Welcome to Community Stories, Jr. I'm your host, Melissa Kay. This week we're going
to hear stories from our theater students involved with Hopeville Productions at WRCT and
other theater opportunities in the Wisconsin Rapids area. These talented young people entertained
audiences this summer with several delightful performances. Today you'll hear from Austin
and Cammy. They performed together in the Hopeville production of Disney's Newsies
Jr. First is the interview with Austin, who played Jack Kelly in Newsies and is now in
his freshman year of college at UW Milwaukee. Later in the hour, Cammy will share her journey
and her discovery of a love for musical theater. You'll even get to hear her sing a little
piece of a jazz number which is one of her favorite songs to sing. She has an absolutely
beautiful voice. First, I'm delighted to introduce you to Austin, on Community Stories,
Jr. I'm Melissa Kay and welcome to Community Stories. I'm here with Austin. Austin, please
introduce yourself and tell me how old you are. Austin, I'm Austin and I am 18 years
old. 18 and you have been involved in theater for quite some time if I'm guessing correctly.
Kind of, I've actually just started my sophomore year, so just over two years ago I started
doing theater. Really? Yes. Well, you blew me away at Newsies. I have to say because to
let our listeners in, if any of you didn't see the latest production of WRCT's Newsies
Jr. Austin here played the lead role, Jack Kelly, correct? Yes, that was me. Yep. Alright,
so what we'll get to that. But let's start back when you first got involved in theater.
What prompted you to trial? So I was in my English teacher's class at the time, Mr.
Chronocker, or Dan Chronocker now. And me and my best friend, Jada, we're both like
going back and forth because the musical was Cinderella. And we both were like Cinderella's
like, well, maybe we'll think about it. And then he, Mr. Chronocker really pushed me
to join. And so I joined Cinderella, me and Jada were, were casted together like in
a role. And it was honestly just really fun. So I just kept doing it and then realized
how much I loved it and kept doing as much as I can. Okay. So that was at the Lincoln
High School. Yes, Lincoln High School. So that would been 2022's their production of
Cinderella. And what role did you play in that show?
So I was mainly ensemble, but I also so dance couple number one. So I got a little feature
dance moment. And that was also really fun. Cool. Do you have some dance experience?
Not really. No. I wrote on my audition form like I love just dance. I've been doing
this since I was like five, but besides that, I haven't really done with much of dance.
I did do from Cinderella. I actually did do a, the couple's dance with dance with Pam
now studio 48, two years ago as well. I did that with Danny Core. So I did that with
them. That's like my only real dance experience I really have. So yeah.
Well, fun. So did you find that part of it to like the choreography, learning choreography?
Was that daunting? Or did you just really enjoy it? What was that experience like?
I honestly just had a lot of fun with it. And it's really enjoyed it. I found out that
I was able to pick up the steps pretty quickly. It was more like just honing in like making
more like seem, seem more like flowy and like more connected. But again, the basic steps
and getting that done. I got pretty quickly. And it honestly wasn't horribly daunting for
me. I just was just having a fun time like I was hanging talk with friends that I made
there. And other people I already knew and just was having a great time with it.
This was really fun. Awesome. So you touched on friends. Did you make a lot of new friends
through joining the theater group there? Oh, yes. My friend group now is mainly just
people I met through theater and like people to do like hits like music as well.
Because they also love the like play and band as well. So I have friends with that and
having them in the pit and then having my friends on stage. It's just really cool.
Because I get to hang out with my friends all the time basically for like a couple of hours
after school. And so doing that and like having a friends now, I'm actually going to college
with some of the friends now. And yeah, you can say they're lifelong friends. Yeah. Yeah.
So you also play an instrument in band? I do. I play the euphonium which is basically like a
smaller tuba. And it's it's more like solo instrument. But me and my friends John Pena
have been doing it for seven years together. Wow. Yeah. Isn't that one of the harder
instruments to learn? Maybe. I don't know. I was I started on trumpet in sixth grade. Couldn't
have played a G. And then they're like, here, here's a baritone. And then that's kind of like where
I kickstarted from doing like the low grass area. Okay. Nice. Are you going to continue with that
in college? Um, my first semester, I'm going to like try to like get more like settled in with
like college and like how it's going to be down there. But um, I do plan on like still continue to play.
I don't know if I want to do like more professionally or just do like community stuff like
whatever. I still want to play though. Yeah. Wonderful. So you did Cinderella in 2022. Did you do
the next show at Lincoln High School then? Yes. Um, I've done, since Cinderella I did every show
that Lincoln produced. Um, so the fall show was our improv battle of the wits. I was assistant
student director for that one. And then we had pandemonium and that one I had like I was like
fan wanting like something like it was like two smaller roles basically ensemble. And those weren't
musicals. Correct. Those were just straight acting. Those are yeah. Those are straight acting.
