Welcome to Community Stories, Jr. I'm your host, Melissa K. This week we have a special
collection of interviews from young people involved in hopeful productions at the Wisconsin
Rapids Community Theatre. We'll be hearing from several kids who played the characters
of Newsies in Disney's Newsies, Jr. this summer. The first group is Kenzie, Lily, Ariana,
and Finley. At the end of our conversation, they'll even sing a little bit of their favorite
song from the show. Following that, you'll hear from some of the older young people playing
the main characters. I'll let them introduce themselves when we get there. For now, sit
back and enjoy the excitement and enthusiasm of these young people at WRCT.
Hello, I'm Melissa K. And I am here with several young people from the Wisconsin Rapids Community
Theatre. I have with me Kenzie, Lily, Ariana, and Finley. And we're going to talk about
what it's like being involved in theater. So, Kenzie, let's start with you. Tell me why
you were involved in theater, why you're doing this show. Because I love dance and I've been
dancing since I was three. Wow, have you done a lot of dance recitals? Yeah. Did you decide
to do this show just because there's dance or have you done theater before? Done theater
before. Willy Wonka and this one. Mom, what part did you play in Willy Wonka? A candy
kid. Did you do dancing in that show too? Yeah. That's wonderful. So, Lily, why are you involved
in this show? I love doing dance and I love singing and I love combining the two together.
And I've been in theater before. I was also in Willy Wonka as a candy kid. And theater's
really fun because I do it at the RSPA too. Okay, what is RSPA? The Rapids School of Performing
Arts Center. And you can do dance from ballet, tap jazz, hip hop, modern point and all different
kinds of dances. But we get to do theater and there's piano lessons and voice lessons
going on there too. So, it's really fun. So, do you take all of those different types
of dance or what's your favorite? Well, I do ballet, tap jazz and theater, but I think
I love theater. Is it because you get to do a lot more facial expressions and acting? Yeah.
Yeah. That's a good reason. That's when I would pick too. And I love hanging out in theater.
I get to be with my friends and I love our directors, Ms. Grouchon and Ms. Sue. I love
making my mom proud. Those are good reasons to be involved in theater. Do you think that
you've made new friends by being involved in theater? Yes. That's wonderful. All right,
Ariana, tell me about why you're involved in theater. Well, same like Kinsey and Lily.
I've been dancing since I was two. And I just love to dance and sing. So, that's why.
Is this your first show? No, I've been really wonky like Lily and Kinsey. Do you do any
shows at school? No. But I do go to the same dance as Lily. Oh, so what dance classes do
you take? I take ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater and I'm stout in hip-hop. Oh, fun. Do you
like hip-hop? Well, I actually didn't do it yet, but I think I will. Yeah. Do you think
you'll want to get to... So, I did try hip-hop once upon a time, a few years, but the only thing
that I had a hard time with was getting down on the floor. Do you think you'll like that part?
Maybe. Do you do any tumbling like cartwheels and things like that? Yes, a lot. So, I think you'll
be good at hip-hop then. Yeah. All right, Kinley. Tell me why you're involved in theater. I know you've
got a little bit of experience in this. Yeah. So, my mom is the director and I like
theater so much that I even do dance at Kinsey, Lily and Ariana have the same place. Nice.
And I like singing, dancing and theater so I can run them all together. Okay. How many shows have
you been in? Finley, do you know? Yeah. First, I don't really want to. Then I have been in
Candle in the window. Now, I'm in mid-Summer-ish and Newsees. Wow, that's quite the work-perture.
How old are you? I'm seven. Nice. And that's something else I should have asked all of you.
Ariana, how old are you? Ten. And Lily? I'm nine. And Kinsey. Nine. So, you guys make up the...
you guys are the Newsees, right, in this show. So, tell me about that, Finley. So, Newsees are basically
people who work for other Newsees. Okay. So, you sell newspapers and they all have to help each other
to survive. Okay. Do you have any lines in this show? Yes, too. Nice. Do you want to give us a
little preview? No. Do you guys sing a song altogether? Yeah. Yeah. Do you want to sing a little bit
for me? Yeah. Okay. Ready? We are we doing carrying the banner? Hello. Let's do carrying the banner. Okay.
Okay. Go ahead. A bottle alley to the harbor. There's a deep Higgins guarantee. Try any
banker by more vodka. They almost don't know how to reach out. It's a crooked game we're
playing. One will never lose. Long it's up because don't mind paying just to get that news.
