Long time, no talk! Starting at the end of October, life became really hectic for me between doing a play at school, rehearsing for Elf Jr. at Actor's Youth Theatre (which was super awesome if you didn't get the chance to see it), finals, college applications, work, making sure I actually eat something, etc. That being said, the site moved to a lower spot on my priority list for awhile. However, I am now in the neighborhood of 85% of the way done with the process of applying for college and on a break from school, so I will have much more time to update the site over these next few weeks (and hopefully months once school starts back up again!)
In any case, over the past five months, I have contacted many students about interviews for the site. In a few instances, the interview didn't come completely to fruition, but they did take the time to answer my questions. However, I still want to give recognition to these awesome teenagers, so I am cleaning out the coffers! So here are some "snapshot" interviews with Jessie Jo Pauley, Adyson Nichols, Joey J Grado, Kale Burr and Marty Loehr!
Jessie Jo Pauley
Jessie Jo is currently starring as the Ghost of Christmas Past in Christmas Carol (Red Cast) at Hale Centre Theatre. After Christmas Carol, she will be playing Purity -- one the angels -- in Anything Goes, also at Hale Centre Theatre. Jessie was asked to interview after her NYA Award for Artist of the Year for her roles in AYT's The Addams Family, Hale's A Christmas Carol, AYT's Footloose, Hale's The Wizard of Oz.
What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets?
My mom and dad, Linda and Doug, are the best parents a girl could ask for (you’ll probably recognize my mom if she has her iconic iPad with her!). I also have a younger brother, Nick, who is also quite the actor. He sings, acts, dances, plays football, karate, and parkour. He’s been in a number of shows at Hale Centre Theatre and Phoenix Theatre. He’s good at everything. No joke. And I have two cats!
Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?
I have so many favorites. That is not a fair question. (A/N: Totally a fair question.) I loved Addams Family at AYT and I met so many of my closest friends in that show. I also will always cherish my time spent as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz at Hale Theatre. You couldn’t ask for a more fun and professional group of crazy actors.
So in the past couple seasons, you have played Snow White, Morticia Addams, Ariel in Footloose, and Dorothy in Wizard of Oz to name a few… A lot of these -- especially Snow White to Morticia -- are very different types. How do you act across type? What are the challenges you faced in playing such a variety of roles?
Ahhh yes. Acting across type! I think the key to acting against type is believing in yourself, that you CAN be evil or sexy or sweet. As long as you truly believe you are that character, others will believe too. The challenges I faced were other people’s expectations of me. I had people say “oh you can’t play Morticia, you’re too princessy” or “well, can you even belt”. These things were frustrating. People only saw me as soprano princess, which is great! Those roles are so fun. I mean who doesn’t love playing a princess! But I wanted to show people that yes! I can play dark! I can belt! I can play funny! I was lucky to get the opportunity to show people another side of me as Morticia. So I say, don’t let anyone tell you your limits! You can do whatever you set your mind to!
How did it feel to get to originate the character of Morticia Addams in Arizona?
I don’t even know if I can put it into words; I felt honored and excited to show people what I could do with this role! Because it was the first production of The Addams Family, I wanted to bring the role of Morticia justice! I wanted it to be a role people will remember me for, and hopefully they do!
Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?
I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS QUESTION. During a duet between Morticia and Gomez in The Addams Family, my long wig got stuck on Gomez’s cuff button. It pulled my wig half off and Gomez (Tim Eversole) and I just improvised all through the song. The audience loved it and so did we.
Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?
Audition as many places as you can! The more you’re out there, the better. And just stay positive, don’t let the little things get you down.
Favorite musicals?
Oh gosh, I would have to say Next To Normal, West Side Story, and Heathers ;)
Personal mantra(s)?
“Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened” - Dr. Suess
“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done” - Lucille Ball
Performer you would die to perform with?
I would love to perform with Annaleigh Ashford. I feel like there would never be a dull moment on stage with her around!
How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved?
I love how many theatre opportunities the youth in Arizona have! We are so incredibly lucky. I also love how when there is a youth show, the cast becomes a family. I do think we can work on keeping the atmosphere positive! There is no need for drama or painful rumors. To keep the youth theatre in Arizona going we all need to support each other rather than bring each other down! Keep the peace :)
Most underrated show?
Wonderland. WHY WILL NO ONE DO THIS SHOW. I WANT TO BE IN IT.
