AYAA Interview: Kaleigh Feuerstein

Kaleigh Feuerstein is a dedicated young actress from Chandler, AZ! Kaleigh has performed with a multitude of theatres, including Studio 3 Performing Arts, Actor's Youth Theatre and Desert Stages and has performed in over 35 shows. She is most known for her portrayals of Jasmine in Aladdin and Lucy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (NYA Award), both at Studio 3. Outside of theatre, Kaleigh participates in show choir and competitive dance. During breaks from school, Kaleigh assists with theatre camps for kids. Currently, Kaleigh is playing Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray at Actor's Youth Theatre. Although it is a mostly sold out run, AYT recently added a Friday matinee at 3 PM (tickets available at ayt.ticketleap.com) and you can always come by a box office an hour before shows and see if there are any cancelled tickets!

Full Real Legit Name

Kaleigh Nicole Feuerstein

Where were you born?

Chandler, AZ

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

I have two brothers, Tanner and Hunter. I have a dog named Coco (who is my BEST friend) and two wonderful parents :)

Kaleigh as Princess Jasmine with Tucker Abney in Studio 3's
production of Aladdin Jr. 

When and why did you start performing?

I started performing in spring of 2006 at Desert Stages Theatre in the production of Aladdin Jr. I started performing because I have been a drama queen since day 1 and was singing before I spoke for the first time, and my mom saw an audition notice so she forced me to go.

First show you ever saw?

First show I ever saw (I think) was Willy Wonka.

First Broadway show you ever saw?

Surprisingly, I have NOT been to New York to see a show on Broadway. My first national tour show was (again, I THINK) Beauty and the Beast. BUT- I will be headed to NYC in July for the Open Jar Theatre program where I will get the opportunity to see Waitress, The Color Purple, Something Rotten, and Shuffle Along!!

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

The most influential show I have seen was probably Les Mis at Greasepaint years ago. The vocals, choreography, and emotion the actors emitted were so real and close to home. Les Mis is already a powerful show by itself, but this production really just was all around outstanding. You could see every emotion in the actors faces as well as eyes and it was just so powerful.

Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?

This is a really tough question, as I have loved so many shows I have been a part of! I would have to say Legally Blonde with Studio 3 is one of my top though. It was a teen show, so only kids 13-19 were in it, which was really nice. The show was so much fun and Emma England helped to create an amazing set, and CRAZY choreography. The cast was so close and the show was really just a great experience.

(A/N: I was also in this production with Kaleigh and it was crazy fun!)

Most challenging acting experience? Why?

My most challenging acting experience was definitely Jasmine in Aladdin at Studio 3. Although she is a princess, she is also a very realistic character, wanting something more than what her restricting father wants for her. It was challenging to have to show both those sides and having the stark contrast of being the ingenue and also being fierce and opinionated.

You were in the ensemble of Bonnie and Clyde at Actor’s Youth Theatre this past fall. What were the pressures of putting on that production? What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of a youth theatre mounting Bonnie and Clyde? Do you prefer performing in more serious pieces or comedies?

AYT was the first theatre in Arizona to receive rights to put on this show, so that put on a ton of pressure, as no one had seen a cast of teens perform such a serious, realistic show. Bonnie and Clyde is a real story, and the characters all were real people years ago, so there was an added pressure to emulate the story a certain way. We all really had to study the time period and the story of these two criminals to understand our characters in order to correctly tell a story. I think a youth theatre performing a dark show such as Bonnie and Clyde gives actors a really challenging yet rewarding experience. Most shows for youth theatre don't have this dark and serious feel, so putting on this production helped young actors broaden their horizons to performing in a totally different style than they are used to. I prefer performing in comedies because I find it much more relatable, however, a serious show is important to have in your repertoire in order to demonstrate your flexibility and diversity as an actor.  

Kaleigh as Lucy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown with
Jonah Carlson at Studio 3.

You won an NYA award in 2013 for playing Lucy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. What was your favorite part of playing Lucy? Why do you think Charlie Brown continues to be such a popular show?

My favorite part of of playing Lucy Van Pelt was getting to be LOUD! Lucy is a really obnoxious and bratty character, and it was really fun to be able to act that way on stage and be the “queen” of the show. Not to mention I had some awesome castmates I played opposite of (Shout-out to Jonah Carlson, Savoy Thompson, Jessica Webb, and of course, Dylan Pinion!) I think Charlie Brown continues to be popular because the characters in the peanuts gang have been around for so many years. Parents and grandparents, our generation, and the future generation will all watch the peanuts gang cartoons- it is an iconic group of cartoon characters. Putting these lovable characters onto a stage for a live theatre experience draws so many different age groups and demographics, so it is a popular show.

