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Spotlight on Coral Stoner

How long have you been performing on stage? 8 years, I started in 3rd grade!

What was your first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight? My first show was Mary Poppins back in 2015!

Why do you like performing in shows at Yorba Linda Spotlight? I love the community that Spotlight has, and how professional yet fun the rehearsal process always is, and the shows always turn out so great!

What is your dream role? Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd!

Of the roles you’ve played, which has been your favorite? Definitely Maleficent or Veruca Salt!

Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Spotlight has supported me as a performer to consistently improve and try new things. I’ve done things and hit notes that I didn’t even know were possible just through the support that the casts and the staff members give me!

What do you like to do when you’re not performing? I spend a majority of my time doing art! I love doing graphic design and drawing, and pretty much anything in the area of the arts!

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why? Sweeney Todd or Groundhog Day- the potential they would have would be awesome!

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer? I’d say my strongest trait as a performer is acting. It’s my favorite part of doing all of these shows and I always love looking into a new character and really putting the effort into making them the best I can be. My weakest trait would definitely have to be dancing. I definitely wouldn’t call myself a coordinated person, so certain types of dancing are totally difficult for me.

Of Spotlight’s past shows, which was your favorite and why? Definitely Side Show. It was such a fun and unique experience and everyone in the cast was super close- it was such an interesting and different show to do, it was so much fun!

Anything else you want to say? I’ve had so much fun performing with spotlight for the past 6 years! I’ve gotten so many opportunities and met so many amazing people, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything!

Spotlight on Noah Metchnikoff

How long have you been performing on stage? 10 years

What was your first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight? White Christmas

Why do you like performing in shows at Yorba Linda Spotlight? Because everyone working there is so nice and friendly and being able to meet new people is great.

What is your dream role? Evan Hanson or Jekyll/Hyde

Of the roles you’ve played, which has been your favorite? Eddie in 13. It was just a really fun role to play.

Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Yes, Spotlight has helped me grow as a performer. Because of the helpful directors and fellow actors, I feel more confident to try different things out of my comfort zone.

What do you like to do when you’re not performing? I like hanging with friends, messing around with music and playing games.

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why? The Lion King would seem fun to produce with its artistic costumes and the emotional story. Plus I’ve always wanted to help in some way for a Disney show.

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer? My strongest trait is being able to connect with the character I play quickly. My weakest trait is holding on to my script as a crutch when in reality, I don’t need it.

Of Spotlight’s past shows, which was your favorite and why? 13 because with such a small cast, everyone felt like family and everyone there was excited to do their first show out of the pandemic.

Anything else you want to say? Everyone at Spotlight has been so nice and welcoming and it truly feels like a large family from show to show. Spotlight has helped me make a lot of new friends ever since my move.

Spotlight on Joshua Schneider

How long have you been performing on stage? 9 years!

What was your first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight? Disney’s Newsies was my first show at Spotlight.

Why do you like performing in shows at Yorba Linda Spotlight? I love performing in shows with Spotlight for a few reasons. First of all, I have always loved the welcoming environment that the staff has worked tirelessly to create. Before I even walked into my first audition, I felt that I was in a safe, judgement-free space that accepted me not only for who I was, but also for what talents and abilities I did or did not have to offer. Secondly, Spotlight allows its performers a copious amount of creative freedom, which I was not accustomed to prior to my time at Spotlight. Last but not least, performing here at Spotlight is just fun! Even if I have a ton of lines, blocking, and choreography to memorize, it never feels like work. The creative teams on every show I’ve been fortunate enough to be cast in have never failed to make rehearsals fun and exciting, creating an environment that always pushes us performers to do our best.

What is your dream role? I’m far too indecisive to pick only one, so some dream roles of mine include Shakespeare in Something Rotten!, Gleb in Anastasia, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors.

Of the roles you’ve played, which has been your favorite? Of all the roles I’ve played, my favorite would have to be Peter in Spotlight’s 2021 production of Peter and the Starcatcher. He was my first title character, and I had a blast exploring his layers and telling his story.

Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Yes, Spotlight has helped me grow as a performer! Throughout my time here, I have become a much stronger, more confident singer and actor.

What do you like to do when you’re not performing? I’m a photographer! When I’m not performing, I love using my camera to shoot landscapes and portraits. I especially enjoy astrophotography, and one of my favorite places I’ve shot would have to be Joshua Tree National Park!

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why? I would love it if Spotlight produced Something Rotten! because I’d pretty much die to play Shakespeare if I ever had the chance. History is also my favorite subject in school, so the fact that Something Rotten! is a period piece set in the Renaissance makes me geek out a ton.

