AYAA Interview: Lily Castle

Today, AYAA is proud to present an interview with Lily Castle. Lily is a young actress who has worked with many theatres, including Desert Foothills Theater, Theater Works, Musical Theater of Anthem, Phoenix Theater, Valley Youth Theater. She has won a plethora of NYA awards and been nominated for even more! Lily is known for her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray and Kate Monster in Avenue Q, both at Desert Foothills. 

Full Real Legit Name
Lily Castle

Where were you born?
Winfield, Kansas

What’s home like? Siblings?

I have two brothers- Liam is a freshman at ASU and Owen is in sixth grade at Fireside Elementary. I love them both to death, but I can't help but wonder what it would be like without them sometimes :)

Parents? Pets?
My mom’s name is Erin and my dad is TJ. They are incredible- I couldn't be nearly the performer I am without them. I have a French bulldog named Remy and a rescue mutt named Stewart that we’re guessing is a mix between a pitbull and a shar pei.

When and why did you start performing?
I started performing when I was in third grade. I was actually in my school talent show and one of the teachers came up to me after and suggested I take voice lessons. The lessons led to musical theater and I've been in love with it ever since.

First show you ever saw?
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

First Broadway show you ever saw?
Wicked… Who'd have guessed??

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?
I saw Once at Gammage when I was 13, and this show was the first time I realized that there was so much more to a musical than just the vocals. The actors found the majority of their emotions being expressed through actions and movement, and this was when I realized that acting was just as important, if not more important, than singing in musical theater.

Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?

My favorite show was Hairspray at DFT. This experience was so special to me solely because of the rest of the cast. The most interesting part of the show is that it was quite honestly not in very good shape during tech week. But towards the end of the week, something clicked and the show turned into what became a sold-out and magical run. It was incredible to be a part of.

Lily performing as Kate Monster in
Desert Foothill's Avenue Q.

Most challenging acting experience? Why?
I'd have to admit that puppetry is the hardest thing I have ever had to do onstage. Avenue Q was a blast, but it was incredibly difficult. As an actor, you get used to using your facial expressions and hands to express emotion- with a puppet, you can't do anything that might distract the audience’s eyes from the puppet.

You played Rapunzel in VYT’s production of Into the Woods. What was your favorite part about that production? What did you enjoy about playing Rapunzel? Do you think Into the Woods will continue to be popular in the youth theatre scene after this season?
The first thing that comes to mind with Rapunzel is the hair, and that was one of my favorite parts because I've always kept my own hair so short!!! It's interesting to think about whether or not Into the Woods will continue to be popular. The show is such a classic and Sondheim is one of the greatest, so it is hard to imagine it losing popularity. However it is definitely being overshadowed by more contemporary musicals recently, so who knows.

You recently played Fiona in Shrek the Musical Jr. at Musical Theatre of Anthem. How does Fiona differ from the typical princess role? What was the biggest challenge you faced in preparing for the role?
Fiona is a very funny role to play, and the thing I love about the role is how much it varies depending on the actress who plays it. There's so many things you can do with her because she is not a typical princess. The vocals are difficult, but it was an incredibly fun role to play.

You are playing Twilight in Theater Works production of Twilight’s Quest. What is the show about? What is your role in it? Do you enjoy participating in new works? What should audiences expect from the show?
Twilight’s Quest is such an amazing show and a very special thing to be a part of. It's written and directed by Chris Hamby about a young girl who goes on a quest after her father left her a riddle telling her to find a brave hero that will vanquish the darkness. I play the young girl, Twilight, and I have never played a role in an original show before. It's so cool to hear how special it is to Chris, and I love having the opportunity to create a character rather than base it off of someone else’s work.

Also at Musical Theatre of Anthem, you portrayed Paulette in Legally Blonde Jr. How was Paulette different from roles you had played before? How did you prepare to play her? What is your favorite thing about Legally Blonde?
Paulette was such a blast- she has the potential to be a really fun character. I don't think I've ever had to truly embrace my lack of dance skills and accept how crazy I look onstage. Legally Blonde is an underrated show- the message is great and the music is catchy.