(A/N: It's because the license isn't available... which then begs the question: WHY CAN'T YOU LICENSE IT!!!)
What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?
This is a hard one. I am currently trying to figure out my “adult” plan myself! I want to perform as long as I live. Theatre is my home and that will never change. I would also love to work possibly in communications, public relations, or journalism, but performing will always be my first choice.
How did it feel to win the NYA Artist of the Year award?
Receiving the NYA Artistit of the Year makes me feel very proud and humble. I work my hardest in every show, so it is so nice to be recognized for it. What makes it even better is that I share the award alongside my beautiful and talented friend Jackie Brecker!
Adyson NicholsAlthough Adyson is not currently on the stage, she will be starring as Ella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at Highland High School this spring! Adyson was asked to interview when she starred as Bonnie in the Arizona premiere of Bonnie and Clyde at Actor's Youth Theatre.
When and why did you start performing?
I started performing when I was 12 years old. At this time I didn't really have any friends at school and I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. I wasn't the prettiest, smartest, or most popular girl and I dreaded waking up in the morning and facing a day that didn't seem to hold any joy or meaning. Theatre changed all of that. Being on stage was and is my safe haven. It provided a place happiness excitement and learning. I finally belonged. It gave me the voice to be out going, to make friends, and most importantly to just be me.
Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?
Aida was most DEFINITELY my favorite show I have ever been in. I was only in the ensemble but I have never been so close with a cast and been moved by such a powerful story. The bonds made doing theatre are the strongest I have ever experienced. You may have gone to school with the same person since kindergarten but that friendship will never be the same as the ones you make with those you have only been in a few shows with.
Most challenging acting experience? Why?
My most challenging acting experience was when I played the role of Katrina in Sleepy Hollow at AYT. For this character, I had to be evil, conniving, and twisted. It was so difficult for me to play a charter such as that. To be so emotionally connected and to portray a person who is capable of that level of darkness was really tough.
You are playing Bonnie in the Arizona premiere of Bonnie and Clyde. Can you discuss the experience? What are some of the challenges of this role?
Bonnie and Clyde is a HARD show. Not only is it vocal demanding, but it is also extremely deep. The distortions going on inside the minds of the characters as they are constantly trying to reach for something more; something better, is so hard to portray and to channel on stage. But most of all I just don't want to let anyone down. That is my biggest fear when it comes to such a hard role. Nonetheless I am over joyed at the opportunity to be in this show and to do my best to do justice in presenting the infamous Bonnie Parker.
You have been nominated for two AriZonis. One for a play (Legends of Sleepy Hollow) and one for a musical (Footloose). How do you approach plays and musicals differently?
Plays are much much harder for me personally. When it comes to music and singing for an audience, I'm in my element. I just let loose the the pieces seem to slip into place. Straight plays are a different story... I have to work much harder and concentrate so much more deeply in order to lose myself. Bonnie and Clyde is sort of a mixture of the two so I'm hoping that's a good thing!
At Studio 3 Performing Arts, you played Belle this year. How did you make such an iconic character your own?
I wanted to let Belle be Belle. The iconic princess that I always dreamed of being. I wanted the kids in the audience to see that princess that they marveled at in the movie. But I wanted her to be me. In order to do this I had a philosophy. I'm still me on stage. I haven't become another person. But I have taken their motives upon myself. I had to this about what belle wanted and how she was going to get it, and how to present that in a way that would be the classic princess and be real and original in my own way.
What is playing the Mistress in Evita like? How is it different from roles you have played before? Do you enjoy working with an adult cast?
Playing the mistress was VERY different. The whole story line of evita is interrupted by this young girl lost and afraid of where she will be next. It was wonderful to have that one little song to call my own and then to watch as the rest of the story unfolded. It was different from other roles in the way that it was so innocent, soft, and refined. I couldn't just belt my face off and jam out like I normally do. I had to sit back and let myself be the innocent girl singing from the heart. Working with an adult cast was very strange to me especially being used to being one of the oldest in that cast. It was interesting to see the behind the scenes of the way adults handle the same stuff us kids do while performing and back stage.
Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise)
No doubt this would be Dallin Urness. He is currently serving a mission in Chicago but he will never stop being my Willard no matter how far he is.
Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?