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer? My strongest trait as a performer is my work ethic, while my weakest trait is my physicality.

Of Spotlight’s past shows, which was your favorite and why? While we are still in production as I write this, Little Shop of Horrors has been my favorite show I’ve done with Spotlight because I’ve pushed myself as a performer in ways I did not realize I could before. As a part of the ensemble, I’ve had a ton of fun making the most of my time on stage as my multitude of roles, figuring out every little detail of them, from my physicality, to my voice, and more. Besides, it’s my absolute favorite musical, and I’m just beyond grateful to be a part of it.

Anything else you want to say? The only other thing I can think of to say is that I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Spotlight. I can’t imagine where I’d be today without every mentor, opportunity, tool, friendship, and memory I never dreamed of having before I knew this place existed. Spotlight has been everything I’ve needed it to be, and then some. I wouldn’t trade my experiences here for anything.

Spotlight on Casey Fort

How long have you been performing on stage? My first show I ever did was through Yorba Linda Spotlight. I was in sixth grade. I saw my sister in the musicals Hairspray and Les Miserable. I was so amazed by everything that I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Seussical will have been my 9th show.

What was your first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight? My very first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight was Beauty and the Beast. I had found out that they were doing it in 2014 and I was so excited. Beauty and the Beast was always my favorite musical and it was always my dream to be in the musical. From what my sister had told me, I knew that Spotlight would make such a fun experience for my first step into musical theater.

Why do you like performing in shows at Yorba Linda Spotlight? I like performing in shows with Yorba Linda Spotlight because of the family that is there to welcome you. My first audition ever was at Spotlight, and I was so scared to walk in and perform in front of someone else. I felt so comforted like I had done everything right. That feeling of a comfortable family has always stayed with me in every show I’ve done here. The directors just make every rehearsal and show feel amazing, almost as though you are on a real Broadway show.

What is your dream role? My dream role is to be the Narrator character in Into the Woods. It is one of my favorite musicals of all time and I think it is one of the most unique roles of all musicals. It is a role that tests the capability of an actor and challenges them. I want to give myself a challenge and be able to play that role someday.

Of the roles you’ve played, which has been your favorite? Of all of the roles I’ve played, I would have to say that my favorite would be Oz in the Wizard of Oz. It was the first time I was truly challenged in playing a role as I had to learn long monologues to play the part. It was also exciting to get fun effects added to my character such as a deep, booming voice. A very close second would probably be my first main lead as Schroeder in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. It was so much fun playing a lead in one of my favorite musicals.

Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Spotlight has been my only theater company, and so I have to credit it with all of the skills I have learned to become an actor. They have been the ones to teach me how sing, dance, and act from very silly roles, such as a lost boy in Peter Pan, to more serious roles such as a wolf in Beauty and the Beast. Spotlight has been the biggest contributor to my stage performing skills and I thank them for how much they have helped me grow.

What do you like to do when you’re not performing? When I am not performing or rehearsing for a show, I am usually at Disneyland with friends and having fun. Disney was one of the places that inspired me to perform for people. I visit it so much that people have said I am a Disney expert. I am also a big participant in my school’s choir and football programs.

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why? One show that I have always wanted Spotlight to do is Little Shop of Horrors. It is such a unique show and it has so many different kinds of parts. I know Spotlight would make the musical something beautiful that would bring true emotion to the story. I have always had a love for the musical and I would love to perform it at Spotlight.

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer? One of my strongest traits as a performer would be the ability to keep energy up for every show and keep it through the entire show. My weakest trait would probably be my ability to learn lines quickly. I tend to procrastinate with learning my lines with blocking, but throughout the years, I have started to grow out of that phase and learn my lines on time for rehearsals.

Of Spotlight’s past shows, which was your favorite and why? My favorite show that I’ve been a part of at Spotlight is Once On This Island. I was a storyteller who brought the audience through the story. It was a such a unique show and it is where I really started to grow as a performer. Thanks to the directors, I learned how to learn many lines, different harmonies, and quick change behind the scenes. I met many of my friends through the show and I have stayed close with them since.

Anything else you want to say? All I want to say is Thank You to Spotlight for teaching me how to act, sing, dance, and be a part of a family. From all of the performers to directors, you have shaped me into the performer I am today. I feel so lucky that I was able to meet so many amazing people through this place.

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Spotlight on Wendy Ostaszewski

How long have you been performing on stage? I have been performing since Kindergarten. My first role was a Lost Boy in my school’s production of Peter Pan. I have done 14 Spotlight productions, and 9 school productions.