Currently at Actor’s Youth Theatre, you are performing as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. What have you gained most from this production and this character? What is your favorite memory of the show thus far?

I have gained so much from this show and character. Tracy Turnblad is such an iconic character in musical theatre, because of her bubbly and energetic attitude. I have really been able to get in touch with this character this show. I have gained some valuable theatre tips, and some lifelong friends. My best memory so far is the cast!!! This is the closest I have been to a group of performers, despite this being a summer show and only spending a few weeks in rehearsals and shows. I have become best friends and a big family with all my castmates, and learned a thing or two from the amazing talent that surrounds me every day. Shout out to Josh Weisler- love you bunches best friend.

How excited are you for Open Jar?! What do you hope to gain from that experience?

I am SOOOOO excited! I hope to gain more tips and tricks on auditioning (because let’s be real, no matter how many shows you do, auditions are still nerve-racking) and just the overall experience of being surrounded by Broadway stars will be AMAZING.

Kaleigh as Tracy with the cast of AYT's Hairspray. 

Favorite character you got to play during the 2015-16 season?

Tracy Turnblad. Hands down.

Favorite person you got to play opposite of during the 2015-16? (Romantically or otherwise)

Otherwise, Emily Wright as Amber in Hairspray.

Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?

Tracy Turnblad was my dream role - so I can cross that one off the list :) I would love to play Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz as well. Dream role of the opposite sex would have to be Marius in Les Mis.

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

VYT, SYT, Hale

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

This isn’t really ON stage, but during Addams Family, I tripped and fell two weeks before we opened and broke my foot. I ended up staying in the show and walked “like a ghost” in the background of scenes (I was an ancestor) with a boot under my dress, and was on crutches whenever I was offstage. Didnt get to be in the big group numbers :(

Weirdest show you’ve ever been to? (Whether it be the nature of the show, casting decisions, etc.)

Don’t kill me- I think Into the Woods is a very strange show. Same with Alice in Wonderland.

Kaleigh with the cast of Studio 3's The Addams
Family Musical.

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite?

My favorite costume was probably my Addams Family ancestor costume. It was sweaty and a pain to get on and off (due to like, 5 layers of skirts and a corset) but it was beautifully made and really just awesome. Least favorite had to be Magic Carpet in Aladdin at DST in like, 2010. Don’t get me wrong, it was BEAUTIFUL, but also made me sweat buckets and limited me to standing and unable to use my hands during the show very easily.

Best youth production you have ever seen?

Joseph [and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat] at Studio 3 was phenomenal.

What is your go-to audition song?

"Honey Bun" from South Pacific.

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?

Do not give up! There will be times you get ensemble show after show, when maybe you really, really wanted a certain role. This does not mean you are not talented.This does not mean you aren’t cut out for a lead. This means that you are a true triple threat, that you can be counted on to be the strongest part of the show. The ensemble is what you make of it. If you pout and complain about it, you won’t have fun. Make the best of it you can. You don’t have youth theatre forever. It goes by fast. Soon enough, you will be 18 and unable to audition for theatres you used to live at. Keep a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, because that will take you far in this world.

Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen?

Stage: Laura Osnes, Jeremy Jordan, Sutton Foster

Screen: Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy

Kaleigh as a Silly Girl in Studio 3's production
of Beauty and the Beast Jr. 

Favorite musicals?

Rent, Next to Normal, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

What is the best showtune of all-time?

"Seasons of Love" [from RENT]

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

Hamilton, Waitress, School of Rock

Favorite movie? TV Show?

Movie: The Notebook (I know, im basic, don't hate me!!)

TV Show: One Tree Hill and Grey's Anatomy

Secret guilty pleasure?

Popcorn. Although that isnt really a secret...

Personal mantra(s)?

There are no small parts, only small actors.

-Gerry Cullity

Performer you would die to perform with?

Laura Osnes

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it?

I LOVE the atmosphere. Everyone knows each other, even if you haven’t been in a show together. For the most part, we are all very supportive of each other. All the young performers make an effort to go see other shows around the valley. We spend every waking minute in the theatre. Some of us rehearse 6 days a week, and then spend our 7th day watching friends in a show. I love that we are like a family, and that we are all connected through something we are passionate about, and that we all relate to each other through this passion.

Most underrated show?