You were Kate Monster in Avenue Q at Desert Foothills. What was your favorite part of playing Kate Monster? Why do you think many youth theatres shy away from shows with more mature content, like Avenue Q? What did you gain out of being in a show like Avenue Q, with more adult humor?
Kate Monster was one of my favorite roles to play. Avenue Q is an incredibly controversial show because of the topics it talks about, and nowadays it is almost impossible to share opinions and thoughts on these issues without someone getting offended. Avenue Q is a show that addresses these social problems in a way that very clearly gets the point across, but does so in a way that is funny and light enough that it's hard to get upset over. Theaters are scared of the controversy, but the show is hilarious and the adult humor is impossible not to love.

Lily as Tracy Turnblad with the cast of DFT's Hairspray.

In 2014, you played Tracy in Desert Foothills production of Hairspray. Why do you think the story of Hairspray still resonates with people? What did you try to express to the audience through your portrayal of Tracy?
Tracy Turnblad was an amazing role to play!! Hairspray is a show that people seem to love or hate, and the issues that it addresses aren't as apparent today but they are still present. It's a story that resonates because Tracy is just a genuinely sweet character, and it's a love story that an audience of all ages can follow. The thing I love about Tracy is her confidence and her focus on a big heart, not a big body.

Favorite character you got to play during the 2015-16 season?
My favorite character would have to be Kate Monster. It was so different from anything I've ever done before and I loved the entire cast.

Favorite person you got to play opposite of during the 2015-16? (Romantically or otherwise)
One of my favorite people is Spencer Claus, an incredibly talented young man with so much confidence. I played opposite him in the 2014-15 season in Hairspray. This season, Trey DeGroot was my favorite “romantic” opposite in Avenue Q- he is SO talented and such a good person all around.

Lily performing the the NYA awards.

Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?
My dream role forever is Cathy in The Last Five Years. I've never thought about an opposite role, but if I had to pick I would probably choose Birdlace in Dogfight.

Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t?
I would love to do a show at Greasepaint- I always find myself very impressed by the productions they put on.

Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?
In Legally Blonde my Paulette wig fell off while I was bending and snapping… It was disastrous. It definitely wasn’t funny at the time, but it was hilarious 5 minutes later when there were so many bobby pins in my head I thought I might bleed out.

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite?
My favorite costume was probably the Rapunzel costume, and I'd have to say that my least favorite was our They Chose Me costumes in 2011. We wore clothes from our own closet, and by the end of the run I was ready to burn that outfit.

Best youth production you have ever seen?
I was SO impressed by Heathers at Greasepaint. The talent was overwhelming and they utilized every inch of their space.

What is your go-to audition song?
I tend to lean toward The Life I Never Led from Sister Act for beltier shows. I also love anything by Scott Alan.

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?

This is a hard question because everyone is so different, especially when it comes to the audition process. In general, the most important thing is to make sure you are ridiculously comfortable and confident in your audition song while still challenging yourself and showing off your full range. As far as behavior- the most important thing in theater is so STAY HUMBLE. I find it so sad when someone climbs to popularity very quickly and becomes self-absorbed, because this completely distracts from their talent. Also, be kind to absolutely everyone, because the theater world is a very small world, and you never know the connections people have. And it's good to be kind in general. Theater kids make the best friends.

Favorite plays?
The Diary of Anne Frank has always been such an incredibly story to me. A play called The Pillowman has always interested me not necessarily to perform in, but to watch.

Favorite musicals?

I LOVE Dogfight, Catch Me If You Can and, of course, The Last Five Years :)

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?
I NEED to get to NYC to see Waitress before the cast changes!!

Favorite TV Show?My current Netflix obsession is The Following with Kevin Bacon. It is so good.

Secret guilty pleasure?
Any sweets. I love sweets. Not really much of a secret!!

Performer you would die to perform with?
Renee-Elise Goldsberry is my idol- if I could do anything I'd want to BE her, but performing 

beside her is probably as close as it gets!! :)

Lily performing as Annie in Annie.

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 always think about how much talent is in Phoenix- it's unreal. I like the talent because it keeps you on your toes, and I also like that no matter what theater you go to, you will feel welcomed. Improvement is a hard question. I think there’s different issues that vary with each theater you visit.