So um, the pandemonium was just a play and then um, improv is basically just improv. So just do
it on the spot. And wasn't that one all written by students? Um, that um, that would be our more
recent one. Um, that was our student showcase that we did this past winter. So my junior year,
it was just the improv pandemonium that we did SpongeBob. And then the next year. So my senior year
was when we did art of being vague. The student showcase, which is all written by students and all
directed by students and everything student done. And then um, obviously my very lady and uh,
yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay. So sorry. I got ahead of ourselves. Um, jump back to SpongeBob. What
character did you play in SpongeBob? Um, I was electric skate number one. So um, that was a little
daunting. That was the more daunting experience for me because I've never ran a skateboard ever.
And so I had to learn how to not only ride a skateboard ride on a stage with an eight 10 foot pit
in front of it and also do a trick. Oh wow. Yeah. It wasn't the greatest trick because you know,
only like two months to get it ready. But it was, it was, it was something. Yeah. It was fun.
Who would have thought you'd go into theater and learn skateboard? I know. I was like, I was like,
oh, yeah, theater acting, music, saying like, okay, cool. And then uh, skateboard. I'm like, oh,
okay, cool. Well, it's something else you can put on your head. Okay, great. Not afraid to ride
things with wheels. Yep. Nice. Okay. So that was SpongeBob and then you did those other
student-led things. Yeah. How was it working with student directors? How was that experience?
Um, so it was actually really great. I was one of the student directors for it. So the three
plays that we did that were student-ren were false verdict, drama queens, and vocal vengeance.
Vocal vengeance. I was basically just heckler in the audience. So I would just heckle the people
on stage. Um, I directed drama queens and directing that one was just so fun. Um, I got to work with,
I literally, they're my friends I got to work with, but I also got to like do more professional
setting with them. And the feedback that they were giving me and I was giving them was just very
like cool understanding. Yeah. And that actually like maybe like want to go more on theater education.
And that's something that I've been thinking about pursuing. Um, still like debating it. But um,
then being the lead role in false verdict, having my friends direct me, it was also really cool
because like I got to see their point of view. I'm like what they wanted to see. And it's different
than like other directors I've had because like it's more like not youthful but like more like people
around my age that are like. Be a little more collaborative. Yes. Yeah. Working on it together.
Yes. Yeah. It was very like like like because like uh, Rosalie or my directors for that one. So
like they would give me um, like what they wanted me to see. I would do it. And I like tweak a little
bit. See they liked it. And they're like, uh, yeah, I can go with it. And it was just really fun.
Awesome. Yeah. So then um, was my girl lady. Yes. What role did you play in that show?
I was Freddie in that show. Um, so that's basically Eliza's love interest. Um,
and he's also not seen on the street where he lived. That's a great song. Oh, it's a lovely song.
Love that song. It was so fun to learn. Um, that that show was just it was so it was so tiring
but so worth it. It was like a three and a half hour show. It was a long show.
It was a really long show, but it was so worth it. And like even just watching from backstage.
Like because I was, I was like a main character. Like I was a lead character, but I wasn't like
the lead. So I was on stage not all the time. Right. You don't come in until like the second half
of the show, right? Yeah. Basically I come in like right before the first act and sing a little
song, leave, come back a little bit for second act and then leave again. So I mainly just watched
it from the wings and just seen like people I've been doing theater for like a few years now. I'm
like just watching them their growth and then Brandon who was Henry Higgins. I've known him for
like ever. So like just seeing like his growth from like all like throughout this entire time
because he's been doing theater for ever. So just he's, well, it was so cool just watching him
and everybody else on stage and also help with the crew because I was like, okay, let's get this done.
So what was that experience like working backstage then helping well during the production?
It was really great. I always like try whatever I'm not on stage always try to help out the crew
and like crew people because like they also put on the show like if we didn't have crew there would
be no show. Right. And so like I always try to help them out because I know it's also very
stressful for them and it's also just nice to like get more understanding of theater and like the
whole of it. So just watching them like and how they do it and helping them out is just really
cool because I get to understand like what it needs to go and when it needs to be done to get
the stuff on stage. Yeah, it gives you more of an appreciation of how everything comes together
to make the show successful. Yes, exactly. It's, yeah, it's just mind boggling.
A lot of moving parts. It is. So then was this last summer your first time working with HOPO?
Uh, it was not. Um, I actually did. Um, so last summer I did challenge the talk factory and then
for HOPO I did um, toasted as well. Oh yeah. Okay. So let's start with Charlie and the
chocolate factory. Yes. What character did you play in that? Um, I was one of the Oompa Loompas.
It was really funny. Like, um, it was very last minute like sign up audition because I was like,
I wanted to work but I also still want to continue to theater in the summer. So like last
minute I saw something of a video of like my thing I couldn't make to audition day and then
they're like, here's an Oompa Loompa. And then from that I just had fun with it because I was like,
this is just a fun role to do. I literally just go on stage and just make fun of the characters.
