Beth White, a Sterling resident, was selected to play Chris in the University of Mary Washington’s production of "Dancing at Lughansa." She is a sophomore majoring in theater and mathematics and graduated from Potomac Falls High School.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Sterling. In 1997, my family moved to Alice Springs, Australia, and we returned to Sterling in 2001.
Tell us about your family.
My father is a computer engineer and my mother teaches math to sixth- and eighth-graders at Christian Fellowship. I have a 22-year-old sister who is graduating in May, from William and Mary, with international relations major and an economics minor. I also have a 14-year-old brother who goes to River Bend Middle School. He likes to go for early morning runs and play computer games. We have a dog, Chance, who likes to chew our socks.
Favorite school subject:
My favorite subject is theater, followed closely by linear algebra.
What do you want to do when you graduate?
I would like to go to graduate school, possibly in New York City.
Awards and achievements:
I am a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, I was on the Dean's List in 2005, and I get up in the mornings and go to my classes — which I consider to be an achievement.
What are your hobbies?
Doing theater, pretending I'm good at photography, seeing the world, reading and life in general.
Favorite place to hang out in the Loudoun community?
Wherever my friends are.
What are some ideas you have on ways to improve the Loudoun community?
Have some place where young people could hang out, that doesn't involve spending much money and stays open past 10 p.m.
What is the last book you read, favorite television show and last movie you saw?
I am in the middle of reading "Catch 22" and "Crime and Punishment" — I have a bad habit of reading several books at once. I don't watch that much TV at school, but when I'm home, I like the History Channel. The last movie I watched is "The Cradle Will Rock," for my history of theater class.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully finishing a doctorate degree in theater.
What are you looking forward to about vacation from school?
I am going to Germany this summer, to do a study abroad in Erfurt.
Who is a historical figure you would like to meet?
I would like to meet Albert Einstein and see the Beatles in performance.
Describe how you would most enjoy spending a single day?
Waking up to the sounds of a busy street in Paris, eating fresh bread for breakfast, walking along the Seine with my friends, taking photos, spending hours just sitting and eating in a café and watching the sun set.
If you could be anyone else, who would you be and why?
I would be the man on the moon, because I hear the view is incredible.
Do you have a favorite quotation?
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." — Charles Schulz
How did you get involved with UMW’s "Dancing at Lughnasa?"
I'm a theater major and I enjoy being in shows. So I auditioned and was cast.
Have you acted before?
I've had a couple of small parts before. I did a couple of shows at Potomac Falls HS and I've also been involved in the Sterling Playmakers.
What do you like about the show?
We have a really great cast and crew. We've spent so much time together and bonded so well that they feel like a family to me.