LeeAnn Patrick
Class of 2011
LeeAnn Patrick graduated from Woodside High School in 2011. She went on to attend UCLA, where she eventually figured out that she wanted to write movies and TV for a living. While she is still working toward that dream, she has been working in Post Production at Marvel Studios for the past five years - first as an Editorial Production Assistant on Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, then as the Post Production Coordinator on WandaVision and She-Hulk: Attorney At Law.
What are you doing now?
I am an aspiring screenwriter, and for my day job I work in Post
Production at Marvel Studios.
What is your favorite production that you have done and why?
In high school, I had a lot of fun with my Junior musical, Curtains! I got to dramatically die on stage, which was extremely fun.
What made you pursue theater?
I've always loved storytelling and team sports, so theater, film, and television are prime examples of the intersection of those two things.
What classes did you take in college that prepared you for your current job?
I did not go to film school or anything, in fact, I didn't realize I wanted to pursue screenwriting until my Junior year of college. My English classes served me well, specifically a Lord of the Rings course I took where I met my writing partner. Overall though, at least from what I've encountered in the film and television industry, your coursework and the school you attend are not as important as following your passion and putting in the work. In college, look through the course list and take classes that excite you, things that are interesting, even if they have nothing to do with your major. I don't often use the things I learned in my astrophysics class, for example, but it was extremely fun stuff to learn about.
What is your advice for our WHS rising stars?
Stay excited! Especially if you are aiming to get into a creative field in your future, it will likely be a long slog. "Overnight success" is rare, and often preceded by years of hard work. If you can keep your excitement and your passion for the craft and keep learning and doing the hard work, then you'll make it!
Sam Borthwick
Class of 2019
What are you doing now?
I’m in my senior year in college and putting on the show
“Crooked Star” that was written by my boyfriend.
I’m the choreographer and producer!
What is your favorite production that you have done
and why?
My favorite show was Mamma Mia [at WHS, she played Sophie]
with its amazing songs and the ability to act off the songs adding
your own spark!
What made you pursue theater?
Initially I was just not good at sports. But then I fell in love with storytelling and now have been doing it forever! I like how theater is not competitive and that you are working together as a group.
What are the people holding auditions looking for?
They want you to be unapologetically you, don’t try to be something you are not.
What is your advice for our WHS rising stars?
Be yourself and be willing to work on yourself. You need to want the school that you are applying for and show that in the process!