So I was like, I'm great time with this. Awesome. All right. And then um, and then you had
obviously to sing the Oompa Loompas song in that. Uh, it was kind of, it was kind of weird.
Like we didn't really have to sing it. It was more like a rap type of thing. They went more
rap way with it. Okay. Yeah. So it was like, um, basically the song was split up with each,
they're like 12 of us and all of us had like different parts of the song. We just like kind of
wrapped the line basically that we had. So um, but backstage I would be singing the entire song.
Nice. Um, but do you have any experience in singing? Have you taken lessons? Like what is your
singing journey up to this point? So from Cinderella, actually, um, the vocal director, um,
Ms. Stafel, uh, Julie Stafel, she was like, you should join, um, men's choir in acapella. So that
summer after my sophomore year, I did summer lessons in men's choir in acapella. And then basically
did all after school, um, choirs as I could throughout my two school years, um, for junior and
senior year. And then finally, my senior year, my last trimester, I was able to join choir
and get a choir class thing because I was like, I wasn't able to get into a class because of like
my schedule. Yeah. So I was finally able to get into a class. And then from that, I just was able
to just pursue it even more. Um, and then Chris Eaton was our student, uh, teacher this last,
for the last half of my senior year and working with him and Stafel, like my voice just grew,
like intremendously. And I'm so thankful for both of them. And yeah. And then, uh, for
music awards, actually, so the senior music awards at, um, Lincoln, the band, orchestra, and
parties, just all like do like these awards for people. And I was given the National School
of Choral Award from Stafel. And I was like, oh my god. And this is, I was very happy because
it's like, I definitely put in the work and like worked with my voice as much as I could because
I wanted to keep pursuing with singing. And I knew I started late, so I knew I had to work extra hard
to get it, like better. And so that's why I did as much as I could after school or go to lunch
with Stafel or like anything just with her to like get my voice to like where it is now and to
keep improving it as I keep going on with life. Well, well, I would say that you definitely put
on a grand show with um, the newsies junior because you made me cry. Both times I thought you made
me cry. Well, thank you. Um, so sorry, jump ahead again to that. But I, of course. Um, so then you did
the, uh, the, also the Hopo production toasted. Tell me about that. So that was an original show.
Yes. Uh, Ryan Houston, uh, wrote that show, directed that show. It was a very like,
it was a great show. It was a very last minute type of show because like he like finished writing it
and then we got right into auditions and rehearsing. Oh, wow. Yeah, it was a very big like last
minute. It was very fun though. Um, and like, since it was his show, he's like, I'm just going to
add this. I'm going to add this like during rehearsals and we're just like, okay, so it was very like
on your toes type of thing, you know, to keep going with the flow. Like you couldn't be stuck in your
ways because it's a very changing type of show. Um, so that also like helped me to not be stuck and
like just like very like change like work with it type thing. Um, and I also had to do a little
song in that one because he wanted a song. So me and Amy, um, we had to sing a little song about,
um, what is it? Oh, um, I was the, um, refrigerator Jesus. That is what my title was. Yuck.
Because I was kind of like the fix it person. So I would, um, or like, I was like the technological
guy. So I like fixed fridges toe and I made the toaster time machine, which is like the whole concept
of the show. Okay. Like, yeah. So what was that? How was that process? You said it helped you not
feel like stuck? Yes. In, in the way that it was. Did it, it gave you more like flexibility?
You think? Yeah. And being open to changing the way you're doing things? Yes. Um, so like my
sophomore and junior year before that, um, I would, I would mainly just like stay stuck in my,
like, I would be told something about theater and I would like do it. And then they're like do
something else and it'd be very hard for me to get out of that and like change it. Um, but working
with that show, I was just kind of like, what if I just go with the flow and just see what happens
and it worked. And so I realized I'm like, I can't just like hear something and stick to it away.
Sorry. So I can't stick something and go with it right away. I kind of just have to like hear it
and improvise with it as I keep going. Because, um, like Miss Dinky, Sarah Dinky always says, um,
theater is improv, like improv is theater. Like it's always changing, always like you have to do it.
Every show is different. Yes. Every time you perform it. Yes. So, um, do you think that that's
going to give you, like the, the, you've worked with a number of different directors up to the point
in the short amount of time that you've been doing theater. So you feel like, how is that process
been of being able to move from director to director? It's honestly really cool because I get to see,
like, how they see a show because everybody sees a show, whenever, when everyone reads a script,
they see it a little differently. So seeing what they want and like what they would do, it's just
so cool. And like something that I also like, like, I don't say it out loud, but like something I'd like
to do is like, what would I do with this? And then like, I'd see if I would agree with them or do something
different. And if I don't agree with them and would rather do something different, I don't do it.
