Interview with Annie:
– What is your role in the spring musical?
I play Olive Ostrovski. She is a speller at the bee but seems to be distracted by thoughts of her dysfunctional family life.

– Have you been involved in the musical in previous years? If so, what was your role?
Last year, I was cast as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. It was by far one of the highlights of my highschool career.

– Do you have a routine/superstition that you do before you perform?
The night before any show, I drink a lot of tea. I doubt that it does anything for my performance, but it’s one of those superstitions I just can’t shake. It’s more mental than it is physical.

– How many years have you been involved in the play/musical?
I’ve been involved in spring musicals since grade school. My first show was Sound of Music in the 4th grade. In the spring of my freshman year, I was Ensemble in my first high school production, The Drowsy Chaperone.

– What is your favorite part about being in the musical?
I really appreciate the way performing pushes me outside of my comfort zone. Additionally, I have made some great friends in the cast and have had some of the best laughs at rehearsal.

– What advice do you have to any underclassman considering joining the play/musical?
Do it! Theater at BHS is super fun and a great way to get involved. If you’re nervous about trying something new, BHS theater is the place to do it. Everyone involved is extremely supportive and will be happy to have you there!

– Does being involved in the play correlate with anything you are interested in doing in the future?
Performing does not directly correlate with my intended future plans. That being said, I will always look to be involved in community theater with any free time that I have!

– Are you interested in continuing your theatrical career in college?
I definitely am! Though I did not directly apply to any performing arts schools, I plan on participating in musicals wherever I go!

– What has been your favorite play/musical that you have previously performed in and why?
Performing as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors was a big deal for me being that it was my first lead role in a high school production. I will carry memories of that experience with me for the rest of my life. That being said, I am also really enjoying playing Olive this year. The show is incredibly fun, and I’m so grateful to be able to perform alongside my sister, Hope.

– What made you interested in being involved in the school’s plays/musicals and why?
I first became interested in musical theater when I saw my older sister perform as Gabriella in her middle school’s production of High School Musical Jr.. I immediately decided I wanted to be on the stage and perform just as my older sister did.

– Are you involved in any other extracurriculars, if so what?
This last season, I was a co-captain for the girl’s cross country team. I am also an active member of Key Club, Peer Leaders, and Girl Up at the school!

Interview with Corin:
– What is your role in the spring musical?
I play Doug Panch, the Vice Principal of the school district who comes in to help out with the spelling bee.

– Have you been involved in the musical in previous years? If so, what was your role?
Other than the COVID-era virtual play, Let Me Down Easy, I have been involved in all BHS performances throughout my four years here. My proudest role will always be as the Man in Chair my freshman year in The Drowsy Chaperone, but I had a wonderful time playing Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Elias in The Mystery at Whimbowly Manor, among others.

– Do you have a routine/superstition that you do before you perform?
Before each show, I tend to do a short speed-run of any long monologues that my character has. It’s more of a coping-with-anxiety method, reassuring myself that I won’t forget my lines, but it’s become pretty routine for me.

– How many years have you been involved in the play/musical?
This will be my fourth and final year with the BHS Theater, but I have plans to continue acting throughout college in any programs I would be lucky enough to be considered for.

– What is your favorite part about being in the musical?
My favorite part of the musical is definitely feeling myself perform at my best. Whether it’s acting, singing, or dancing, I can feel myself at my peak alongside my equally talented castmates, and that entertainment the audience receives is what makes the entire show.

– What advice do you have to any underclassman considering joining the play/musical?
I would always advise to please, please, please try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone. As a freshman, I was not serious about doing the musical, as I was so insecure about my abilities; I never expected a lead role, let alone the lead role. It’s better to push yourself now than to regret it for ages later.

– Does being involved in the play correlate with anything you are interested in doing in the future?
I’ve considered following an acting career, but I don’t think I would ever follow through, as acting is such an especially competitive field beyond recreational organizations or clubs.

– Are you interested in continuing your theatrical career in college?
In a non-competitive setting, doing performances just for the fun of it, I would absolutely love to act throughout college.

– What has been your favorite play/musical that you have previously performed in and why?
Again, The Drowsy Chaperone will always be my favorite role and my favorite show. The entire cast and crew made it such a magical experience, with such intense beats of humor and emotion and an incredible soundtrack to match; a show where everyone had their own moment to shine, and came together with amazing skill and passion.

– What made you interested in being involved in the school’s plays/musicals and why?
I remember acting in fourth grade and disliking it intensely; yet in eighth grade, I gave it another go, and ended up really enjoying myself. That push back into acting gave me the motivation to do the play my freshman year, then the musical, and the rest is history.

– Are you involved in any other extracurriculars, if so what?
I have been a member of the marching band all four years of high school, playing the saxophone (alto, tenor, and bari, depending on the school year). I am a member of the concert choir this year, and in the past I have been involved with the GSA, the Art Club, Craft Club, and Bernerds. I enjoyed every club or extracurricular I was a part of at BHS, but doing school, holding a job, and being part of activities like marching band or the musical left me unable to continue with them.