And a fine night carrying the banner would all. A mighty fine night carrying a better tough
and tall. When that bell rings we don't hear any wishes. We don't hear any wishes for you watching this.
You want to find life carrying the banner. We all. Good job, guys. I am here with a group of
young people that are performing in the Newsees Junior with WRCT. I have with me Mia, Kaelin,
Katherine, Cadence, Cammy, and Austin. And I am excited to speak with all of you. Mia, I'm
going to start with you. Tell me how old you are and why you got involved in theater. I am 12 and
I got involved in theater because I just thought I was going to be fun. Do you dance, right? Yeah.
So do you have a dance background? Yeah. I've been doing dances else for. What is your favorite form
of dance? I like jazz and hip-hop. So what do you feel like in this show is your favorite dance
piece? Oh, I definitely came into New York. I just think it's a lot of fun. Is that a big ensemble
piece? Yes, very much so. And then what part are you playing in the show? I'm Hazel. Then we've got
Kaelin. Kaelin, what got you involved in theater? I got involved in theater because when I was a
little kid, my sister did theater. And then I was like, that's really cool. And this is fun. So
I should try it out too. How many years have you been in theater? Well, since I've been in like
third grade. But I've been in like six shows. And you're how old now? I'm 13. Okay. And you've
been in six shows. Can you list those off for me? Oh gosh, okay. Frozen, Jr. Peter Pan. I'm
Charlie in the chocolate factory disorder in the court. Beauty in the Beast. Yeah, and Newsees.
You know what? You did great. If you asked me to list out the shows I've been in, I would stumble
after about two. So well done. What is your favorite part about this show? Just all of the very
different characters we have and how everyone portrays them differently. We all do a really good
job with that. And do you think having been involved in six shows at 13, that's a lot. What is
theater brought to your life? Friends, experience, opportunities. I think it's given you more confidence.
Oh, yeah, probably. And you have more skills in talking and acting and being in a stage in front
of an audience and stuff. All right. Catherine, you're up next. So tell me how old you are and how
what got you into theater? So I'm 13. And what got me into theater was I wasn't able to do any sports
because of reasons. And I wanted to try theater because I've always like seen like the productions
at like the Lincoln High School. And I'm like, that's so cool. I want to know what goes on in the
back rooms. And I want to be on that stage doing that. So I started and I loved it. And I've just
been doing it ever since. How long have you been involved in theater, would you say? Since I was in
sixth grade and I've done quite a few productions, I think, over like the two years. Do you have any
favorites that stand out? I really liked Beauty and the Beast. That was a really good one. And Peter
Pan was pretty pivotal too because it was my first show. And I really liked Candle in the Window
as well. That's where I recognize you from. You as well. Somebody else said Candle in the
Window so that, oh no, it was Finley. So what about this show really stands out to you? It really
stands out as like all of the music pieces have their own like story within them. And I feel like
that's so cool because they're not all the same. But they all tell their own unique story in their
own different way. And same with the characters too. I feel like that's really cool. And just like
the storyline is really awesome. Like how these kids just took a stand and did this. It's just
amazing. Do you think it's an important piece of history that people should know about? Definitely.
I feel like this is one of the bigger ones that people should realize that happened. Okay, so now
we're up to Cadence. You have been involved in quite a bit at the theater, I believe. Too much.
No, it's been only two years and I've been in like 10 productions.
Well, that is a lot in two years. 15. Wow. So do any of those stand out to you?
Definitely Peter Pan because that was my first one. What character did you play? Mrs. Darling.
And then also Beauty and the Beast because I met a lot of new people at Kami.
I've been writing this. I know. And yeah, that's pretty much what character are you playing in this show?
I am a Baurie Brigade, which is a dancer for metastheater. Do you like dancing? No.
So this has been a new skill that you have to do this song. Good, good. Anything that you would
like to share with people like other young people who haven't tried the theater yet, but are curious?
I think people should definitely at least try one show because you know, you never know if you
don't try it. You never know that you might like it. Yeah, that's a good reason. That's absolutely a
good reason to try. All right, so now we're up to Kami. Kami, tell me about your experience in theater.
My experience in theater has just been truly inspiring. I love theater and it's really helped me grow
as a person. And how did you get involved in this production? Well, I was told by my mom that
this theater was doing newsies. And my mom knows that I've always loved the musical newsies.
So I decided to audition and boom. How long have you been involved in theater? I think this is my
second year of theater. And I've been in, well, this is my fourth production. So in your how old?