I just do what they tell me because they're my director. Um, but it's like if I were able to like,
because I do want to do director, do theater education, I'm older. So like, if I was doing that show when
I was older, like, maybe I'd change like just a little bit, like do something this instead of that.
But yeah, working like, just seeing how different directors get stuff done and like how they,
they see a show, it's just mind-boggling because it's like, they like want a different view,
but it's like this, it's like the same story, but just a different, like, through different lenses.
Different filter, yes. It's just cool.
That's a great description. Well, let's take a short break right here, pause and
and hear from our sponsors. And when we come back, I want to hear about your productions this
last summer. For us, yes. Stick around. We'll be right back with a continuation of the story.
Welcome back to Community Stories, Jr. on WFHR. We're glad you're here for the rest of the story.
And we're back. So when we left off, you were talking about directors that you've worked with
in different ones. And so now, let's talk about your production this summer. And was it,
it was Newsy's Jr. And then you also did mid-summer-ish, which was a really fun show.
But let's start with Newsy's Jr. Because that was the first production. And you were playing
the lead role, Jack Kelly. Yes. Tell us about that. How was the audition? Let's start there.
Okay. The audition was I was honestly not that nervous because it's like, this is like my
11th show I'm auditioned for. So I've learned I can't be nervous. I just got to show them what
they want to see. Or like if they like it, they like it. They don't. They don't. I can't control it.
So I just went and sang one of my favorite songs, which is Wild and Chartered Waters from the
New Little Mermaid live action movie. So that's just a really fun song. And then I was just acting
and Gretchen during the audition process. She's like, if you can like try to like a like a New York
act like a Brooklyn accent, we'd like to hear it. So I tried a little bit and hoping that's what
kind of got me to Jack Kelly because that's what I got. And it was just fun. And then I also went
with a lot of my friends to audition. So it was just a very cool audition and they're very fun.
And it's also very different than other ones I've done because we were all in a room together.
And one by one would go on a stage basically and just do like a little snippet. And then we
act together. Whereas other auditions I've done is you're in a room by yourself with the directors.
And then you just do like a little monologue, do a little song and then they write it right down
and then you kind of go. So in this instance, you have basically an audience for your audition.
Was that more intimidating or not? I was not. It was it was a mixture of both because I was like,
I know my friends are here and I know like they'll support me. But I also know this people here
that don't know me. So I'm just like, I have to like kind of put in the work. Like kind of like,
like it was a little nervous because I was like, I know we're done and auditioned
in front of people before. Besides like the directors. So it's just like, it was a little scary,
but I got through it. I got through it. Yeah. Well, I got the leads. So then rehearsal started.
And this was a really big cast. And about the same sizes for my fair lady or?
I think cast-wise it's a little bit bigger, but I think we had more like productions
than like more backstage people than newsies did because we had the crew and like we attack and
we have the pit. So yeah. Yeah. So bigger, bigger cast and crew. Yes. But with newsies, you also had
younger kids involved in this one as well. So tell me about that experience. It was honestly,
I was a little like nervous because working doing challenge talk factory last year. Some
little kids were like not very receptive to like the directions and they would kind of get off task.
But this year they were all very like understanding. They got their stuff done.
Like there's a little hiccups here and there, but like that's normal for like anybody. So
it's just really cool. And then like some of the little kids who went out to me and like,
hi. And they're like they're like big friends and they're like, can I be your friend?
Like we be friends. I'm like, yeah, of course. And then they would start calling Jack Haley instead
of my name. And I would just go with it because it was really funny and fairly cute because like
little kids, I'm like, oh, hi. And working with the big ensemble songs. How was that in the
choreography? I was a little nervous because I know this community theater stage is a little bit
smaller than the PC. So I was nervous with a bigger cast but on a smaller stage. How's it going to
work out? But it was honestly, it came out really nice. Rose did a great job with the choreography.
And I was just worried about hitting people in the face more so because of how close we were
together. But we got it to work. And it was just, it was really fun. Like doing the dances with people,
like it's just a great time. Like I was just, we're all, every time we had a choreography day,
we're just like, oh, great another day. Like when we first got there, but after we left,
like that was actually really good. Like that was really fun.
That's awesome. And Rose has quite a bit of experience. She was a whole bowl kid, right?
Yes. Yeah. Rose has been doing theater and dance for years now. Like,
I'm not jealous or anything. Well, it seems like you have the whole world ahead of you now.
Well, the world is your oyster as it were heading off to college now. So tell me about that.
What college have you chose decided on? So I'm going to UW Milwaukee. I am going as an acting
major. So I auditioned for there. I actually auditioned for musical theater, the musical theater
program back in April. And they're like, no, but we want you to be an acting major or acting program.
