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.