Most underrated show?
I think that Bring It On was considerably underrated until Spotlight brought it to the forefront. It is such an incredible show and it gets a little bit lost behind Lin-Manuel Miranda’s other successful works.

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?
As of right now I have no plans to do anything else. I would love to keep performing.

Upcoming projects?
None for right now- I'm on the east coast all summer and I'll actually be at Stagedoor in June.

Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with

I love watching Nathan Sheppard onstage and I’d love to work with him. As far as an actress, I'd love to perform with Maddy Rathbun because she is so sweet and talented!!

Thank you, Lily, for doing this interview with us! It's so exciting to learn about different actors and actresses from different parts of the Valley. 

AYAA Interview: Tiana Marks

Tiana Marks is an Illinois transplant who moved in to Arizona in 2012. She started out at Elgin Theatre in Illinois in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a member of the children's chorus. Tiana, who once wanted to be a lawyer, feels theatre "brought out something in [her] that [she] never felt doing anything else." Outside of theatre, Tiana is almost completely fluent in American Sign Language, loves to cook, and plays guitar, piano and flute. Tiana has starred in roles like Sandy in Grease with Studio 3 and Spider in James and the Giant Peach with VYT. Tiana was invited to be on the junior Olympic team for karate when she was younger, but has found her way to the stage instead.

Full Real Legit Name

Tiana Nicole Marks

Where were you born?

Barrington, IL

What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets?

Home is a very interesting place for me and it definitely is never quiet. I have a tiny toy poodle named Princess, and she has a passion for barking at absolutely everything and anything. We also have a canary named Freckles (my mom chose his name) and he is one of the loudest singers I have ever met. He loves it when we put his cage outside during the day because he sings along with all of the other birds, and most of the time attempts to sing much louder than them. I have one brother as well as one sister, but neither of them live at home with my parents and I because they are both adults. My brother lives all the way back in Illinois because he is in college, and my sister lives with her husband and son in Mesa. Like I said, my home is never quiet because on top of my constantly barking dog and belting bird, I also have a father who participates in theatre.

When and why did you start performing?

I started performing in 2010, and was part of the Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I started performing because of my brother, Scott. I always loved singing and dancing as a kid and he had tried to convince me to do a show with him for a long time. But, when Joseph came around I finally caved in and I have been in love with performing every since.

First show you ever saw?

The first show I ever saw was Grease because my brother was Doody and it was his first show.

First Broadway show you ever saw?

I’ve never seen a show on Broadway, but if the videos that can be found on YouTube count, then the first Broadway show I ever saw was Children of Eden.

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?

The most influential show I’ve ever seen was actually My Fair Lady. It was influential for me in the way that it pushed me as an actor to expand my horizons a bit. After watching that show, I realized that some roles require more than just simple, basic acting and singing, which has pushed me to try to grow as an actor and to try to challenge myself.

Tiana in Les Miserables with Copperstar Repertory. 

Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?

My favorite show I’ve ever been in would have to be a tie between two shows: Les Miserables with Copperstar Repertory and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Valley Youth Theatre. They were both an incredible experience for me and I will cherish the memories I have from both of those shows forever. Les Miserables is one of my favorites because the talent of the cast was truly incredible and the show was said to be even better than the Les Mis on Broadway. The same was to be said about Joseph and that many thought our version was better than the national tour. That show was the first show that I truly danced in, and it made me realize how much hard work really does pay off in a show because I was sore almost every single day but once the show was put on the Herberger Stage in front of an audience, it was all worth it. Both of these shows were incredible and made me feel as if I was part of a professional show which is an experience that is unlike any other.

Most challenging acting experience? Why?

My most challenging acting experience was being Kanga in VYT’s A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail. That role was the first true character acting role I’ve ever gotten so I had to use a different approach when it came to how I was going to portray her. Also, the costumes for that show took a couple of days to get used to moving around with all of the extra bulk, which added to the challenge.

What was the experience of playing Kanga in VYT’s A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail like? How does it feel to be a part of that tradition?

