Waxahachie, Texas – March, 2016 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) alumna Heidi Borden starred as Mary Poppins in Dallas Family Music Theater’s “Mary Poppins” production.
Borden explained, “Playing a major role in ‘Mary Poppins’ was a tremendous honor and very overwhelming at the same time. It was one of the most taxing roles I’ve ever played, but I’ve grown so much by the experience.” She added, “The director (Dr. Sam Germany) has a priceless talent for working with people and pulling the best out of them. Similar to my experience at SAGU, It’s always an honor to work with such talented cast mates that push each other forward to grow in their craft.”
In 2013, Borden graduated with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and a minor in theatre. In only her second semester, she was casted as “The Landlady” for SAGU’s “1984” production and featured in four other SAGU theater productions before graduating. She’s had roles in “Over the River and through the Woods,” as Caitlin; “Twelve Angry Jurors,” as Juror 2; “Steel Magnolias,” as M’Lynn Eatenton; and “Trip to Bountiful,” as Mama Carrie Watts.
“SAGU played one of the biggest roles in my theatre education and development,” said Borden
She also performed as Marian Paroo in a broadway style musical, “The Music Man,” during the summer of 2014 at Love Your City Theatre in Cedar Hill, Texas.
Upon graduation, Borden opened a music studio where she trains and is a private music instructor. “My ultimate goal is musical performance. My role in ‘Mary Poppins’ was a breath of fresh air for me. Because of the hope that she resembles and the redeeming message she brings, God used this experience to help me start dreaming again.”
In high school, Borden won the National Award of Merit for Piano Solo at National Fine Arts for the Assemblies of God. In college, she competed in the National A/G Kappa Tau competition and was awarded the Kappa Tau National Award of Merit for Drama Solo and Kappa Tau National Award of Merit for Female Vocal Solo in the same year.
In 2013, Borden was awarded Actress of the Year at SAGU.
When asked about what she sees herself doing in the future, she added, “I want to write and direct my own shows for ministry outreach. At this moment, my main focus is getting married this coming May to my SAGU sweetheart, Grant Hood.”
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
About Family Music Theatre:
For over 15 years, Family Music Theatre has provided top quality musical theatrical entertainment and cultural enrichment for Cedar Valley College and our community, all while supporting and encouraging conservative family values.