And I was like, okay, cool. So I'm doing that and starting the fall. And I'm really excited
because Milwaukee, like they do like six shows a year. So they do like three a semester.
And then at the end of the year, there's a freshman student showcase that I have to do.
Because part of my curricular, like curriculum. And I was talking to a junior that's at Milwaukee
right now. And she was like, yeah, when we did my freshman year, I did like a 20 minute monologue.
And I was like, Oh, okay, that's great. Thank you.
No, no, no, no, no, no. But yeah, um, I chose Milwaukee because the connections Milwaukee has
to just Milwaukee and also Chicago itself are just so vast because there's over 20 theater
institutes in Milwaukee alone. Plus with Chicago, once you have connections to Chicago, you got
New York and LA and basically anywhere. So I just, so the world literally is your oyster.
I'm hoping. But I don't want to get too far out of myself. I'm so working.
Well, yeah, that's good. That's good. But you got to have those goals.
Yes, yeah. So do you feel that having had this experience, like when you were a freshman,
did you even think about going to college with theater?
No, um, I was actually going to go for architecture, um, which because I loved drawing and math
at the time. I still love both of those, but I see them more as like side like drawing,
especially as more like a hobby. Math is more like I just like math is just fun, but it's really
not something that I want to pursue. Um, but I was very like adamant about going for architecture
and I was like looking like where I wanted to go. Um, but I was thinking about like NYU was in the
books for me because it's a very like artsy type of school like more like fine arts as I perform
my arts type of area. And so I was thinking about that. Um, and yeah, and then my sophomore year
joined theater still was named by architecture junior year. I was like, yeah, theater architecturally
like music, one of those three. And then finally this year, it was between music and theater. And
that's like when I've decided to go more with theater because of music, I would do more music
education. But I was like, I don't know if I want to teach music. I would more rather like just
performing like casually here and there. Um, so and with theater, I love theater. I've, I want to
just do as much as I can with it and like get myself out there and just have fun with it. Yeah,
it's awesome. Um, so when do you leave for college? Um, the end of August. So like August like
26. I think one of those is like 26 through 28th, one of those three days. Um, they haven't gave
my official move in day, but it's around there. Yeah. Are you excited? I am very excited. Uh, it's
I'm like, uh, I'm just, I love, I love Wisconsin rapids. Like it's a cute, it's like a small town,
but I want to, I've always dreamed about going to a city and live in a city. So going Milwaukee is
like, I'm very excited for that. And two of my best friends are also going to Milwaukee because
one of them's going to Milwaukee with me and then my other one's going to Marquette. So like
basically like 10 minutes away from Milwaukee. Nice. So I'm like, if you guys want to go coffee
sometimes, like, so you'll have your own little circle down the beddy and make lots of new friends.
And yes, I'm so excited. Um, yeah, I've already been talking with like some people in the musical
theater and acting programs there. And they are basically like, we all just, it's kind of like a big,
we just call hand out with each other because it's like, there's not a lot of us. We're like a good
chunk of us. And it's like, we just talk hand out and have a good time and we all work together.
Anyway, it's because we have to more of the same program. So big theater family. Yes.
Wonderful. Well, thank you for joining me today, Austin. It's great to hear your story. Of course.
Thank you for having me. Absolutely. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Of course, you're welcome.
Stay tuned. We'll be right back with more stories from your community.
Welcome back to Community Stories Junior. This is Melissa Kay. And I'm excited for you to hear
from this next theater student, Kimi is newer to the area, but she is already fully immersed into
the world of theater here in Wisconsin Rapids. If you haven't already seen her on stage,
you'll hopefully have a chance to in the near future. For now, listen in to learn more about
Cami. And at the end of the interview, she'll sing a little jazz number for us called,
there will never be another you. I'm Melissa Kay and I'm here with Cami. Cami introduced
yourself and tell me how old you are. Hi, my name is Cami and I'm 14 years old. And you are a
theater kid. Yep. So tell me when you first, this started with a love of music. Is that correct?
Yeah, I like to say that, well, I didn't choose music. Music more chosen me.
I've always been very expressive and very singing songy ever since I was really young.
Did you make up songs? Yeah, a lot of the time I did. Or I would just always be singing. You
could never get me to be quiet and sit down. I would always be up. I'd always be moving and
singing and dancing. So yeah, that's just kind of how it started. Was there ever a point in your
childhood where you realized you liked hearing yourself sing? Honestly, I'm not 100% sure.
I have to think a little bit because I wouldn't say I like hearing myself sing. I just like singing.
Singing in general. It's like the feeling of like getting up on stage, holding the microphone
and then feeling that fire burning in my chest. It's the nerves and the butterflies.
Yeah. And then when I start singing, they just kind of float away and I feel so good.
