ROCKPORT — The Camden Hills Regional High School Visual and Performing Arts Student of the Month for March is senior Tatum Dowd.

Tatum has been a standout contributor to the CHRHS music and theater programs since her freshman year, according to VPA, in a news release. Her passion for the performing arts has manifested itself in four years packed full of acting, directing, and singing.

Tatum has taken advantage of every theatrical opportunity during the last four years. She has had key roles in each of our musical productions – Pugsley (The Addams Family), a member of the nun ensemble (Sister Act), Daniela (In the Heights), and Charity (Anything Goes). 

She has been part of the winter play each of her four years as well, earning a Maine Drama Festival All-Festival Cast award in 2016 for her portrayal of Templeton in Charlotte’s Web.

This year she has written the script (You and Mia) and is the student director for the Camden Hills production. Tatum has also been in each of the high school’s spring plays since freshman year including last year’s hilarious performance as Belinda in Noises Off. In May she will be playing Cassie in the production of Neil Simon’s Rumors.

A member of the CHRHS Chorale, Women’s Choir, and Chamber Singers, she attended District III Choirs for three years. She is also a member and leader of the female acapella group Fortissima and has been a frequent soloist at the annual Dessert Cabaret and the VPA Arts Night.

In 2017, Tatum directed a very successful production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s 21 Chump Street, according to the release. She is a role model for her peers – and a leader, both within and outside the classroom. She is dedicated performer, director, and a team player who is an asset to every production.

Although at this point, she is unsure whether she will major in music or theater in college, though Tatum still plans to be involved in the performing arts, joining student vocal groups and participating in extra-curricular theatrical productions. 

The performing arts have been a huge part of her high school career. Her advice to underclassmen is to do whatever you are passionate about, and do it 110 percent. Create opportunities for yourself and appreciate those who find opportunities for you. Work hard because if you’re doing what you love, you’ll be able to look back on it with pride.