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.
