Testimonials

Aidan Heaney (she/her) is a sophomore BFA Acting Major at The State University of New York at Fredonia from Belfast, New York. She currently serves as the General Manager of the Fredonia Perfoming Arts Company, PAC, the campus’ only student run theatrical organization. Her recent acting credits include Scottie Ward in PAC’s production of This Random World by Stephen Dietz and Bianca in Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare at Main Street Studios. She was also the Assistant Director of the world premiere production of Everything Feels Like the End of the World by Julia Marie Black as well as the original film of the production at the Phelps Mansion in Binghamton, NY. In November, she will be making her directorial debut with PAC’s experimental production of Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. This summer, she has worked as a producer and director for Playground, a summer youth theatre intensive at Main Street Studios in Fredonia, New York.
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"My involvement with KCC came to me at a pivotal point in my career. My senior year of high school coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, I no longer had access to my normal outlets of expression, and KCC became my sole organized space for creation. I am endlessly grateful that I had KCC during this time because they kept me in shape as an artist. Like any other endeavor we can undertake, being an artist requires constant practice and refinement of skill. The two hours I spent on zoom each Saturday of that year devising new work and pioneering the medium of digital theatre invigorated my spirit , challenged me to step outside of the methods I knew and was comfortable with to take risks and find something new in the way I expressed myself, and provided me with an arsenal of tools and knowledge I continue to utilize in every aspect of my craft. Working with KCC gave me permission to explore the fullness of myself as an artist and a foundation of creative honesty, ingenuity, and awareness to stand on, as well as a muscular attitude of perseverance and openness that has helped propel me through my career thus far.

When I was working with KCC, one of our interns, in reference to the whole college audition process, provided us with the mantra “what is for you will not pass you” which was so comforting to me at the time that I wholeheartedly adopted it as my own personal outlook on my journey. Now, being on the other side of the turmoil of that time, I can say that this attitude is a right one. When you begin your college search process, go into it with your priorities for your education top of mind, and then do your research to be sure that the schools you are applying to meet your vision of where you want to get to. Aside from this, remember that training is training is training. What you get out of the program you choose is entirely up to the work you are willing to put in. Remember that you can get anywhere from anywhere if you stay attentive, alert, and aware of what you want. Carve out a place for yourself by making it crystal clear who you are and what you do and you’ll be rewarded with opportunities to showcase your skill!"