Zombie Prom! So many people haven't heard of it and it has such great music. Also a ton of people haven’t seen or heard the story of 42nd Street. It has great music and really interesting idea of being a show within a show

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

Obviously, I would LOVE to be on Broadway (who wouldnt??), however I know that may not be the most realistic choice for a career. I hope to get a BFA in Musical Theatre and also a Business degree to hopefully open my own studio one day and maybe teach musical theatre. It is so important to keep the arts alive.

Upcoming projects?

I would love to audition for some shows at Hale next season!!! Little Mermaid, Millie, Aida.

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

Jessie Jo Pauley, Vinney Pugliese, Julian Mendoza, Sam Primack

Thank you to Kaleigh for doing this interview with me! And make sure to catch Hairspray at AYT over the next three days!

AYAA Dreamcasting: Aladdin

Happy day, everyone! I am so pleased to be bringing you another dreamcasting today. And just a
reminder: we only have three more dreamcastings left after this one before the program goes on a little hiatus, so if you or anyone you know would like to help cast one of the last three, please shoot me a message or an e-mail.

But for today, it's Aladdin time! Disney's Aladdin tells the same story as the film, one of how a poor orphan "street rat" uncovers a magical lamp and the genie inside. Using three wishes, Aladdin marries a beautiful princess and defeats the evil Royal Vizier.

Thank you to Addison Bowman, Jasmine Bassham, Steven Enriquez, Avery Lee, Julian Mendoza, Ethan Shanker and Victoria Vredevoogd for casting Aladdin with me!

Mackenna Goodrich
Aladdin - Joey Grado
Jasmine - Zoe Zamora
Genie - Grey Smith
Jafar - Kevin Kennedy
The Sultan - Bryce DiLullo
Iago - Devon Policci
Omar - Vincent Pugliese
Babak - Nathan Sheppard
Kassim - Ethan Shanker

Addison Bowman
Aladdin- Joey j Grado
Jasmine- Jasmine Bassham
Genie- Julian Mendoza
Jafar- Connor baker
Iago- Ethan Shankar
Omar- Devon policci
Babkak- Vincent Pugliese
Kassim- Sam Primack

Jasmine Bassham
Aladdin- Brandon Reyes
Jasmine- Tiana Marks
Genie- Mark Muñoz
Jafar- Connor Baker
The Sultan- Steven Enriquez
Iago- Sam Primack
Omar- Devon Policci
Babak- Vinney Pugliese
Kassim- Ethan Shanker

Steven Enriquez
Jasmine - Jasmine Bassham
Aladdin - Anson Romney
Genie - Steven Enriquez
Jafar - Mark Munoz
Iago - Sam Primack
Sultan - Clay Rollon
Omar - Devon Policci
Babkak - Kale Burr
Kassim - Ethan Shanker

Avery Lee
Jafar: Griffin Fletcher
Aladdin: Mason Reeves
Jasmine: Avery Strachan or Sophie Deyden
Iago: Sam Primack
Sultan: Michael Schulz
Omar: Alex Partida
Kassim: Tuni Hernandez
Babkak: Sague Molina
Genie: Zane Niezgodski

Julian Mendoza
Aladdin: Ethan Shanker
Jasmine: Jasmine Bassham
Genie: Alex Partida
Jafar: Connor Baker
Iago: Sam Primack

Ethan Shanker
Aladdin: Brandon Reyes
Jasmine: Payton Bioletto
Genie: Julian Mendoza
Jafar: Connor Baker
The Sultan: Mark Munoz
Iago: Sam Primack
Omar: Devon Policci
Babkak: Joey Grado
Kassim: Ethan Shanker

Victoria Vredevoogd
Jasmine- Tiana Marks
Aladdin- Brandon Hayes
Sultan- Manny Edrozo
Jafar-Connor Brigola
Iago- Miranda Smith
Omar- Tim Pung
Kassim- Austin Porter
Babkak- Jake Bonar

AYAA Talkback: Women We Admire

Hello, everyone! I was supposed to post the next dreamcasting today, but I decided I wanted to do this first, so it will be saved for tomorrow. The idea for this post actually came from Vincent Pugliese, so thank you, Vinney!

I messaged a bunch of young women around the Valley and asked them to pick one woman or fellow teenager in our theatre community who is inspirational to them and asked them to tell me why. Their responses are below:

Summer Beckman: "I look up to Aubrey Cole and Reagan Burows. They are both incredibly talented and such fun and kind people to work with! I am amazed any time I see them perform."