I'm 14. Austin, tell me about your experience in theater. So I've been doing theaters since I was
a sophomore in high school. This is my 12th show, I think. And so I've been doing theater just over
two years doing 12 shows. I did theater because I needed, I wanted to do something that was like,
it felt like open to me. And so I wanted to have like a close like attachment to something. And that
was theater for me. So I joined theater and I've just been doing it since. And now I'm actually going
to Milwaukee this fall for college and being an acting major down there. So wonderful. Well, good luck to
you. Thank you. Stay tuned. We'll be right back with more stories from your community.
You're listening to Community Stories Junior on WFHR. The next two segments are interviews
with young people who played roles in it's a madhouse at WRCT. The show was performed this summer
and directed by Stephanie Hearth. I'm Melissa and I'm back with Community Stories. I have with
me Abrietta. Tell me how old you are and how long you've been involved in theater. I'm 12 years
old and I've been involved in theater for about four years. So what character are you playing in
it's a madhouse? I'm playing Abigail and she's a 12-year-old girl and she's the granddaughter of
Mr. Pembroke. Okay. And Mr. Pembroke is one of the main characters in the in the show? Yeah.
And one of the bigger roles, yes. Okay. So this is this a bigger role than you've had previous to this?
Yes, it's like the biggest role I've had in the plays before. Okay. So tell me about
what got you involved in theater four years ago? Well, my sister. So she did a lot of
like theater performances prior to this. So like they got you interested and you saw her on stage
and thought it looked fun? Yeah. Okay. Was there a specific show she did that was like,
oh, I want to do that. I really liked one. It was called Disorder in the Court. She did. It was
around COVID. So it was like a shorter one and she out like the lead role in that. And so it was
and they involved the audience a lot with that one. So it was like very like interactive. Yeah. Yeah.
Oh, neat. So that was also a hopeful production. Yes. So have you only been involved in
performances here at WRCT? Um, I did the forensics team at Rams, which is the rabbit area
in middle school. How was that? It was it was fun. So I like performed like I wrote my own monologue
and I based it off like a book that I have. So then I had to perform it and be competed against
each other. So that was that fun being doing it in front of judges? Yes. So it was really fun.
First few times it was a little hard to like get hang of. But then after like you knew what you're
getting into for the level two, it was a lot easier to like act and be my best. So do you feel like
over these four years that you've done acting that each year gets a little better or a little easier?
Yeah. I would say each year it's like a lot less nerve wracking than it was like when I started.
It was like and then like a lot less shy than I was before. You maybe theaters helped you
become a little more outgoing? Yeah. I would say. Because then I went to have done this before but
because of theater, I participated in the sixth grade speech contest at my school and I got into
the top 12 kids. So we got to like perform on a stage and then I tied for third. Wow. Congratulations.
So where do you see your involvement in theater going forward from here? Do you plan to keep doing
theater? Yeah. I plan to keep doing it till like I can't do hope for anymore and then I might
go and do bigger stuff or like just the general community theaters for like adults here.
Yeah. Do you like coming to the adult shows here at the theater? I've never been to one actually
but I know like they happen. I've heard a lot of good stuff about them normally around school.
So it's hard to get in here. Yeah. A little bit more difficult. Yeah.
Well, thank you for sitting down with me and sharing your story. Yeah, come on.
I have with me Adalina. How long have you been involved in theater and how old are you?
I'm 16 and I've been in theater since like sixth grade. I would do the math but that would take
me too long. That's okay. I don't mental math even. So what got you involved in theater in sixth grade?
It was really like an on-the-fly thing. It was the show is called Game of Tearas. It was with
the Disney princesses and it was actually Stephanie and my old music teacher from my elementary
school. She texted my mom and she's like hey you should have Adalina do this. I had no idea
nothing. I was no experience whatsoever and I showed up. I didn't have any of the audition
material. I was so unprepared and I just like I was just like okay you know what I'm just going
to go for it. So I did and it was I loved it. It was great. Were you really nervous at the
audition? Yeah it's like I didn't I was a sixth grader. I didn't know anybody in the room at all.
I'm like I like heard of them but I wasn't friends with anybody. It was it was very intimidating
but I'm so glad I didn't. From that experience of being at the audition and not knowing anybody
what was the rehearsal process like after that? Like you walked into your first rehearsal what was
that experience like? I was kind of like I don't know how to explain it but it was like I walked in
everybody just started like talking to me and everybody was like insanely friendly and really like
welcoming and I didn't like as the rehearsals went on I didn't feel as nervous and I started to get
like more comfortable around people. That's the one thing I love about theater is I'm able to be
myself and nobody's gonna judge me for it no matter how crazy or loud or insane I get.
