Student Spotlight: Mary Caroline Kolar

“Hi! My name is Mary Caroline Kolar, and I'm 17 years old and the Dance Captain of the Four Counts!”

Mary has been an enthusiastic performer with AdventHealth School of the Arts since the 7th grade. Her zest for the arts has propelled her to take full advantage of the many opportunities available at the Dr. Phillips Center. She loves these opportunities as they allow her to showcase her skills, establish connections with industry professionals, and create lifelong friendships!

Over the years, Mary has participated in everything from the Quarter Notes to musical theater classes and lent her talents to the stage in Elf the Musical. She recalls that her favorite experience was performing during the Frontyard Festival™ in 2021. Mary and her fellow Four Count performers had the exciting chance to open for the world-famous band Foreigner.

She has also taken advantage of the many musical tours hosted by the Dr. Phillips Center like Wicked, Six, and Hamilton. Mary credits these programs and shows for solidifying her dance techniques and enhancing her storytelling skills through acting.

Her passion for the performing arts is driven by the feeling she gets on stage. "For me, there is something about standing in a moment, a character for 2 hours, and giving your all to it that is so gratifying. On top of that, being able to share amazing and moving stories through such a fun medium."

Singing, dancing, and acting have had a significant impact on Mary, not only in terms of her performance skills but also in her daily life. She credits the arts for shaping her into the person she is today. "My love for creating came from performing. How I learned empathy and patience in collaboration in a studio. The 'sparkle' my family always notices comes from nailing that final dance number. I have the performing arts to thank for everything."

Mary's story shows how the performing arts can shape and impact an individual's life in significant ways. We wish her all the best as she continues learning, growing, and creating at AdventHealth School of the Arts at Dr. Phillips Center!

To learn more about the Dr. Phillips Center and AdventHealth partnership, visit wellnessandarts.com.