It’s a brisk spring morning at the Lost Tracks Golf Course. Mist dances above the fairway and the smell of freshly cut grass hangs in the air. Breaking the morning silence, the crack of a golf club smacking a ball pierces the air as Summit senior Kenna Kemp kicks off another day of theatre rehearsal and golf practice.
A varsity golfer, church singer and theatre fanatic, Kemp is one of the most recognizable faces around the school. Starring as Regina George in Summit’s 2024 production of “Mean Girls,” Kemp’s name became instantly known around the building for her chilling vocals and the way she painted the stage with captivating emotion. The question arose: Who is this girl?
It’s first period and Kemp is making her way into school. A Dutch Bros drink in one hand, she works her way through the busy halls to the theatre where she prepares for a long day of rehearsal.
“It’s always been a lifelong dream of mine to be on stage. It’s kind of a family tradition. My mom and my sister were both actors in high school,” explained Kemp. “When I was younger, I saw people on stage and they were so inspiring so I really aim to do the same for the audience.”
A staple of the theatre from her debut her freshman year in “Little Shop Of Horrors,” Kemp has been involved in nearly every mainstage Summit show since 2022.
“My favorite character I’ve played was Regina George in ‘Mean Girls,’” said Kemp. “Her personality is so different from mine so it was definitely a challenge to take on the role. It was also my first big role and it challenged me a lot singing-wise but the role was so much fun.”
The confidence that actors need to go on stage is immense. Transforming oneself into a different person is something that many people struggle with.
“I’m stepping into their worlds so it’s not me on stage, it’s the character,” Kemp explained. “Kenna gets scared but the character doesn’t.”
But building the confidence to be someone else in front of thousands of people across two strenuous weeks is incredibly difficult.
“Before shows, I really try to keep positive energy. If I am feeling low, I contact my parents who are always there to support me,” she said.
Even though Kemp is usually described as highly confident though, there are moments when her determined mindset starts to dwindle. However, this has never stopped her.
“Even when I am not confident, my parents are there to make me feel better before I go on stage,” said Kemp. “They come to every show too.”
Kemp’s stage performance is known for the magnificent display of emotion, vocals and movement. Acting like her is a goal that many Summit actors aspire to.
“She has a huge stage presence, captures everyone’s eye and seems so tall and powerful. She’s so friendly and a great person to have on stage,” said Emme Pofahl, a fellow actor and Kemp’s best friend.
But Kemp is more than just an amazing actress. She won’t be seen in Summit’s major spring production of “She Kills Monsters” as she’ll be playing for Summit’s varsity golf team.
“She’s effervescent and always enthusiastic,” stated Summit golf coach Jon Corbett. “She is great at asking for instruction and trying her best to implement new skills. She’s an important part of our team.”
Corbett also noted that her past golf experience has significantly boosted her performance today.
“As soon as I could walk, I was holding a golf club,” said Kemp. “My dad is obsessed with golf and has been teaching me from when I was very young.”
Kemp practiced the sport until the pandemic, when she moved to Bend from Salt Lake City. Once she arrived here, Kemp’s interest in golf diminished until sophomore year, when she decided to join Summit’s varsity team.
“The team is small, which in a sense makes it more fun,” Kemp explained. “The girls that played were so sweet and we all became really close.”
Next year, Kemp plans to attend George Fox University in Newberg, OR. A Christian college with a tight-knit community, Kemp felt this was the best choice for her. At George Fox, Kemp plans to major in elementary education, a step towards her dream of becoming a teacher.
“I love kids and it’s always been a passion of mine to be able to teach and be a part of young kids’ lives,” she explained.
Bound by family, friends and her faith in Jesus, Kemp is known to her friends as bubbly and a light in the dark. Whether on the green, in the theatre or at her church, Kemp makes every community she’s part of a little brighter.
