2014 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Winners

Kudzu’s 2014 scholarship winners have literally grown up together in the theatre. Both have drawn unique benefits from their experiences, in addition to becoming life-long friends.

Payden Taylor and Olivia Zeringue started performing on-stage in Kidzu shows many years ago at the encouragement of family and friends. While both admit they enjoyed their time in the footlights, they quickly realized they were more comfortable, and had much more to offer, behind the scenes. Using the skills and experience gained from being on-stage, both have built impressive resumes behind the scenes, in addition to nurturing and honing their dreams and plans for the future. Kudzu Playhouse is proud to support both of these energetic young women as they pursue their dreams.

Payden Taylor is the daughter of James and Joi Taylor of Hernando and a graduate of Hernando High School. She is enrolled at The University of Mississippi where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with plans to obtain a master’s degree in counseling. She is also a member of the Pride of the South color guard at Ole Miss. Says Taylor, “My ever-growing appreciation for the differences that make each of us special that I gained through my years with Kudzu has helped me develop a patience that I never expected I could possess. I find myself drawn to help and work with individuals who others may avoid just because they are different.”

Olivia Zeringue is the daughter of Sean and Susan Zeringue of Southaven and a homeschool graduate. She is enrolled at Northwest Mississippi Community College and will be attending Mississippi State University. She is also a Non-Commissioned Officer for the DeSoto Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. When asked about how her experience with Kudzu has helped her, Zeringue says, “Kudzu has taught me the value of volunteering in my community, even when the spotlight is not directed at me. I think this is the most important lesson of all.”

Kudzu’s scholarship program provides up to two scholarships each year to local youths. The primary criteria is involvement in Kudzu Playhouse productions, fundraising and promotion; however, students are also evaluated on other accomplishments or activities including non-Kudzu theater/performance experience, academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

2013 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Winner

As a shy, awkward ten year old, Hannah Hindman never thought she could endure being on stage in front of a crowd.  As Kudzu Playhouse’s 2013 scholarship winner, she has not only proven her younger self wrong, but by pushing herself and not giving in to the shyness she says she has become a better person with aspirations she never conceived possible.

Kudzu’s scholarship program traditionally provides one scholarship each year to a local youth, and while the primary criteria for the award is involvement in Kudzu Playhouse productions, fundraising and promotion – students are also evaluated on other accomplishments or activities including non-Kudzu theater/performance experience, academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Hindman’s accomplishments fit the bill on all accounts, but it was in her personal essay where she summarized how theatre has changed her life that the scholarship review committee and Kudzu board members were reminded why their organization remains committed to this community and area youths.

“I was never your typical stage kid; I was exceedingly shy and hated talking to people,” says Hindman in her essay. “It was a struggle for me just to say hello, much less get in front of hundreds of people and sing and dance.”  Working with directors and being forced to step out of her box, Hindman eventually learned to become not just a better actor, but a better person.  With each successive role, her confidence continued to grow and she went from ensemble to featured roles – walking and squawking like a goose, running around like a lunatic with a Marge Simpson-style wig atop her head – to eventually earning a Northwest Mississippi Theatre Alliance “Allie” Award nomination for her portrayal of one of the stepsisters in Kudzu’s 2012 production of Cinderella. “Public speaking is not a problem for me anymore,” says Hindman. “Speaking my mind is no longer something I shy away from.  Being shy is not an option now, when it was the only option for me eight years ago.”  She gives thanks to the individuals at Kudzu and their culture of acceptance, compassion and encouragement for helping her make this life-changing journey.

A 2013 honors graduate of DeSoto Central High School, Hindman is enrolled as a vocal performance major at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where she begins classes this fall.  An accomplished singer and guitarist, her dream is to someday perform on Broadway and do voice overs for Disney.

Congratulations to Thomas Simpson and Will Brown – 2012 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship recipients!

Thomas will be attending the University of Memphis, majoring in Accounting, with a goal of attending law school.

Will is planning to attend the University of Mississippi and pursue a degree in Music Education with the ultimate goal of becoming a choir director at the collegiate level.

Thank you Thomas and Will for being such great representatives for Kudzu. We’re all very proud of you and everything you have already accomplished. Good luck with your future goals and we look forward to having you participate in many more Kudzu productions!