Playing Kanga was definitely an extremely challenging task, but it was all well worth it. First off, it was very very hot in the costume. I have done Bikram Yoga (hot yoga) in the past and not even that can compare to how hot you are in the costumes. It also took a while to adjust to the fact that I had a bunch of excess body weight and I had to pretty much redo all of my blocking and tweak little things that would help me move around more naturally and with more ease. But, the fact that I was the 20th Kanga really made it all worth it because I know that the production means a lot to the Artistic Producing Director of VYT - Bobb Cooper - which is an experience within itself. Also, working with Ivon who was my Roo was super fun because she was such an adorable little girl, and to be honest she is what helped me get through the show. She was sick with a stomach bug during a couple shows and she still went on stage right after she threw up several times, and that really inspired me to be the best that I can because here she is, a 7 year old girl, who is sick with the stomach flu and still gives one hundred percent to all of her performances.

Tiana Marks with Connor Baker in
James and the Giant Peach at VYT.

You recently played Spider in VYT’s James and the Giant Peach. What do you think made that production so popular at VYT? What were the challenges that came with this role?

I think what made this production so popular was that it was the Arizona premier of an extremely famous movie brought to the stage. Not only that but it truly is a magical story that young children can grasp, which also made it very popular. The biggest challenge that came with the role was making sure that the children were always engaged in everything that you were doing. Young children are known to have short attention spans so as actors, the whole cast had to make sure we were doing everything we could to keep our energy super high and really engage with the audience.

What were the challenges of playing Sandy in Grease at Studio 3? What did you learn from that experience? If you were in the show again, would you want to play Sandy again or someone else? And what did you think of Grease Live!?

The main challenge of playing Sandy in Grease was that it was my very first lead role and I had never really experienced the pressure of having to fulfill such an important and large role. Another challenge was that the story of Grease truly is a mature one so it took a lot of focus to try to find out what the script was saying, and how we can say it in the most family-friendly way we could while still staying true to the story. What I learned from that experience is that being a lead has the same pressure as being in ensemble, as I pretty much grew up in ensemble roles, I don’t think people really appreciate ensembles as much as they should. If I ever did Grease again I would love to be Rizzo because she is such a complex character and I would love to play a character like that. I personally (please don’t hate me for this) did not like Grease Live as much as I hoped I would. I didn’t particularly like the way they styled the show to be more modern and the way they attempted to mash together the movie, the musical, as well as some added songs and scenes that they created themselves. While I LOVED Aaron Tveit, (I mean who doesn’t?) and I also loved Vanessa Hudgens, I felt that some of the other casting choices weren’t exactly the best. Overall, Grease Live had some incredible moments but I felt that it left me bored and unsatisfied due to the fact that I know the true, original story of Grease.

You were in the ensemble of VYT’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Why does that show continue to be popular? What was the most fun part of that production?

I think that show continues to be popular because it is a very high-energy show that brings a classic Bible story to a family fun production. All of the dancing makes it so that it is fun to watch and the harmonies in the music are truly incredible. The most fun part of that production would have to be after you learn all the dances and they are clean because you can do them with ease and it is fun to see how far you’ve come from the beginning of the show to the end.

What sets Valley Youth Theatre apart from other youth theatres in the Valley?

Every theatre is unique in their own way which is something that I love about performing with different theatres.  Every theatre has their own way of running things and putting on shows and it’s fun to see all of the variety. What sets VYT apart from other theatre is that they hold their actors to a standard that most professional adult theatres hold their actors, and don’t allow anyone to use the excuse of “being a kid” to hold them back from their true potential. They enforce eating healthy, no fast food is allowed, and they also have a set of rules that are essential that you follow not only in the theatre, but they can be applied to everyday life. VYT also doesn’t require any payments and doesn’t require parents to do any volunteer hours (although they do appreciate all the help that they can get).

Favorite character you got to play this year?

My favorite character that I got to play this year was definitely Kanga in Winnie the Pooh a Christmas Tail because it was the first part I’ve gotten that was an abstract character. Every other character I have played have been everyday people, whereas Kanga was a role that required a lot of character acting.

Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise)

My favorite person I got to play opposite of this past year would have to be my hubby Connor Baker. He was an incredible dance partner in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor and he also was fun to work with in James and the Giant Peach. In Joseph, I was absolutely terrified to do a partner cartwheel because the last time I had done one I really hurt myself, but he was super supportive and he helped me feel safe and confident in myself. LOVE YOU CONNOR <3

Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?

My ultimate dream role would have to be Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A dream role I have of the opposite sex would be Jean Valjean in Les Mis. I would also love to be a brother in Joseph.

Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t?

I would absolutely LOVE to work with Hale Centre Theatre. I’ve heard so many incredible things about them and all of their shows are really good. I’ve been called back for a couple shows, but hopefully someday soon I will be cast in one!

Tiana as Sandy in Studio 3's production
of Grease.

Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?

When I was in Grease, the first complete run through we did, I couldn’t hear the lines happening on stage while I was doing my quick change for the ending scene. I ended up waiting backstage for at least 2 minutes and I was really proud of myself and my helpers that we were able to get my change done with plenty of time left. Turns out, all of the T Birds had to improvise lines for about 5 minutes because they were waiting for me! Another mishap was when I was younger, I can’t remember what show it was, but someone’s mic was left on while they were quick changing and the entire audience heard them shout “Someone hurry up and take off my pants!” It was also dead silent on stage at the time.

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite?

My favorite costume would have to be either my Go Go Dress for Joseph or one of my adorable outfits when I was Sandy. Actually, I love every single costume I’ve worn and I don’t really have a least favorite.

Best youth production you have ever seen?

The best youth production I’ve ever seen would have to be Spring Awakening at SYT. The maturity as well as the talent of all of the young actors was truly incredible.

What is your go-to audition song?

Home from Beauty and the Beast

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?

Just be sure that your actions won’t have negative consequences. Always have respect for everything and everyone, because you never know when someone is watching. Whether you’re at an audition or at work or even at school, make sure to be courteous and respectful. And always believe in yourself because if you want something, don’t let anyone tear that dream down and don’t let them force you to give up.

Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen?

One of my favorite actresses, both on stage and screen, would be Julie Andrews. I look up to her in so many ways and I think she’s an incredibly talented woman. I also love Emma Watson because she is an incredible role model for young girls, as well as young boys, everywhere.

Favorite plays?

To be honest, I’m not really familiar with plays but I’ve seen quite a few Shakespeare plays and I love them all!

Tiana with the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat at VYT.

Favorite musicals?

My favorite musicals are pretty much every operetta on the face of this earth. I LOVE Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rent, Next to Normal, Les Miserables, Lion King, Hamilton (ofcourse ;) ) and there are so many more.

What is the best showtune of all-time?

There are so many but one that is probably one of the best would have to be Seasons of Love from Rent. That song is loved by both theatre kids and people who aren’t into theatre, and it is just overall a great song that will make you feel emotion.

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?

Hamilton is one for sure but I would also love to see Lion King because I’ve never seen it and I’ve heard it’s absolutely incredible.

Favorite movie? TV Show?

My favorite movie is Tangled. Best Disney movie by far. My favorite TV show is Criminal Minds.

Secret guilty pleasure?

I love making acapella versions of songs when I’m bored; I have way too many of them on my computer.

Personal mantra(s)?

I am a firm believer in what is meant to happen will happen. As cliche as that is, I’ve experienced this in my life several times. So, every time something doesn’t go the way I hoped it would, I tell myself this and in the future it proves itself to be true.

Tiana as Bet in Copperstar Rep's production of Oliver.

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 like youth theatre around Arizona is like one giant family where everyone just understands each other. I like how accepting everyone is and how no one really judges anyone. One thing that could be improved is making sure we are supporting each other no matter what because we are all doing the same thing, so why not boost each other up the whole time?

Most underrated show?

Either Jesus Christ Superstar or My Fair Lady.

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?

I hope to perform professionally but if it doesn’t work out I would like to open a youth theatre company of my own.

Upcoming projects?

I have a few auditions coming up but nothing set in stone yet :)

(Update: Tiana will be playing a Mersister in VYT's production of The Little Mermaid!)

Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with

Kale Burr for sure!

Thank you Tiana for doing an interview with AYAA! Stay tuned for more interviews from more awesome actors and actresses.