Noa Gauthier: "A woman I look up to in AZ theatre is Christy Welty. She is an amazing vocal coach and she also does community theatre on the side. She has amazing technique and I learn so much from her every lesson. I look up to her because I hope to always pursue theatre and do something else involved in the community on the side like directing, coaching, etc. She does that and I hope one day to be as helpful as her to other kids while getting to pursue what I love."

Kaleigh Feuerstein: "My role model was Ms Audrey Johnson (she passed away a few years ago) but she was the like my stage mom at DST for so many years and the reason I still do musical theatre to this day."

Kate Nienstedt: "I look up to Corrine Mann a lot, she is an amazing choreographer, and a wonderful performer. She's amazing and easy to work with, and I really look forward to working with her in the future. She's given me so many amazing opportunities that have helped me grow. She recently asked Olivia [Kate's sister] and I to help choreograph James and the Giant Peach, and it was an amazing learning experience I will never take for granted. Not only an amazing dancer, and choreographer, she has a great voice, and I hope I can be as much of a triple threat like she is in the future."

Lina Cappellano: "Jessica Webb moved to New York as an 18 year old. She had a dream and didn't take no for an answer. Even though she knew that what she wanted wasn't guaranteed to work out, she took risks and now she is shining in the Big City. While she lives many miles away, she never seems that far because I know that I can call her at any time and she will always be there for me. Though she has made a life for herself in New York and has already been apart of a very successful show, she still pays close attention to her family and friends at home. I want to move to New York as well, and I hope that I can be as successful as Jessica, not just as an actress, but in balancing work and remaining supportive to those of who do look up to her. Jessica if you're reading this, I miss you so so much. You are one of my best friends and I'm so proud of you! I hope to see you soon."

Becca Webb: "Jackie Brecker, because she's always working as hard as she can no matter what and is a fantabulous performer."

Zoe Zamora: "I really look up to Carrie Ann Klofach because of her knowledge and dedication to her career and craft. I admire the hard work she puts into each and every show that she is in and into every character she plays. She is simply a genius at what she does. Not only is she phenomenal on stage, but she is also an amazing teacher. Her knowledge about this industry and art form inspires me to become a better performer every day."

Avery Lee: "My inspiration is Hope Ozer, founder of Valley Youth Theatre. She has such a wonderful heart and I greatly admire her entrepreneurship. But most importantly, I love that she does it solely for the children, and truly enjoys seeing us perform. Her pure soul reflects in the productions that VYT puts on, and her passion for working with children is undeniable."

Audrey Coleman: "Corrinne Mann or Kendra Clement, because their passion for the arts and love for others has always shown through in everything they've done. They are both astonishingly talented, yet never stop complementing others and remain humble. I always look up to the hard work they put in to achieve what they would like to, and never taking the easy way out."

Grace Lisicki: "Brittany Howk. When I first got into theatre, she was at Counterpoint with me and I have always been in awe of her talent, hard work, and dedication. She's awesome!!"

Alexia Filler: "Shelby Daeffler is such a fantastic actress. I've seen her and worked with her in a Shakespeare setting, and she is such a leader. She has such rigorous parts and is still one of the first to learn all her lines. Not only that, but she's also well versed in singing and dance. Her performances are very artistic, and she truly becomes who she is portraying. Also, she makes such an effort to be so kind and genial to everyone she encounters, and I think the world needs more people like that. She's probably the most talented actress I've had the chance to work with, and also the one who seems to connect and relate to everyone the best."

Miranda Smith: "Jackie Brecker. She inspires me so much and is what I hope to become. I first met her after I heard her sing at the NYA awards, and I was literally struck dumb with her talent. She has given me such great advice that has helped me grow so much as an performer, and a teacher. Jackie is always willing to answer my zillions of questions even if it's inconvenient(and I know it is sometimes😂) because of her impeccable knowledge of every aspect of performing and more. She's my role model because of her hard work she puts into performing and how professionally and mature she carries it out."

India Rose Chudnow: "I really look up to Beth Anne Johnson- I've only met her a few times but she is so talented and really invested and doing what she loves and that is very admirable."

Summer Farnsworth: "Carrie Ann Klofach is the most pleasant person to work with. She genuinely cares about those in her cast and treats the producers of the show the same as the backstage crew- she doesn't treat anyone different based on their role or position in the theatre. Not only is she perfecting her craft, but she loves to help those on the same path. She's a talented performer, wise mentor, and a great friend to all."

Maria Boas: "I'd have to say Benny Cowans. She's very sweet, has a great sense of humor, open to everyone and their ideas and of course extremely talented. The time I spent in her company was always positive and though she's been blessed with a beautiful voice, she doesn't let it get to her head and never acted stuck-up. It's always refreshing to see, especially in young women. She brought you up and didn't make you feel low, she treated everyone with the same respect."

