights the vibrant community and opportunities available at Walnut Hill.
On campus, Shayla discovered more than just a place to study theater—she found a second family that has shaped her personal and artistic growth.
"As I continue performing, I’ve learned that theater is my way to unapologetically be big on stage even though I am physically short in nature,” she says. “As a 5’1” woman of color, it definitely feels hard to be seen and heard. Through theater, I can fully feel and fight for characters, and let my energy shine."
From School Musicals to Professional Training
A mezzo-soprano with a voice larger than her small frame, Shayla’s passion for theater has been a defining aspect of her time at Walnut Hill. As a Theater major, she has embraced the rigorous training and numerous performance opportunities, which have profoundly shaped her artistic journey and personal growth.
Inspired by performers like Jenna Ortega, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande, Shayla is passionate about her desire to push boundaries and explore new creative possibilities.
Her transition to Walnut Hill introduced her to a more intensive and professional level of training. This exposure has allowed her to hone her craft and develop a deeper appreciation for the discipline and dedication required in theater.
“Before Walnut Hill I was only part of school musicals, never taking voice lessons or dance classes,” she remembers. “I never knew how serious the work could be.”
Through her experiences at Walnut Hill, Shayla has not only developed her technical skills, but has also learned valuable life lessons.
"I never knew my potential as an artist until Walnut Hill,” Shayla says. “Since freshman year, I've grown so much and met amazing teachers who’ve taught me about art and loving the art in myself. They helped me understand the privilege of sharing art with audiences and inspiring others. Without this experience, I would've just thought of singing and dancing as fun, not realizing the profound impact art can have.”
Boarding Life and Finding Sisterhood
Shayla’s experience as a boarding student at a boarding arts high school like Walnut Hill has been an integral part of her high school journey, offering her more than just a place to stay—it has provided her with a deep sense of sisterhood and community. Shayla has lived in various dorms, including Bishop, Highland, and Westerly (and calls herself a “Wester-lady”), each contributing to her sense of belonging and camaraderie with her peers. This tight-knit environment has allowed Shayla to form deep and lasting relationships, creating a support system that feels like family.
“They become your sisters and your siblings,” she says. “You share a bathroom with them, you share laundry with them, and you share clothes with them. There's a whole new sisterhood that I have experienced living here as a boarding student at Walnut Hill.”
Shayla attributes her own personal, academic, and artistic growth to her time at Walnut Hill.
“You leave Walnut Hill not only being a well-rounded artist, but also a better person. I couldn’t name everything I have learned from this place because the lesson really never stops."
Art as a Superpower at Walnut Hill
As a top boarding arts high school in Massachusetts, Walnut Hill has provided Shayla with a unique space where she feels seen, heard, and supported. She describes the atmosphere as radically different from what one might expect from a community of driven artists—it’s a space where artists from a range of skill levels can find a safe and supportive space to express themselves creatively and academically. The collaborative atmosphere allows for genuine connections and a shared journey of artistic discovery.
“I always describe Walnut Hill as a superhero school,” she says. “You see students in the hallways and think, ‘Oh, I know that person—they're in that grade, that major, friends with those people.’ But then you go to a show or a gallery and see them create, and it's incredible. They transform and create, and it's a new level of understanding that is so rare. When do you ever get to see teenagers make their own art? It's amazing. It's a superpower.”
Meet Keila, a Music major who has followed her dreams to pursue a lifelong study of music.
With her own theater superpower herself, Shayla has set her sights on earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theater, a path that will allow her to integrate her love for acting, singing, and dancing.
"I plan on continuing to pursue theater in the future,” she says. “I would love to get a BFA in Musical Theater because I truly could not leave behind one part of my major.”
Her holistic approach to theater, developed through Walnut Hill's comprehensive arts education, ensures she is well-prepared to tackle the rigorous demands of a BFA program. She hopes to one day play Katniss Everdeen in a Hunger Games musical, or Bella Swan in Twilight: The Musical.
Shayla's journey at Walnut Hill has not only honed her artistic talents, but has also fostered a deep appreciation for the collaborative and supportive community she has found. As she looks forward to her future in the performing arts, Shayla carries with her the lessons, friendships, and experiences that have shaped her into a dedicated and passionate artist.
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