And it just makes you feel like part of a group that is completely accepting of you no matter what.
It's that's my main thing about theater. I love the community the family we create it's
and it gives it gives me a purpose like I can express how I'm feeling through acting on the stage.
Have you had characters that are very different from you as a person and how is that to be able
to portray a character like that? Sometimes it's really hard to like slip into like that role that
you're not like used to doing at all but once you get it it's really actually a lot of fun.
Like I'm more of like a happy upbeat person I'm not like but when I get the like characters that
gets like yell at everybody and those are actually my favorite to play it's yeah it's really they're
really fun. So you've done quite a few productions here at the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater.
Do you have any that stand out in your mind that you that are special? I don't think I have I love
them all they've all been so fun but my first show at the community theater it was disorder in
the court and I just remember I got to throw smarties at my prosecution attorney it was the greatest
thing ever. You know that was the first show that I actually saw here at Wisconsin Rapids Community
Theater you had your hair and braids. Yes I remember that character it was fun. Yeah well tell me
what your role is in this show and what this experience has been like this year. So my character
in this show her name is Devon and I'm part of the Thesbian group and I'm the cranky director.
So I have to put up with a bunch of actors who there's one that doesn't that's just really sarcastic
the crew members just kind of follow what she does and then we got the pompous actor who plays
Romeo. It's really fun because I have to like be the leader and try to keep them all in line
stuff but it doesn't really work out. So you get to yell at them but there's no good results.
Right. And doing a show this quickly because this whole production is three weeks. What is that
experience like? It's like it's all flying together like so fast. I feel like it was like just
the other day we had our dishes but everything's coming together really quickly and Stephanie is a
great director and we have like I don't know everything's just really under control right now and
I think it's going to come along great. What do you see for yourself in the future with theater?
I definitely want to keep doing it. I'm only a junior in high school so I got a while yet
but after I graduate I'm definitely going to keep doing it like for the community but I can't see
myself doing it as like a career but I could definitely do it like for fun. Yeah. Do you feel like
it's given you maybe more opportunities or met new people through theater? Absolutely. Absolutely.
100%. I mean I've gotten a lot better at my public speaking skills and it's just easier to like
meet people now and I'm more outgoing and I feel like I can just like go randomly talk to some
random guy on the street and it wouldn't be weird. I mean even if he thought it would be weird,
it wouldn't be weird for me. Yeah. So do you think that this has opened up maybe new ideas for you
as far as careers in the future or of what to go to college for? I'm planning on going to UW River Falls
for majoring in dairy science and pre-vet but there's a lot of opportunities at River Falls and I
want to do their, they have a really good Occapel group and I want to do that because I'm like
singing and I'm inquiring. Yeah. That sounds like that this has been a very great platform for you to
continue with. Do you do plan to continue with this through? Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. Wonderful.
Well thank you for sitting down with me today. Thank you. Elena, tell me how old you are and how
many years you've been doing theater? Yeah, I'm 18 and I've been doing theater for as long as I
honestly can remember. I remember doing it in elementary school doing like little tiny side parts
all the way up until I graduated this year. Have you been involved with the hobo productions
before here at WRCT? This is my first production with hobo but I've done a few different productions
with the community theater. I've done an of Green Gables a few years ago and then there was a few
others that I participated in as well. Wonderful. What got you involved? Was it your parents?
Was it siblings? What attracted you to theater? I feel like it was more of my friends and also kind
of my family I guess. I've kind of become the drama person in my family but I've just always
enjoyed going to theater and auditioning with friends, getting parts with friends and hanging out
with friends during productions and everything. Have you made more friends because of theater? Do you
feel? Yes. Of course. Yeah. You just meet new people all the time and just make connections with
the people you're acting with, people you like sometimes when you don't have friends acting in
your scene you just make new ones when you're making those connections waiting in the wings and
find a new friend. Yes. Do you have a favorite show like Thinking Back? Is there one role that kind
of stands out more than others that was was really beneficial for you? I have really just enjoyed
all my roles no matter how small they were. There was one time when I was really young I got to
be a part of the elves and the shoemaker and I was one of the lead elves in there and I just
thought that was the coolest thing ever especially at my age when I was just really young but they
expected a lot from me and I really enjoyed that part. Wow. Do you have any fun costume memories?
