Willow Gebhard (she/they) has been part of the BAAY community since she was five years old, when she first participated as a “Pixie” student. After growing up in the program, she now serves as a stage manager and assistant director, helping the next generation of students find the sense of belonging she did.
“It genuinely changed my life,” Willow said. “[BAAY] has a very, very special place in my heart.”
Today, Willow helps lead rehearsals, organize productions, and support students behind the scenes. What she loves most is watching young people grow into confident versions of themselves.
“One of my favorite things to see is when kids really step into themselves and have confidence in that,” Willow said. “We have students who come in with a little bit of an emotional wall up,” Willow said. “Over the course of a show, you get to watch them blossom in confidence and really embrace their individuality.”
Willow has seen students who were once too nervous to sing or act step into solo roles and shine both on and offstage.
“It’s so cool to see,” Willow said. “BAAY becomes a safe space for kids to express who they are and be unique and weird and silly in ways they might not be able to access outside of theatre.”
For Willow, those moments are reminders that BAAY is about so much more than putting on a show.
“I think that’s what keeps me coming back,” Willow said. “Even when I’m stressed and overwhelmed, I’m like it’s so worth it.'”
Having grown up at BAAY herself, Willow describes the community as one unlike any other: a place where students are encouraged to be their authentic selves and where every unique perspective is celebrated.
Willow hopes that every student leaves BAAY knowing that they matter. She reminds students often that they make a difference, not only to one another, but to every audience they perform for.
“They are all such bright lights in this world,” Willow said. “I just want kids to leave BAAY knowing they matter,” Willow said.
Written by Grace Aukschun