That's really, really interesting and good. So you were born in Texas and you grew up there
basically. What did you do on the music scene in Texas? I studied a little bit at the Black
Academy of Arts in I think that's around downtown Dallas if I'm correct. And I also had my vocal
coach Miss Andrea at Jazz because Academy and she is truly just an amazing wonderful person.
She honestly taught me everything I know about vocal support and control and all of the musical
technique. It's really all thanks to her. Okay. And she's kind of like a second mother.
She's always a loving and she always looks out for me. I still talk to her and that's really
just what I did over there. I was in a couple of musicals at NTPA. Okay. What musicals?
I was in Gavrush and then at another theater I was in Phantom of the Opera. Oh, need. And you
speak French. We do. That's really awesome. It was actually the language I wanted to learn
when I was probably about your age actually maybe a little bit younger but it never did follow
through with it. So that's wonderful. I grew up speaking French because you know I grew up in a
French household and it's honestly kind of like a first language. Okay. Does that make sense?
Sure. Yeah. If you grew up speaking it in your household then that absolutely makes sense.
So for me personally and our listeners say something in French.
That's beautiful. That's beautiful. I know. But French is such a beautiful language. Thank you
for indulging me. Thank you. Okay. So when did you start taking voice lessons? How old were you?
I think I was around the age of 11. Okay. Yeah. And you're 14 now. So you've been taking voice
lessons for like three years? Three years. Okay. So then you moved here to Wisconsin Rapids.
And you got involved with the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater. Did you do stuff with the school
before that? I did Beauty and the Beast. Okay. What character did you play in that? Ben. Oh nice.
Wonderful. And what was that experience like for you? That was honestly so much fun.
I was really just so grateful to be there and to make friends and to just have somewhere that I
can go have a community, especially because I was brand new and I really didn't know anything about
Wisconsin Rapids. So yeah, but it was just so much fun. I had a lot of fun. A lot of my friends were,
they did amazing on stage. It was so fun to get to interact with them, to get to sing with them.
To get to dance. It was just an awesome time. Do you have any experience in dance prior to that role?
No. No. So that was some fun experience and new learning experience. Yeah. Would you say that being
involved in theater as a new person to the community really helped you broaden your friend's circle?
Oh yeah, definitely because I knew nobody here. But when I first got into theater, I made so many
friends and did you find that environment to be very welcoming? Oh yeah, super welcoming,
especially compared to a lot of theater in Texas and a lot of big theaters and a bunch of other
places. I got to say over here it was so so everyone here was kind. Everyone here was so welcoming.
I would walk in. They'd be like, hey, and they'd always say hi. They would always be smiley and happy.
They would include me in stuff. It was truly just an amazing experience.
Really helped you overcome that new girl hurdle, huh? Yeah, definitely. So then school was out for
the year and then the auditions came up at the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater. Yep.
And so you auditioned for Newsies? Yeah. What was that experience like? Oh, I was so nervous.
You know, I was shaking a little bit, but you know, I did it and I had to leave for a different
rehearsal at the University of Wisconsin in the Stevens Point. But yeah, I did it. I got up on stage.
I read a couple lines. I sang and I just, I mean, I did it. It was fun. I sadly didn't get to see
any of my friends audition because they had to go. You know, it was just it was fun. It was great.
And how would you say the experience at the Community Theater was the same or different than what
you did with theater at the high school? I want to say it wasn't too different. It felt very similar.
Okay. But once again, super welcoming, super kind of wonderful experience. And there's also
some younger kids involved in the show you just did Newsies Junior, right? Yeah. They were adorable.
They were always running around. It was super sweet. And to see the level of commitment and
enjoyment from that age, what did you think of that? I think they're going to grow up to be amazing
performers. And I'm honestly just super excited to do more shows with everyone, a bunch of my
friends, make new friends, watch, you know, the teeny tiny little kids grow up even more. And
some of them were pretty eddy-bitty. They were eddy-bitty. They were adorable. I had to tie some of
their shoes before they went on stage. It was just really sweet. Wonderful. And I'm super excited
to do more. Good. Good. Well, we're definitely glad to have you on the stage. You are a blessing to
the community and our theater families, for sure. And you're taking a break now, though. You're
not involved in Matt House, right? No. You needed a little bit of a break. Because you're also
taking voice lessons here in Wisconsin, right? Yeah. So you have a class that you take at UW?
I have two classes that I'm taking. So I have JCV, which is a vocal jazz community group in
Bossa. Oh, wow. And then I also have, I think, his music and performance. So yeah, those are two
classes I'm auditing at the university, but I am also doing vocal lessons with this amazing
professor, Dr. V. Timothy, I'm probably going to butcher his last name, but I think it's buckles.
Okay. Yeah, he's very sweet. He's an amazing professor. He's really good at teaching. And
yeah, that keeps you pretty busy. It does keep me pretty busy. So now you have to help me. Are
you going to be a sophomore or a junior in school this year? Freshman. Freshman. Oh, wow.