Have there been a costume piece that was more enjoyable or like a period piece that was just
cool to wear? I really like wearing older old-time pieces like Renaissance stresses and just like
the pieces that you wouldn't usually see today just because I like being a part of a character that
isn't a part of today's normal. Like you would see out in society people don't often wear some of
those costumes especially like Renaissance unless you go to a run fair. Yes. So what are your plans
now that you've graduated from high school? Are you going to continue in theater? Yes. I'm really
excited of the college that I'm going to they have a really great theater department and I'm really
excited. I know that they do musicals and I love musicals those are those are one of my favorite
pastimes to watch. So you sing? Yes. Nice. And have you had any roles in musicals up to this
point just once in the Cinderella musical a few years ago at the LHS theater? What character did
you play in Cinderella? I was the footman which was also a dove and also just part of the ensemble
and I once heard that it's never just ensemble because some people think it's just a background
part but there's so much more to being part of the ensemble you get to meet different people you
get to interact with people in the back and it's actually sometimes a lot more fun than just being
one person on the stage by yourself. Where you get to play multiple characters and oftentimes then
you have multiple costumes that you have to wear and those quick changes can be a little more
challenging but also fun and then to be able to sing in the ensemble too is a delight because
you're singing with other people do you like singing in harmony and parts? Yes. That's one of my
favorite things to do. I usually don't like to sing by myself on on a stage like when you're singing
with other people it really boosts your confidence. And then you are like the picture of the background
of what makes the show. And it's always fun making up back stories for the people that nobody gets
to hear about like someone could be a cheese seller that has a scary back story and nobody would
ever know right but you know the whole story that is really neat. Well thank you Elena for sitting
down and talking with me today of course. Stick around we'll be right back with a continuation of
the story. Thank you for tuning in here's your next community story. I'm Melissa K and this is
community stories and I have with me a group of young ladies that are performing in it's a madhouse
I'm going to ask each one of you to tell me your name your age and how many years you've been
involved in theater. My name is Mia I'm eight and it's my second like show. My name is Avery I am 12
years old and this is my second show. Hi my name is Sully I'm 11 years old and then this is my third
year. Hi my name is Haley I'm 11 and this is my fourth year. Hi my name is Audrey I'm eight and
this is my first year. Great well it's nice to meet you all now I want to ask you what characters
you're playing. Now I know several of you are cheerleaders and you're a tourist right Avery?
What is your character do in this show? Do you come on stage and act in the background? Yeah.
Are you having fun doing that? Yeah. Have you made a lot of friends in this show? Kind of.
Kind of have you met new people? Yeah. Is that a fun experience? Yeah. Good. All right Haley I want
you to tell me about being a cheerleader. Do you have props that you're using as part of your character?
Yeah. Have you started working with those yet? Not really no. Well you don't have a whole lot of
time left before the performance so you guys excited about being able to start using your props?
Yeah. Okay Sully I want you to tell me what your experience has been like? Being a cheerleader has
been really fun. I've met a lot of new people and this next practice we're going to be
starting to use our props. Do you get to wear your costumes yet? Next practice yes.
Okay so you only have a few left before the performance right? Yes. All right so Avery I know
you're excited about being able to use your it's pom-poms right? So tell me about that.
Do you guys do a dance routine with them? What do you do with your pom-poms? Yeah. We kind of just
hold them while we're doing our choreography. Oh so you have a whole dance too? Oh how long did it
take to learn that? Well we only had like two days to learn it but it wasn't very complicated.
Okay but you all do it in a formation? Wow. Okay so Mia you seem the most excited about the pom-poms.
Well we get to do our costumes tomorrow, pom-poms tomorrow, old props. Today we are taking like props
that we stole. Okay like you stole them from the stage? We stole them from the house. Okay and
I met a lot of new people during rehearsals I normally was in South Carolina. Oh so you missed
some of the rehearsals? But Stephanie sent them out. Okay so you got caught up while you were on
vacation. Well thank you for meeting with me today ladies. I can't wait to see your show.
