Rising Stars: Meet Antonia Hardin of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonia Hardin.

Hi Antonia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started performing at a young age. I can remember being a toddler singing in the church choir. Then my mom would put me in plays at First Baptist Jonesboro and that’s how I began my journey on stage. In middle school, I started participating in the Clayton County, all county musicals, and really began to enhance my craft. During this time, I also became an active member of youth ensemble of Atlanta where I sharpened my skills with like minded children like me. I also attended Arts Clayton camp for kids where I was able to break out of my shell and become really comfortable on stage.I am a proud alumnus of Stilwell School of the Arts where I was a chorus major under Dr. Kay Pace. There I was afforded the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, in which I was given a solo after auditions and to sing at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. After graduating from Stilwell school of the arts, I went to upstate New York to pursue my Music performance degree at Bard College. This time wasn’t easy as I had experienced some difficulties that needed me to come back home. After a short break, I started my education over again at Clayton State University, where I just received my Bachelors of Arts in Music with a Minor in Stage and Screen and the university’s first Music Theatre Certification. At Clayton State, I was able to accomplish many things. I joined a Music Fraternity, Mu Phi Epsilon-Delta Psi Chapter, and served in many leadership roles. I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority Inc.- Fall 24 Tau Epsilon, where I was honored to serve as the chaplain and the International awareness chair. Being within the music program, I was also awarded scholarships that gave me opportunities to sing around campus such as the President’s Investiture Ceremony where I was the soloist. I was also recently the commencement soloist at the university’s inaugural commencement ceremony in the Arena at Southlake in Morrow, Georgia. This wasn’t my first time singing for commencement, but it was the most memorable as I was also graduating. I’m here today because of God‘s grace and the support of my loving family and friends. Without these things I would’ve gave up a long time ago.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey hasn’t been easy. I face a lot of rejection when it comes to casting. I’ve dealt with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. In 2019 I was going through a mental health crisis that needed me to take a break. Being burnt out, I wasn’t able to truly create like I wanted to. I almost completely changed my major. This is why coming home in 2019 was the best thing for me. Even though shortly after I got home, I experienced a house fire where we lost everything and Covid came a few months after I was still able to persevere and begin my journey towards better mental health. My most recent obstacle is the passing of my grandfather. He passed away one day before I had to complete my senior recital performance. It was the hardest thing I had to do trying to decide whether to cancel my performance or to continue on with the performance which I’ve been working on so hard this whole semester. I was able to fight through it and complete my performance, even though it was the hardest thing I had to do.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a performer through and through. I am a Mezzo soprano that loves performing in musical theatre and opera. I enjoy singing for gigs as well. I enjoy dancing and acting as well. I’m super passionate about what I do and being around those who share the same passion.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk taking is a constant factor for performers. Most of the time going to an audition and doing your best in front of a set of judges is a huge risk. You’re left to your vulnerability and confidence in yourself. It truly tests if you’re really confident in who you are or if you have some chinks in your armor, that’s a huge risk. I think being a performer you’re always willing to take a risk for the thing that you love, which is getting the chance to share your gift.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonniemusic?igsh=MXRrdnJ4OW1oaXEwNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D3xApPpFA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-hardin-06b682173?trk=contact-info
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@megavalentine1999?si=D_TPlp8RbPI5P-Ep