I’m Mandi Marko!
I was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or as they call it, The Christmas City! I lived a simple life! Just me, my family, and my three absolutely neurotic dogs (Bolt, Duncan, and Penny).
As a child, the arts were integrated into my life by my wonderful theater-loving mother and jazz-nut father. But to be where I am today took some heavy trial and error, and I emphasize HEAVY. From competition dance, soccer, cross country, Reading Olympics, video games, baking, and science fairs, I itched to figure out where I hit my stride. Funny enough, it wasn’t anywhere I listed but in classical music. Having the arts so dear and near to me, I had the most incredible luck in being able to attend The Lehigh Valley Charter High School of the Performing Arts as a classical voice major. There, through the help of my fantastic coaches, I found a love for music like no other that I carry with me today. But this has nothing to do with theater. My story doesn’t revolve around theater, nor do I want it to. While grateful to have experiences and the chance to make a mark through performing, it doesn’t scratch the surface of who I am. One of my most prominent philosophies is that we must find ourselves outside of our “craft” to truly understand what it means.
About Me!
I graduated college recently!!
I am where I am because of every beautiful soul around me. Every person I have met has shaped me into who I am today, from my bullies in grade school to my best friends and professors. I am only as good as I treat myself and others, so I take each moment as I can and use it as a catalyst to create art in my own unique way. Life is too short not to pursue the things that spark joy, so that’s all I have ever tried to do.
So, how have I gotten to where I am today?
My parents always told me to go after my heart, whatever it may be, and it is worth it if I try my best. So that’s all I do. Wherever the tides take me is where I go. I try not to cut myself off or make myself seem different. If I’m different, then cę la vie, I will take it right upon the chin. For myself, though, my parent’s philosophy has become my own, but curiosity always takes hold. So I try it all, do it all and want to love and live; as long as I can, I have made it. And if I can push the boundaries and make changes along the way, then it’s what the world needs of me.
But that’s a little about me, and I hope we all can love a little more and continue to build the world better and brighter :)