I'm Melissa Kay and I am here with Kari. Kari tell me how old you are and how long you've been
involved in theater? I'm 17 years old. I'm almost 18 and I've been in theaters since my freshman year
of high school. And what inspired you to get involved in your freshman year? I've always been
really big into like the arts and I'm a very creative person and one day my drama instructor
saw me doing a skit in my speech class and was really interested in having me in the drama
department and so I joined my school's theater and arts department and I kind of fell in love with
it and then recently I started getting into hobo productions and I love the environment. It's been
really great. Your first involvement was in high school. What are the differences you've seen
between like a high school production and here at the community theater? Are there any noticeable
differences? I would say that the community is very different. Like I grew up in a very tight-knit
community in Port Edwards and coming here where everybody kind of knew each other at first was
very intimidating but everybody was very welcoming and it's a very accepting and inclusive place
and I think that the biggest difference was just the people and the vibe. I feel like everybody is
everyone's very cool here. So it's kind of like theater people are the same everywhere you just
got to get through that first get to know everybody? Yeah I definitely think that's how it is. I think
it was just a little intimidating at first but everybody here is very very kind and very very
very cool. So you've done other hobo productions. What ones have you done here with them?
The first one I did was last year it was toasted with Rein Houston and then this year I've done
it's a madhouse and that'll be the two that I've done so far. And so you have one year left right?
You'll be a senior this year? Yes I'll be a senior this year so I'm planning on doing my last
production with hobo next year. Well I'm glad that you have loved it so much you keep coming back.
So you did productions with your high school? Are there any that standout in your memory that
were just really fun? Well our high school is very small so we do put on kind of smaller shows but
the one that I was in most recently par for the corpse was definitely one of my favorites. It was
really interesting and it was one of my first like bigger lines where I got to showcase like my talent
and how I portrayed a character and I thought that was really interesting. How have you found
the differences with directors? Because now you've worked with directors at your high school and
you've worked with at least Stephanie here. What do you think about like different directors?
I don't know the way that they do things. Have you found any differences? I think there definitely
is differences. I think Stephanie is very very open and welcome to ideas and she's very very creative
and the directors at my school they're also very creative but they're less informed I think on
how to be director since it's such a small school but I definitely found that hobo was very structured
and it's got a lot of information where you might need it so I think that it's just more structured
director directing here at the community theater and being that you know I mean there's so much on
teachers plates. Definitely. So anything that they can do is appreciate it in my opinion and but I
think that's wonderful that you've noticed some of those differences because they do different directors
have different directing styles. So you've got one more year you said you're going to do hobo
this next summer. Do you have any plans after that yet for what you're going to do?
I'm not really sure after that. I do want to go to college hopefully in UW-Madison but more
likely in UW-SP but both have pretty strong theater programs. They do they do both have very
strong theater programs and I do want to pursue something kind of creative alongside I want to
going for my psychology major so I'm really interested in finding a community of people who also
enjoy doing theater. Well thank you for sitting down with me today. Yep of course.
I have now with me Dana. Dana how old are you and how long have you been involved in theater?
Hi I'm 18 and I've been in theater for about nine to ten years. Wow so basically most of your
grown up life. Right. And what got you involved in theater so many years ago?
In second grade we had to we all had to do plays just like a little short thing and I realized
how much I really liked being able to play a character expressing myself and then I got into
the children's theater in third grade and then my aunt saw the community theater in the paper
and she was like I think you should audition for this until you like being expressive.
So you've been involved in children's productions here at Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater for
many many years? Yes correct. Do you have any that stand out in your memory as being a favorite show?
Um I think my favorite one specifically through community theater would be the walking
door of so far. I got to play the evil queen and I really like playing an evil side because I get
to be much more expressive. I get to yell at people. I think that's fun. And it just it definitely
was unique and it was just a really fun show to do. And being able to yell at people is that
just opposite of how you are in real life. Yes. Very opposite. Would you say that that's a part of
theater that is fun because you get to play characters that aren't like you? Yes that's definitely
my favorite part is playing characters that are nothing like me and getting to be able to portray
that in a different light I guess you know. So with walking dwarfs that was like a zombie theme.
What were the did you have fun with the costumes with that show? Oh yeah I got to be in a really
fun like queen dress, very poofy dress and then even though I was on stage a good amount of
the time I still tried to help the children with like their zombie makeup and stuff like that
really give them tips on how to do their own zombie makeup so then they could do it backstage
themselves. And how is that part of it working with younger students or younger children?
I really do like working with the children because I like trying to be a role model for them
on what they are capable of doing because I mean I started there too you know I started 9 to 10
years ago I was one of the small quiet children that like had like two lines didn't really know what
I was doing and I like being able to be that role model so they know that they are capable of
doing that when they're older and also just I like seeing them grow I like seeing them grow
into what they can be. And you've been involved with the hopeful because I know I've seen you on
stage before. How has been being involved in HOPO? Do you also do shows with school?
