By Selina Mao

When inquiring the definition of ‘performing arts’, the paramount of moving expression, you come away with three major categories: dance, drama, and singing—Shona Reid is an artisan of them all. She calls herself a “triple threat” and rightly so, having been in familiar company of dance since she was four years old and expertly picking up acting and singing along her well twirled path. One that will no doubt lead her to Broadway and beyond.
 
Shona was born and raised in Vancouver, but claims New York as her “absolute favorite place” and a city that bred both inspiration and her love of theatre. Given the iconic reputation and mist of glamor that has culturally and historically been sprinkled over ‘the city that never sleeps’, one can imagine how she easily “fell in love with it straight away”.

Outside of her life as a triple threat she also enjoys skiing and boating and “really loves animals!”. Performing is in her bones and she expresses that she always jumps on opportunities to be involved in productions, “at school as well as outside of school”. Shona herself is a very spontaneous and bubbly person, always facing her hobbies with enthusiasm and dedication. When you watch the way she performs, her experience and personal enjoyment is clear in the way she connects and portrays emotions to her audience.

To Shona, performing is not just a hobby or aspiration, it is also an identity—“performing allows me to express myself and be who ever I want to be”.  She adds that: “when I’m on stage I can forget about all the stress that comes with high school and just be me” accentuating the cathartic and freeing element of the performing arts as well. As in theatre the skills of “singing, dancing and acting is very important”, Shona emphasizes the importance of being able to combine and utilize all her skills.