When Jared Kitch dropped his phone in the middle of a scene during sleepy hollow and did a stomp Michael Jackson spin move to kick it off stage. All the while I had to be straight-faced and unamused.
What is your go-to audition song?
I know the truth from Aida. Every time.
Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?
Never ever give up, and just have fun. Don't get caught up in the drama or competitiveness of theatre do it because it makes you happy. And ALWAYS be super happy and bubbly in auditions. I know a girl who gets cast every time just because of how enjoyable she is to be around.
Favorite plays?
The crucible and All my sons. Just Arthur Miller in general.
Secret guilty pleasure?
To try to be Christina Aguilera in my room when no one's home.
How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved?
I feel as if the atmosphere has changed since I have gotten older. There is so much competition and drama that comes along with a big group of people all trying to get to the top. I feel as if we need to improve our outlook upon what we are truly here for. What we are really trying to accomplish with all those weeks of rehearsals and why we step onto that stage.
Joey J Grado
It's ya boy!! Joey is currently playing Peter Cratchit/Sled Boy in Christmas Carol (Green Cast) at Hale Centre Theatre. Next, Joey will be returning to youth theatre to play Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd at Actor's Youth Theatre. Joey was asked to interview while he was playing Clyde opposite of Adyson Nichols at Actor's Youth Theatre in Bonnie and Clyde.Full Real Legit Name
Joseph Jackson Grado
What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets?
I have one sister by blood who is turning 22 this month, two step-sisters ages 4 and 13, and three step-brothers ages 4, 6, and 11. I have a dog named Guedo
When and why did you start performing?
I began performing at the age of 11 as a Hip Hop artist. At the age of 14 I began musical theatre when my choir teacher convinced me to audition for her show.
Please explain your Twitter name: @joeyjtherapper
I have been a rapper since the age of 9. I still write original music and rap when I’m not on stage acting.
What has your experience at Hale Theatre been like? You played Young Terk in their production of Tarzan. What were the challenges that came with that role? What was it like working with an adult cast?
Working with Hale Theatre has been such a cool experience for me. I have learned so much about performing since then and also about musical theatre in general and I’m extremely lucky to have been given that opportunity. Young Terk was such a fun role for me to play because I got to jump around like a gorilla and swing on vines onstage. The most challenging part of that role would have to be the physical conditioning that came with it. Swinging upside-down and singing Phil Collins isn’t as easy as it looks. As far as working with an adult cast, I’m so happy I was able to be apart of it and they helped me grow as an actor and performer.
Outside of acting, do you have other interests in the theatre world? Directing? Lights? Sound? Choreography?
I would absolutely love to try directing! I do sound design and operation at AYT when I’m not performing and I would love to learn about lighting. I’m obsessed with the technical side of theatre just as much as the performing side. Choreography sounds like a lot of fun. we’ll see what the future holds!
Right now, you are starring as Clyde in the Arizona premiere of Bonnie and Clyde. Clyde is also your first big leading role. What are the challenges with this show?
Clyde is such an intense and emotional character. The things that he went through during his lifetime are so horrible and sad and bringing out that anger and hatred towards the world that he had are definitely a challenge because I like to think of myself as a pretty happy person. I’m hoping I can make it real on stage.
Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise)
Bryson Holl as Young Tarzan was so much fun. He became like a little brother to me.
Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?
During Tarzan we had a piece of fruit hanging from a branch that Young Tarzan would knock off the branch with a stick. Some nights he wouldn’t be able to knock it down so we would always have to improvise it.
Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite?
In Footloose at AYT, I got to wear the leather Billie Jean jacket as a Chicago kid. My least favorite would have to be my flower costume for Tarzan. I looked like an eggplant.
Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?
Don’t let people bring you down! There’s a lot of unnecessary drama in theatre and you can’t let that get to you! Just go out and have fun! For auditions, go wild. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to be absolutely crazy. For life, find your wings and fly!
Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?
Something Rotten! and Hamilton
Performer you would die to perform with?
Norbert Leo Butz
Upcoming projects?
I’m working on some original music that I would like to put out within the next year or so.
Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with
MASON REEVES IF YOU’RE READING THIS I LOVE YOU
Kale Burr
Kale Burr is not currently on the stage, but he will be making his Hale Centre Theatre debut in February as a part of the ensemble in Anything Goes. Kale was also apart of Bonnie and Clyde at AYT as Ted Hinton.