Yeah. Shows you what I know. So you're going to be a freshman at Lincoln High School?
Yep. All right. Wonderful. And then do you have any plans to audition for future upcoming shows?
Oh, yeah, definitely. Um, any particulars in mind? No particulars, but you know, if a musical pops
up and I see it, um, I'm probably going to audition. Just because... Are you more interested in
musicals or theater in general? Honestly, both. I love them both equally. Uh, musicals, it makes
me happy to sing and to dance plays. It's very fun to act. You know, they both have their own
benefits. They are different, uh, different animals, as it were, of where plays are definitely
more focused on your facial expressions, your acting, your interaction with other people. The musicals
have a different focus with the songs being a big part of the script. Oh, yeah. And a big part
of the emotion and the storytelling. When you look at it, a lot of musicals, they don't have a lot
of lines, but it's more just songs that tell the story. Mm-hmm. And I think it's really fun to be
able to tell a story through singing and dancing, but it's also fun to be able to tell a story
through just acting. Mm-hmm. So yeah, they both have their benefits. They're both very fun.
So the next musical that pops up, I'll probably be auditioning. Great. Good. I can't audition.
I'll help with crew. I like doing that too. That's fun. That's always good to get backstage and try
every part of the production if you can. Yeah. Would you have any advice for young people who are
thinking about getting involved in theater? Honestly, I say just go for it. Even if you're scared,
I mean, you won't know if you never try. So audition. You never know who you're going to meet.
You're never know what path it's going to take you down. You never know what opportunities are
waiting for you. So honestly, just go for it. I know it's on scary, but you have to push yourself
to do it. Mm-hmm. Well, that's wonderful advice. Thank you for coming and having a conversation
with us today, Cammy. Thank you so much for having me. Absolutely. Thank you for sharing your
story with us. Thank you. Now, here's a little snippet of Cammy singing backstage. She agreed to
sing a little bit for me, but wanted to do a jazz number instead of one of the songs from
Newsy's Jr. Here's Cammy singing there will never be another you. There will be many other nights
like this and I'll be standing here with someone new. There will be other songs to sing another fall
another spring, but there will never be another you. There will be other lifts that I may kiss,
but they won't throw me like yours used to do. Yes, I may dream a million dreams,
but how can they come true if there will never ever be another you?
Stick around, tail time is up next.
It's tail time. This is the second chapter in the adventures of Kevin the Cat.
In the first chapter of his story, Kevin was adopted by his new human, Ron. Now he's going to
explore his new home and learn how life will be different after the shelter. These are original
stories based loosely on an actual Kevin the Cat I Helped Rescue with a writing assist from
Chat GBT recorded, edited, and produced by me, Melissa Kay. And here's today's episode of tail time.
Chapter 2. Kevin the Cat explores his new home. Kevin the Cat finally found his forever home
after a long four months in the county shelter. The day his human Ron took Kevin home was the
beginning of a new adventure. Kevin was excited, but also a little nervous as he had never experienced
a long car ride before. As they set off, Kevin peered out of his carrier with wide amber eyes,
taking in the sights and sounds zooming past. The motion of the car was unfamiliar,
and soon Kevin began to feel a bit queasy. Each time the car stopped at a stop sign,
Kevin let out a tiny plate of meow, hoping the ride would soon be over. By the end of the hour-long
journey, he was drooling a little, his stomach unsettled from the motion. When they finally arrived,
Ron gently lifted Kevin's carrier and brought him into his new home. Kevin's senses were overwhelmed
by the new smells and sounds. The absence of the familiar barks, meows, and occasional chirps
that he always heard at the shelter made everything seem even more strange. Instead, Kevin could
hear the quiet hum of appliances and the occasional car passing by outside. Each new noise made him
jump, and he was even a little afraid of Ron, his new human. Ron placed Kevin in the big entry way
of the house, a spacious area where he had already set up a cozy corner for Kevin. There was a
litter box, bowls for food and water, and a variety of soft blankets and pillows that Kevin could curl
up on. Ron had even thought to include a few toys, hoping they would make Kevin feel more at home.
Kevin cautiously stepped out of his carrier and immediately darted to the safety of a pillow-fort
Ron had constructed. It took a while for Kevin to calm down. He spent the first few hours huddled
in his little fortress, peeking out occasionally to observe his new surroundings. The sounds and
smells were different. But slowly, Kevin began to realize there were no other pets in the house to
compete with for attention. This realization helped him to start feeling more at ease.
As the hours passed, Kevin's curiosity got the better of him. He began to explore his new home,
starting with the kitchen and dining room, which was one big open space with wooden floors.
As he patted around, he noticed his nails made a funny tapping sound on the wood.
