ERIC VENT

Friends. Family. Art. Limits. Laughter. Life. All these things are featured in Eric Vent’s video essay which he sent to various film schools as a part of the application process. The goal of this supplement was to create a self-introductory video essay that visually described Vent’s interests and personality, although he himself wasn’t allowed to be seen in the video.

“I thought a creative way [to make a video about myself] was to display things about me but also show some of my talents,” Vent said.

Vent’s interest for film directing was sparked at a young age, when he and his brother, Corey, would make videos with their parents. Vent then became part of a film production company known at Partial Vision Films which was founded by Vent, his brother and senior Joe Lombard. Together they’ve produced many short films like “Killing Time” and “365.”

“We incorporated Partial Vision Films,” Vent said. “It’s pretty cool. We can gain connections among other film [directors] from this company that allows us to be a legitimate corporation.”

This hobby soon turned into a strong ambition as Vent has gone on to win prominent awards like “Best Film” at the 2010 Indianapolis 48 Hour Film Project with Corey and other cast and crew members. Many of his films feature face-paced action, with lots of suspense and intensity.

“[What I like most about filmmaking is] the simple expression of a film,” Vent said. “It has the ability to spark such an emotional reaction from its audience that is unique to any art form.”

With the success and experience of Partial Vision Films, Vent plans on pursuing directing after high school, allowing him to express a kind of distinctive creativity that an audience can react to.

“Film can be interactive,” Vent said. “Although everyone is able to view the same film, they’re able to relate it to who they are and the life they’re living or the life they wish to live and [the audience] can take something away from it completely different from the next person.”

KELSEY BEARMAN

Kiss today goodbye, and point me t’ward tomorrow. We did what we had to do. Won’t forget, can’t regret.” These lyrics, from the song “What We Did for Love,” originated from Kelsey Bearman’s (above, rehearsing for Ladue Theater’s “Thoroughly Modern Milly”) favorite musical, “A Chorus Line.” The musical features a story of 16 young hopefuls auditioning for one of Broadway’s chorus lines.

“Honestly, [this musical] is what made me decide to pursue musical theater after high school,” Bearman said. “It shows the reality of how being a performer isn’t just something you take lightly. It’s hard on your body, emotions and mentality.”

Bearman knew she had a talent for music and performing at the age of three. Through her childhood and adolescence, she took singing, dance, piano and clarinet lessons, but didn’t unearth her love for musical theater until entering high school.

“I love the challenge of portraying a character that sometimes is like you and sometimes is nothing like you,” Bearman said. “[I] get to show [my] unique creation of that character.”

As well as being involved with Ladue Theater, Bearman is also a member of the selective a capella group TeamSTAGES. She must also prepare multiple monologues and songs for college auditions. Though it keeps her busy, she says it’s simply what she loves to do.

“Musical theater gives me that sense of juggling multiple things,” Bearman said. “It isn’t just singing, acting, or dancing, it’s all three. My dream is really just to perform all the time and be able to make a living doing what I love.”

ZOE KRAUSE

Webster’s dictionary defines democracy as “government by the people.” Zoe Krause (above) has made it her goal to help this model of government prosper.

“Democracy is sometimes a big, messy, beautiful screaming match about the will of the people and the decisions of the leaders,” Krause said.

Krause grew up with many mentors, including her parents, who inspired her and taught her that an individual can make a difference. When she was in fourth grade, Krause accompanied her mom to Washington, D.C., where they participated in a National Women’s Rights march.

“A common chant for one person to say was ‘Show me what democracy looks like!’ and for the crowd to respond with ‘This is what democracy looks like,’” Krause said. “The sentiment of that statement has never left me.”

Since then, opportunities for Krause to be an activist seemed to fall in her lap. She volunteered for President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and interned for Missouri senatorial candidate Robin Carnahan (above with Krause) in 2010. Recently, she interned for state representative candidate Tracy McCreery who won in the 83rd district Nov. 8, 2011.

“I also have been working with the political department of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region for the past four years,” Krause said. “I work between the youth program and the political program of PPSLR to relay news and establish activist projects.”

Beyond high school, Krause hopes to study public policy and work for the White House one day, particularly as the Communications Director. If not, Krause would be happy using her experience to work with non-profit organizations or on campaigns.

“I have never been able to excuse myself from speaking my mind and working for the change I want,” Krause said. “There are people working for change all over the world, [some are] jailed as dissidents, [but] I was born in a free country.”

DANIEL GOLDE

Art comes in many forms. Paint, sculpture, words, even dance. For Daniel Golde, art takes a different shape.

“Art has always been a passion of mine,” Golde said. “I love expressing myself without saying a word.”

Golde, who is adopted, believes the art gene in him comes from his biological mother, who he later learned was also an artist. As a child, Golde enjoyed finger painting and using color pencils in his work. In high school, he enrolled in many art classes like photography, drawing, and AP Studio Art. Now he is focused on building multi-media pieces.

“I make these abstract, wooden cards made up of scrap material I find,” Golde said. “Sometimes I go dumpster diving and find interesting stuff to use.”

Golde claims that one of the artists that has inspired his work is Ed Boxx, a notorious St. Louis graffiti artist. Boxx is most famous for his “4Give YoSelf” message scrawled on a building overlooking I-70 downtown. After high school, Golde plans on attending welding school which he believes will help with his metal working skills.

“Ed Boxx opened my eyes to using multimedia [in my artwork],” Golde said. “I like taking the things I can find and turning them into something.” #