Former theatre student Juliana Davis graduated in 2016, and is now living in Paris, France. She is moving to France to work at Disneyland, which has been a dream of hers for many years. As part of her contract, she cannot give any details regarding her responsibilities or roles, but plans to stay in Europe for at least a year.

“My proudest moment had to have been when I read the email saying I got the job. I had been dreaming about that day for five years! It was just so surreal to know that my hard work had paid off and that my dreams were taking me to where I’m meant to be.” Davis said.

Growing up, Davis was described as a creative and talented little girl, and a combination of events the fall of her freshman year helped her discover a passion for theatre and performing.

“Her brother was in the hospital that October when she heard about a company that has princesses visit sick children in the hospital,” Davis’ mother Aimee Johnson said. “Being Juliana, she was interested in participating, but they had an age requirement of 16 (and she was only 14). She didn’t let that stop her, though — she just started her own princess company.”

Also, at the very same time, she was asked to participate in the Fall Children’s Shows, and  Johnson said Davis was hooked from that point on.

She had many roles in her time on the stage with the Starlight Theatre Company. She has been everywhere from Kala in “Tarzan” to Helena in “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.”

“’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to bring such a wide variety of characters to life in my time with the Starlight Theatre Company,” Davis said. “I have learned so much about acting as well as myself from every role I have played, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I had in the Starlight Theatre Company.”

Even though Davis had many lead roles in theatre, this was not the only organization that she has been involved with in high school.

“I was in curricular and Show Choir all four years at Bowie and had an incredible experience being a part of those ensembles. I was in dance for a couple of years and loved it! I was also in the Bowie PALS and learned so much from my peers and especially my PALees, who were half my age,” Davis said.

All of her teachers were an inspiration to her, but Davis says one of her most inspirational teachers was Betsy Cornwell, who is the theatre director at Bowie.

“Every time I talked to Mrs. Cornwell about working at Disney, she made me feel reassured that everything would work out as it was supposed to be. Even though I was hesitant and nervous to be going on a different path than all of my peers, she was always optimistic and affirmative that she believed in me.”

Whenever Davis talked to her about this opportunity, Cornwell thought she was the perfect match.

“She always smiled,” Cornwell said. “When I heard that she was going to work for Disney I thought what a perfect person because when people meet her they will see that she is a true genuine person. Her honesty, and the fact that she gives more than she takes makes her a strong actor. She is so like a Disney princess, she is so so giving and selfless and I don’t think most actress are like that. She was one of the few people that have gone through here that sparkles and when she was on the stage she sparkled.”

There were of course other teachers that inspired her.

“Mrs. Gomez (now retired) has also been a constant source of support and unconditional love for me on this journey,” Davis said. “I asked Mr. Bazan for help the night before my audition, and he took the time to give his opinions and advice and gave me the encouragement I needed.”

Other than providing emotional support, many teachers wrote Davis letters of recommendation.

“After I got my job, I needed letters from everyone listed on my resume and my teachers didn’t waste a second getting me exactly what I needed! I am so grateful to have a group of teachers who are so dedicated to supporting their current and former students’ dreams.” Davis said.

Dealing with self image issues is common for actors and people who live in the spotlight. She has always admired the Hollywood faces and personalities of Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as Disney characters Moana, Mulan and Belle.

“I have struggled with a lot of self image problems because of this job, and to finally know for sure that I was someone they wanted for the job was such an incredible feeling.” Davis said.

Each Disney park has similarities, but there are also minor differences, such as the architecture or the castles.

“From videos I’ve watched on YouTube, the climate is very different, but the nostalgia and distinct Disney ambiance is there. Not to mention the architecture is whimsical and absolutely breathtaking, to differentiate it from the other European castles neighboring it,” Davis said.
“Disneyland Paris is also more deeply rooted in parades and dance, in order to overcome the language barriers that exist when so many different nationalities come together.”

Davis is leaving to France by herself, while she is very excited for this opportunity, there also comes some nervousness with that.

“I’m extremely nervous and sad to leave behind my best friends and my family. However, I try to remember that it’s just a ‘see you later!’ and stay focused on the positives! I am excited to grow as a person, as I experience new cultures and meet new people. Most of all, I am so excited to be living my dream and getting to make people happy.” Davis said.

College is not on the forefront of her mind, as she is focused on her Disney adventures. She left to France on Valentine’s Day, packing her life into two suitcases, which for some could not be a very easy task.

“In the future, we see Juliana continuing to be true to herself. Even if that means taking the road less traveled. She believes in herself and will always find her way,” Davis’ mother said. “Juliana embodies the best qualities of a princess — intelligence, curiosity, bravery, faith, hope, kindness, courage, big dreams, a free-spirit, a love of nature, and a sense of adventure.

Davis offers advice to anyone thinking about doing something different or untraditional, like finishing high school and going straight into college.
“As cheesy as it sounds, if you follow your heart, it’ll take you to where you’re meant to be,” Davis said. “Do what you love and the money, the opportunities, etc. will follow. You have your dreams for a reason! Work hard, be brave, and be kind. Everything will fall into place.”