What was your first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight? My first show with Spotlight was the time they did Alice in Wonderland in 2013. I was a rock lobster. A very confused rock lobster, but still a rock lobster.

Why do you like performing in shows at Yorba Linda Spotlight? I always enjoy being part of this huge family Spotlight creates. We do get competitive during auditions, but when the results come out, we are supportive of each other. Even if our friends got the role we wanted!

What is your dream role? My dream roles are Christine Daaé from Phantom of the Opera, Angelica Schuyler from Hamilton, Donkey from Shrek, or Katherine Plumber from Newsies.

Of the roles you’ve played, which has been your favorite? My favorite role would have to be Doug the drummer from School of Rock. I got to learn drum set for a song, and I still am annoying my family with my continuous tapping.

Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Spotlight has definitely helped me grow not only as a performer, but as a person. My mom got me into musical theater to boost my confidence, and without Spotlight I would be that timid girl in the corner reading.

What do you like to do when you’re not performing? At school, I am part of the band, and mock trial through my Language Arts class. I also really enjoy playing my trombone, reading huge novels, and playing with my little brothers.

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why? I would love for Spotlight to produce The Music Man. I love the music, mostly the song “76 Trombones”! I think it would be performed well by all the amazing actors and actresses at Spotlight.

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer? My strongest point is that I am a reliable performer. I can memorize my vocals, the script, and my choreography and remember them even after the show is over. My weak point is my flexibility. I can dance, but my body tells me otherwise!

Of Spotlight’s past shows, which was your favorite and why? I don’t really think I have a favorite, I enjoyed all of them. The ones that stand out to me the most are Shrek because of the makeup, Mary Poppins because of the British accents, Once On This Island because of the close Cast relationship, The Wizard of Oz because of the amazing costumes from the 1998 revival, and The Addams Family because of the humor involved.

Anything else you want to say? To all future performers out there, no matter what, just keep going. When you mess up, keep going. Learn the script by heart so you can help your friends if they mess up. That is what makes live theatre so special. It’s not about the mistakes, it’s how you recover from them.

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Spotlight on Emma Alberto

How long have you been performing on stage? I have been performing on stage since I was 3; I did ballet and tap. Later, I started doing jazz and lyrical dance lessons and then I found my love for musical theatre which I’ve been doing ever since!

What was your first show at Yorba Linda Spotlight? My first show at Spotlight was Peter Pan in 2015. I had heard about Yorba Linda Spotlight and how they were having auditions for Peter Pan which sounded so fun. I decided to audition and I am so happy that I did.

Why do you like performing in shows at Yorba Linda Spotlight? I like performing in shows with Yorba Linda Spotlight because everyone creates an amazing bond and it’s so fun for me to do what I love with so many great people. I like being a part of shows because I love to express myself (by singing, dancing, acting, etc.).

What is your dream role? My dream role is probably Galinda in Wicked, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, or Charity Barnum in the Greatest Showman. I love all of these shows and think it would be so fun to be challenged by those roles.

Of the roles you’ve played, which has been your favorite? My favorite role that I’ve played is Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical. I’ve loved learning all the singing and dance numbers in this show! I love that Gertrude is also very unique and quirky; it’s fun to be creative and think of different ways to put a little bit of my personality into the character.

Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Yes, Spotlight has helped me to grow as a performer so much. It’s made me feel much more confident in myself and my performing skills as an actress.

What do you like to do when you’re not performing? When I’m not performing, I am involved in ASB at my school and I like to hang out with my friends. I like to go to baseball games (I’m a big Angels fan) and I love going to Disneyland. 🙂

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why? If I could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, it would probably be Bye Bye Birdie. I love that show; the music, the costumes (the 50’s era), and the story! I also think it would be fun if Spotlight produced Grease or The Greatest Showman.

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer? As a performer, one of my strong traits is that I can put myself into other people’s shoes which helps me a lot with acting and understanding my role and other’s. I think I have become a stronger singer over the years as well. One of my weak traits is that I don’t always have enough energy when performing on stage which is one thing I really try to work on.

Of Spotlight’s past shows, which was your favorite and why? My favorite Spotlight show that I’ve been in was probably Peter Pan. The cast was so close, we were like a family. The show was just ‘magical’ too! I loved the music, the sets, and how Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael actually got to fly!

Anything else you want to say? I would like to say that I am so grateful for Yorba Linda Spotlight! Each show that I’ve been a part of has a special place in my heart. And even on my bad days, when I’m at rehearsal I am able to forget about everything and just focus on the show & have fun! I couldn’t be more thankful for Spotlight and all the friendships I have made here. 🙂

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