So I did do a show in middle school with Stephanie. That's when she started the middle school program
again right before COVID I was in eighth grade. I did not do high school theater though.
Okay. So you just do theater basically during the summer?
Yes correct. Focus on your academics during the school year.
Pretty much. I'm involved in many other different extracurriculars. This is kind of just a shift
from those types of extracurriculars. Nicey. Okay so what are your plans after because now you're
graduated? Yes I'm graduated. So what are your plans for college or the future? How do you
do you see yourself continuing in theater as an adult? I might do theater here and there.
I kind of plan on auditioning maybe once in a while for something fun. I am definitely
leading a stray in my future endeavors. I'm going to the University of Michigan for sports
management and marketing and hoping to get involved with major league baseball as a manager.
So it's very different than what you'd probably expect someone who's been in theater to say but
I still really like doing it and I'm more than happy to do it like once in a while but not as like
my main career. I see. Do you feel that having been involved in theater
because marketing is also a very people-oriented career? Do you feel like the experience of having
been involved in theater as a child and growing up in theater has given you a lot more confidence
to be able to pursue a career like that? Yeah for sure. I completely think all the experiences
I've had through theater for the successes I've had growing up through my other extracurriculars
through getting into my dream school. I completely thank theater for that because it's helped
my speaking skills. It's helped my people skills getting along with people and teamwork and
helped me be much more expressive and I find that very helpful in pursuing my future endeavors.
So yeah I do. I'm very thankful that I got into this at a young age and I fully recommend it to
anybody else who has a child that's interested in it. It will definitely help them grow and
be much better at communicating for their future. Wonderful. Well thank you for sitting down with
me. Thank you for having me. Stick around. Tail time is up next.
It's tail time. In the last chapter Kevin and Ron decorated for Christmas. Let's find out
what Kevin's up to now. Chapter 4. Kevin the cat gets a new toy. Kevin was bored.
Terribly desperately bored. He had already explored every inch of the house countless times
mapping out its secrets, nooks and crannies like a seasoned explorer. The living room his usual
haunt had lost its allure. He knew every spot behind the couch, every inch of the rug,
and every speck of dust on the shelves. His favorite box was still there, nestled in its cozy
corner, but today even that wasn't enough. He tried pawing at it, scratching the inside walls
to make them rustle, but even that game lost its appeal quickly. He darted up into his catchery
and perched on the highest platform, hoping the view of the window would provide some entertainment.
But it was a dreary day. The kind of day where the clouds seemed to hover low,
pressing down on everything in a heavy grey blanket. The street outside was unusually quiet.
No neighbors walking their dogs, the birds tucked up in their nests away from the feeder,
and not even the usual hum of passing cars. The German shepherd that sometimes escaped from
his human was nowhere to be seen. Kevin watched the empty street for a moment longer
before giving up with a huff and turning away in disappointment. His next stop was the dining room,
maybe something new had appeared since his last patrol. But no, the food in his dish from breakfast
remained untouched. He wasn't hungry. He stuck his paw into his water dish instead, dragging it
forward and watching the water slosh and ripple. The light streaming in through the window made the
ripples glimmer in a way that fascinated Kevin. He repeated the motion, dragging the dish across
the floor, watching as the waters flashed and left a shimmering trail across the hardwood.
It was fun for a while, but soon the dish was nearly empty, and the floor was wet and cold
under his paws. Kevin sat back, surveying the mess with mild satisfaction. But the boredom quickly
returned. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Kevin knew just the thing, the forbidden
table. Rounded it like him climbing up there, but Ron wasn't home. With a slide twitch of his
whiskers, Kevin hopped up onto a chair and then onto the table. There were papers, plastic bottles,
and other small items scattered about. Perfect for a curious cat in need of entertainment.
He gave one of the bottles a gentle push, watching as it rolled to the edge and fell with a satisfying
plop. Encouraged, Kevin knocked another item off, and then another until the table was cleared,
and the floor was littered with things to bat around. But eventually, even that gang grew tiresome.
Now what? Kevin decided that the best way to pass the time was a good, long nap. He curled up
and Ron spot on the couch, nestling into the familiar warmth left behind from earlier.
As he drifted off, he hoped that sleep would make the dreary day go by faster, and that when he woke
up, Ron would be home. Kevin, what did you do today? Ron's voice jolted Kevin awake. He could hear
him calling from the dining room. Why is the floor all wet? Were you on the table? Kevin's ears twitched
as he listened. Ron didn't sound truly angry, but there was a hint of exasperation in his tone.