This intrigued him, and he paused to listen, tapping his paw on the floor experimentally before
moving on. Kevin then ventured into the living room, a spacious area with a big picture window that
fled in a lot of light. He skirted around the edges of the room, staying close to the walls where
he felt safest. Behind the couch, he found a cozy, secluded spot that made him feel protected.
But soon, he discovered a cardboard box Ron had placed beside the couch. It was open on the side
and inviting him in to explore. Kevin cautiously sniffed around it before stepping inside.
He found it to be the perfect hiding place. It felt secure and snug, and he could peek out to watch
the room while still feeling hidden. Ron, observing Kevin's behavior, understood that his new
friend needed time to adjust. He noticed Kevin seemed to enjoy the soothing sounds of soft
classic country music that he played on his record player. From the safety of his box,
Kevin listened to the gentle melodies, finding the music calming and comforting. The twang of
the guitars and the smooth voices of the singers helped him relax and feel even more at home.
Gradually, Kevin began to appreciate the quietness of his new home. Unlike the shelter,
there were no sudden loud noises or other animals to worry about. Ron was quiet, too. Often playing
his favorite soft classic country records, Kevin found the gentle melodies soothing and would
sometimes line his box, listening contentedly. As Kevin grew braver, Ron moved his food and water
into the dining room. This way they could eat together, helping Kevin to bond with his new human.
Every day, Kevin explored a little more of his new home. He discovered a cat tower in the living
room, strategically placed in front of the big picture window. At first, Kevin was wary of the
tower, but curiosity eventually got the best of him. He climbed to the top and was rewarded with
a panoramic view of the outside world. From his new vantage point, Kevin could see birds flying
in the sky and people walking their dogs. The sight of the dogs intrigued him. It looked like
really big cats, but somehow not as scary. He could watch them for hours, his amber eyes tracking
their movements with fascination. There was one German shepherd that walked by every day.
Sometimes the dog would get away from his human and run away. That made Kevin wonder what it
was like out there. Why did the dog run away from his human? Did he go exploring by himself?
But those were thoughts for another day. Kevin didn't feel brave enough to go anywhere by himself.
Yet.
Ron, seeing how much Kevin enjoyed the view, made sure the window perch was always accessible.
Sometimes Ron would brush Kevin's black and white coat while he sat on top of the tower. He also
spent time playing with Kevin, using toys to engage him and help him feel more at home.
With each passing day, Kevin became more comfortable and confident. The living room with its
bright window and cozy corners became his favorite place to lounge. And if he couldn't be found
anywhere else, Ron often found Kevin curled up in his favorite box. The box wasn't anything special,
but it was the first one, and Kevin felt comfortable and secure inside it. Whenever he felt a
little anxious, he could curl up inside and know that everything was okay. The other thing about
his new home that made Kevin feel okay was his new human. Kevin didn't have many memories of his
first home, but he remembered that they were kind and that humans were good. Kevin's transformation
was heartwarming. He went from being a scared, anxious cat to a happy, relaxed companion.
The memories of his difficult past, though faded, occasionally surfaced.
He remembered the terrifying days when he first got lost from his original home.
The world outside had been harsh and unforgiving. Kevin had encountered wild cats who were territorial
and aggressive. They hissed and swiped at him, forcing him to fight for scraps of food and
save places to sleep. There were loud noises. Those wild encounters left Kevin with his crinkled
cauliflower ear, a constant reminder of the fear and loneliness he endured. The rough and tumble
of those days made him wary and defensive, always on edge expecting another attack.
But all of that seemed like a distant nightmare now. Kevin found solace in his new environment
where the only sounds were the gentle hum of appliances and the soft classic country music
Ron played. The twang of guitars and smooth soothing voices of the singers created a peaceful
ambience that Kevin had never known before. With each passing day the shadows of his past grew dimmer.
Ron's quiet gentle presence reassured Kevin that he was safe. The soft strokes of Ron's hand
against his black and white fur were a stark contrast to the harsh interactions he had with
those wild cats. As Kevin curled up on Ron's lap one evening purring contentedly, he knew that he
had finally found his forever home. He loved the quiet of his new abode and the undivided attention
Ron gave him. Here there were no wild cats to fear, no need to fight for survival.
Kevin's days were now filled with warmth, comfort and the tender care of a human who truly loved
him. His heart swelled with gratitude every time he looked at Ron, his amber eyes reflecting
the happiness he felt. This was the life he had longed for and he relished every moment of it,
basking in the love and security that his human provided. But as Kevin became more comfortable,
his curiosity about his surroundings grew. There was one place he hadn't explored yet,
the mysterious door in the dining room. What lay behind it? Another room? A secret passage?
Kevin's whiskers twitched with anticipation. Tune in next time for another adventure with Kevin
the cat as he discovers what's behind the door in the dining room. Be sure to join us next week
for another edition of Community Stories Junior.