Full Real Legit Name
Kale Aaron Burr
(A/N: For all you Hamilton fans out there, I guess if part of Kale's name is "Aaron Burr," he shot Alexander Hamilton.)
What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets?
I have two brothers and one sister. My brother, Riley, is the one who started this crazy journey. My sister and I followed in his footsteps. My parents just recently performed in their first show, Pirates: A Love Story, which I had the pleasure of performing a year prior. I love my family with all my heart! They’re all so amazing!
Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?
Big Fish. My grandpa died of cancer back in December of 2014 and he was almost the exact same at Edward Bloom. It made me appreciate all of his crazy stories and realize that we should be grateful for the time we have with our loved ones.
Most challenging acting experience? Why?
I’d have to say either Hamlet or MacBeth. I’d say MacBeth because we did the full unabridged version and I played five different characters. I had to find a way too physically and mentally separate all those characters, which in the end turned out to be really fun and rewarding.
A lot have theatres have been doing Footloose and you played Ren recently. How did you approach such an iconic character? How did you make him different that other incarnations of Ren? What were your biggest challenges in playing the role?
My one goal with this character was to just go crazy and have fun. That’s who Ren McCormick is. I tried to show the transformation of the character throughout this show. My biggest challenge was singing high and dancing fast at the same time. That was crazy. But it kept me in tip top physical shape so I can’t complain. I also tore my ACL during the run of the show, even though I didn’t know it at the time. It wasn’t a challenge during the show, but has been ever since. Totally worth it though. I had such a blast and wouldn’t trade that experience for the world!
Can you speak to Pirates: A Love Story a bit? What’s it about? What made it such an amazing show?
In a way, it is sort of like the pirate version of Les Miserables. It’s about a man named Benvolio Beecham, his evil brother, Malcolm Beecham, his fiance, Julianna Fenton, and the female pirate captain who is in love with him, Bloody Imogen, and the series of events and conflicts that follow. I believe it was such an amazing show because 1) the cast was phenomenal, and 2) it was and original musical with amazing music, which can sometimes be rare, especially with youth theatre.
Last year, you were nominated for an AriZoni for your portrayal in Hamlet in Actor’s Youth Theatre’s Hamlet. What made AYT’s production of Hamlet different that the one’s most people are familiar with?
We did a modernized version of the show without all the crazy Shakespeare language. It was set in a 1920’s Russian circus. It was pretty freaking cool.
You are playing Ted Hinton in the Arizona Premiere of Bonnie and Clyde. What has that experience been like?
It’s been a blast! I’ve had a good time creating this character who is conflicted with his job (killing Bonnie and Clyde) and his love for Bonnie. This is the first time I’ve been apart of a premiere, and I hope that we can set a high standard.
Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?
Gabe in Next to Normal, Eva Peron in Evita
Best youth production you have ever seen?
Probably Les Miserables when AYT did it in 2011.
What is your go-to audition song?
Either Extraordinary from Pippin or Santa Fe from Newsies (I’m embarrassed)
Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen?
Johnny Depp, Ramin Karimloo, Mandy Patinkin
Performer you would die to perform with?
Julie Andrews
How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved?
It’s amazing!! One thing that can be improved is the amount of judgment and rumors that are spread. There should be less of that.
Most underrated show?
Big Fish
Martin LoehrMartin is best known for his work at Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy, where he played roles like Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kyle in Legally Blonde, Mr. Feldzieg in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Fester in The Addams Family. Martin was asked to interview after his AriZoni Award for Fester.
My mother put my older brothers in dance classes, I was no exception. I took my first tap class at the age of 3. After 9 years of moving from dance studio to dance studio competing dance competitions , My brother decided to open up a studio of his very own.
After my brother left his teaching job at another studio do to “artistic differences,” he decided to open up Rhythm Soled. A place to provide affordable dance lessons to neighborhood children. His goal was to make dancing accessible for anyone and everyone. All he asked was a mere $5 a class, and I joined his ranks.
There I took tumbling, jazz, ballet, modern, martial arts, acting, voice and of course tap classes. I even met one of my best friends to this day Jessica Webb at the studio and she quickly became my dance partner.
Now Dustin’s new studio wasn’t fancy. In fact, he ran it out of his then girlfriend's parent’s garage. But he had a mirror, a floor, and a dream, and that's all you really need. There I really learned all the skills required to succeed in performing.
