Lydia Newman was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Her passion for drama began after she watched the 1992 movie-musical Newsies; as an eight-year-old she would parade through her house shouting, “Never fear, Brooklyn is here!” (in a New York accent, of course), and she’s been acting ever since. Throughout high school Lydia performed with local theatre organization STAR, Ltd. and in high school productions including Cry-Baby The Musical (Allison Vernon-Williams), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty), and Grease (Sandy). Since arriving at UVA, Lydia has been involved in Harmonious Hoos co-ed a cappella, First Year Players’ production of The Music Man (Marian), and the Drama Arts Board. Lydia is grateful to have been granted the opportunity to join a community of passionate artists through the Miller Arts Scholars program.