Kevin debated whether to go greet him. Ron might be upset, and while Ron was rarely stern with him,
Kevin knew he had pushed his luck today. Ron appeared in the living room, his hands on his hips as he
looked at Kevin. What soft-bowl buddy ol' pal? Were you bored today? You made a real mess in the
dining room for sure. Kevin blinked slowly, trying to look as innocent as possible.
Ron laughed shaking his head. I guess it's time to change up your toys.
Maybe we should go shopping and get you some Christmas presents.
Kevin didn't know what shopping, or Christmas meant, but Ron's tone was cheerful, so he relaxed.
After Ron cleaned up the mess and had dinner, he sat on the couch with Kevin,
tapping at his phone. Kevin watched curiously as Ron scrolled through images and videos.
Eventually, Ron seemed satisfied, putting the phone down and giving Kevin a reassuring pat.
Whatever had happened, it seemed like something good.
A few days later, a new box arrived at the house. Kevin saw the delivery driver bring it to the door,
but the man didn't stay long. Ron came home later that day, eyes lighting up when he saw the box.
Kevin, do you know what's in here? Ron asked excitedly as if Kevin might somehow know.
Kevin tilted his head in confusion. Ron got deliveries all the time,
but they were usually boring things like tools or clothes. The only part that interested Kevin
was the box itself. Ron opened the box and started pulling out pieces. It was a new catchery.
Kevin's eyes widened slightly with interest. The old tree in the living room was still his favorite spot,
but maybe this one would be just as fun. Ron explained that this new tree was for the dining room
window, giving Kevin another vantage point to watch the world outside. Along with the catchery
pieces was a new toy, a long wand with a brightly colored fabric ribbon attached. Kevin pounced on it
immediately, batting at the ribbon as Ron began assembling the catchery. The construction took a
while with Ron carefully attaching each part and tightening screws. As he worked, Kevin played
with the wand toy, dragging the ribbon across the floor and pouncing on it. Once the catchery was
fully assembled, Ron attached a soft red cushion to the top platform. What do you think,
Kevin? Ron asked, gesturing to the finish tree. Kevin approached cautiously. It smelled strange,
new, like wood and fabric and fresh cardboard. He wasn't sure about it. Ron tried to coax him up
by tapping the scratching post and waving the wand toy, but Kevin remained skeptical. He's a cat
after all, things have to be done on his terms. Later that night, after Ron had gone to bed,
Kevin decided it was time for a private inspection. He jumped onto the window sill next to the new
catchery, sniffing it carefully. The smells were starting to blend with a familiar sense of the
house, and the cushion didn't seem so foreign anymore. Curiosity won out, and Kevin climbed a
bunch of the top platform. From there, he could see out into the backyard and across the driveway.
The red cushion was surprisingly comfortable, just firm enough to support him, but soft enough
to settle into. Kevin decided to give it a proper test and curled up. Before he knew it, he was fast
to sleep. The next morning, Ron found Kevin curled up on the new tree. So, I guess it meets your
approval, huh? He said with a chuckle, scratching Kevin behind the ears. Kevin stretched luxuriously,
enjoying the gentle pets. Now that you have new toys, you're not going to destroy the house today,
right? Ron asked with a grin. Kevin blinked slowly, the feline equivalent of making no promises.
That day, Kevin had a blast playing with his new toys. He raced from the living room to the dining
room, climbing between the old tree and the new one, imagining himself as a wild predator stalking
his territory. The Juan toy became his favorite. Ron had attached a turkey feather to the end,
and Kevin couldn't resist pouncing and chasing after it whenever Ron weighed it around.
After hours of running and playing, Kevin finally tired himself out and collapsed in a sunbeam
for a much needed nap. When Ron returned home that evening, Kevin greeted him with a contented
purr. The new toys had done their job. He was no longer bored, and the dark days seemed a lot less
dreary. As Ron settled into the couch, Kevin curled up beside him, happy and exhausted from a day
of play. Ron scratched Kevin under the chin and Kevin purred in satisfaction. Life was good again,
new toys, new adventures, and the same beloved human who always made sure Kevin had everything he
needed. Thank you for joining us for community stories junior and tail time. I'm your host,
Melissa K. Join us next week for two special live shows on both Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6.
Kids get ready to call in with your Christmas wish lists. That number is 715-424-2600.
