Student Spotlight: Claire Davy

Chasing Big Dreams: Meet 12-Year-Old Performer Claire Davy

When the lights come up, 12-year-old Claire Davy feels right at home. A student at Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts, she’s already taken part in nearly 20 local productions—and her love for theater keeps growing with every role.

Claire first stepped on stage at just three years old, drawn to the energy, music and magic of performing. In 2024, she joined the School of the Arts after being cast as Matilda in the Youth Theater Production of Matilda the Musical—a role that quickly became one of her favorites.

“I was surrounded by so many talented and kind people. It gave me so much confidence,” Claire says. “Matilda taught me about storytelling, discipline and believing in myself.”

That experience opened the door to even more opportunities. Claire soon became part of Quarter Notes, a select group of middle school performers who meet weekly to learn, collaborate and grow together. “These programs taught me how much there is to learn and how powerful the performing arts really are,” she shares.

Through her time at the School of the Arts, Claire has come to see performing as more than being in the spotlight—it’s about teamwork, discipline and courage. Those lessons inspired her to dream even bigger, and recently, she landed a role in the North American tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.

“When I’m on stage, I feel happy, alive and like I’m exactly where I belong,” Claire says. “Dr. Phillips Center gave me the tools and courage to chase big dreams, and I am so excited to see where this journey takes me next.”

As she travels across the country, Claire looks forward to continuing to grow as both a singer and dancer, connecting with audiences in new ways. With every rehearsal and performance, she hopes to inspire others like her to believe in what’s possible through the power of the arts.