But all good things come to an end eventually. After Dustin and his girlfriend broke up, the dance studio fell under, Jessica and I parted ways, and I had nowhere to dance. I stopped dancing for two years.
Throughout my entire life I’ve always loved musical theatre. I’ve been known to sing (quite loudly in fact) around the house, and I’ve always done little school shows every now and then. But my first “real’ show came in the form of a phone call.
I was about 14 at the time when Dustin called. “Hey…. Do you want to be in a show? It’s with a community theatre, and they really need boys.”
Before I knew it I was part of the ensemble cast of “Bye Bye Birdie” at Mesa Encore Theatre (MET). There I performed alongside local community theatre legends and I loved it. I loved performing in “Bye Bye Birdie” so much I didn’t hesitate to be apart of their next show, “The Music Man.” And “The Music Man” changed my life.
If you’ve ever seen “The Music Man,” you know that there are a lot of kids in that show. To get the quantity of children required in order to make the musical successful, MET partnered up with “Studio 3 Performing Arts.” Amongst the Studio 3 kids was my old dance partner Jessica. Since I haven't seen her in two years, you could imagine how awesome that was.
To bring this long story to a close, Jessica convinced me to join Studio 3, I took tap classes again, and doing shows there became my life.
First show you ever saw?
The first show I ‘remember’ seeing was a Jr. High Drama club production of “Zorro.”
First Broadway show you ever saw?
Newsies
Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?
Probably the off-Broadway production of “Avenue Q. Though being HILARIOUS, “Avenue Q” is influential because it teaches the audience life lessons. It teaches the audience that growing up and being an adult will not be easy.It teaches the audience that nothing is permanent, and everything is temporary. I find that so important.
Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?
My favorite show I’ve ever been in was probably “The Drowsy Chaperone.” That was one of my first shows I’ve ever done at Studio 3, and there I made life long friends. Plus, playing the badass gangster Victor Felzieg was great.
Most challenging acting experience? Why?
My most challenging acting experience I’ve ever had was when I understudied three roles in “The Little Mermaid Jr.” I understudied “Chef Louie,” “King Triton,” and “Scuttle.” I even had to perform “Chef Louie” and “Scuttle” in one show!
You won an AriZoni Award this year for playing Fester in Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy’s production of The Addams Family. What was that experience like? How does it feel to win a Zoni?
I feel so honored to have one a Zoni for my portrayal of “Uncle Fester” in The Addams Family. Uncle Fester was definitely my most memorable role. He was crazy! Having the opportunity to play him will forever be a lifelong memory. I only wish I was able to go to the award ceremony. I was in D.C. at the time.
(A/N: Martin is currently studying to be a veterinarian and was in DC for a fancy schmancy conference. He's very successful outside of the theatre world, too!)
Throughout your career, you worked extensively with Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy. What were your experiences like there? Any advice for someone auditioning there?
My experiences there were fantastic. Of course there were ups and downs, but you’ll have that with any place you decide to perform with. My only advice I would give to someone who is auditioning there is to be yourself. I find genuineness to be an extremely lacking trait, especially in theatre. If you are your true self, you fill find that you’ll go far in not only Studio 3, but in life in general.
You’re a pretty swell tap dancer. What do you think is so unique about tap? Why do you think it isn’t as practiced as it used to be?
I’m a swell tapper? Thanks! Haha.
Tap dancing is so unique because you're not just a dancer, you’re a musician. You are making beautiful noises with your feet, and that is a hard thing to do. Which brings up the answer to the next part of your question.
The reason why tap dancing isn’t as popular as say, ballet, is because it is so hard. If you mess up in a jazz or ballet dance, odds are the audience will not even notice, but if you mess up in a tap dance number, your audience hears it. No other dance type can say that.
Thank you to everyone who did an interview this year! If you want to read more, feel free to go back and read full-length interviews with Denise Simon, LJ Deacon, Sam Primack, Julia Davis, and Jacqueline Brecker.
If you are interested in doing an interview or know someone who you think I SHOULD interview, e-mail me at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com or on Facebook.
If you are interested in being a guest poster, submitting a review, submitting a Bedroom Session, or if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an e-mail.
If you are a theatre interested in posting audition notices or creating a contest on the site, shoot me and e-mail or message me on Facebook.
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