Written by Lucia Winkler.
Cendall Williams approaches theater with authenticity. Her compassion for the characters she plays, even when casted with an unfamiliar role, is exceeding. Performing as Marlena in the upcoming production at Harrison School for the Arts, Water for Elephants, she has cherished learning about the "extraordinary woman”.
Her passion for the art began when she was eight years old, after seeing her sister perform in Peter Pan. She committed to musical theater from a young age, and has since set herself apart with dynamic vocals and a captivating presence.
As a student at Harrison School for the Arts, Williams has observed a dramatic shift in her career. “My time at Harrison has completely changed who I am as a performer and, honestly, as a person,” she said. Through her opportunities to collaborate with experienced creators, she has become acquainted with different forms of artistic thinking. Her craft has been shaped by those she has worked with.
She has held leading roles in several plays, including Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Katherine Plumber in Newsies, and Dragon in Shrek the Musical. Williams has also demonstrated her singing and choreographical skills in various performances.
When her theater teacher, Joshua McKinney, encouraged her to apply to a YoungArts award, she figured it was a long shot. It is recognized as the only program in the nation that honors artistic talent amongst youth, and is considered highly selective. From the nearly 13,000 2026 applications, only 734 were announced as winners. Williams was one of them.
Alongside previous awardees who have since become acclaimed in their field, like musician Jon Batiste and actor Timothee Chalamet, her potential has been appreciated early on. The program will continue to guide Williams and other 2026 winners through financial grants, mentorship, and networking with professional creatives. She is also eligible for an additional nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
Williams’ future is bright. She will graduate in the spring, and plans to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater. The award has given her confidence, as she is now one step closer to dreams of Broadway and film. With the support of Harrison faculty and an empowering acting community, she has already distinguished herself as an accomplished artist.