Sarah Pansing: "I look up to Carly Grossman because not only is she an amazing performer and incredibly talented, but she has such a kind heart and is such a genuine person as well!"

Johnna Watson: "Johanna Carlisle all the way. Even under difficult circumstances she maintains a professional yet entirely lovable atmosphere. The perfect castmate/family member. She has a flawless balance of business and and fun and every lucky person who meets her would agree."

Mackenna Goodrich: "I have a couple. My picks are Emma England and Corrinne Mann. As I start to go into college, I've realized that I would rather be a choreographer and a director than an actress and these two women have shown me how it can be possible and how to do it with grace and love. I am in theatre today because of the experiences I had at Emma England's Studio 3 in my early teens. Emma's focus on education and the magic of dance is what makes her program so successful. I feel like Studio 3 faces a disproportionate amount of criticism that it doesn't deserve and Emma continues to prove the haters wrong. For Corrinne, in the three shows I have had the opportunity to work with her on, she never fails to keep calm under pressure and when a cast of 40 annoying teenagers just will not shut up! She is so talented and I've learned a lot working with her at AYT. Oh and special mention to my best friend Jackie Brecker, who in two short years has elevated herself from a very talented actress performing at youth theatres to a business savvy leading lady."

Sophia Bavishi: "I look up to my voice teacher Kelli James, who is also a fellow actor. Every Time I go to have a lesson with her she inspires me more and more. She is full of so much joy and so much passion for theatre. She has taught me to never let myself give up for not getting in a show, and to always keep moving forward."

Benny Cowans: "An actor I look up to is Janna Hanson. I was in Annie with her at Hale Theatre Centre and she was always kind to everybody-even the little kids. you always find adult actors who treat their younger actors with little respect and like they're not worthy of being in the same productions as them. She was like my big sister and my best friend. She's a cancer survivor and I just remember thinking how brave and courageous she was for always being so positive. Not only is she beautiful and kind but is also extremely talented. I'm so happy that i was in a show with her and I hope to be in another one with her too!"

Jessica Sinodis: "Nicole Knox because she is constantly pushing herself to break her personal limits. She juggles college classes, Musical theatre @ U of A and work. She spends hours in her car every day driving back and forth from Tucson to Phoenix just so she can perform and do what she loves while still being in contact with her family and friends."

AYAA Dreamcasting: Guys and Dolls

Oh my goodness! We have only 5 dreamcastings left (including this one) before we go on hiatus with this program for a little bit. If you're like "WHAT I REALLY WANTED TO DO ONE" or know someone who wants to, please have them shoot me a message on FB or an email at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com before July 1st!

Moving on to today's post, I am happy to present Guys and Dolls as a dreamcasting. Guys and Dollstells the story of what happens when the conservative Sarah Brown gets mixed up with notorious gambler Sky Masterson, with a subplot concerning the diva Adelaide's attempts to get her long time fiancee, Nathan Detroit, to stop gambling and marry her. (If you haven't seen the movie, it features a very young and hot Marlon Brando as Sky.)


Thank you to Miranda Smith, Spencer Claus and Jessie Jo Pauley for helping me cast this awesome show!

Miranda Smith
Sky: Nathan Sheppard
Sarah: Sophia Bavishi
Nathan: Reed Daniel
Adelaide: me-dream role!!
Nicely-Nicely: Jonah Carlson
Arvide Abernathy: Bruce Dillulo
Big Jule: Mark Munoz
Harry: Devon Policci
Benny: Joey J Grado

Mackenna Goodrich
Sky: Kale Burr
Sarah: Summer Farnsworth
Nathan: Kevin Kennedy
Adelaide: Harley Barton
Nicely-Nicely: Joey Grado
Arvide Abernathy: Carter Palumbo
Big Jule: Hank Woods
Harry: Vincent Pugliese
Benny: Nathan Sheppard

Jessie Jo Pauley
Sky: Mason Reeves
Sarah: Sedona Ramonett
Nathan: Sam Primack
Adelaide: Jessica Sinodis
Nicely-Nicely: Nick Hambruch
Arvide Abernathy: Noah Delgado
Big Jule: Jared Kitch
Harry: Brandon Reyes
Benny: Michael Shultz

Spencer Claus
Sky Masterson: Michael Shulz
Sarah Brown: Emily McAtee
Nathan Detroit: Mason Reeves
Adelaide: Jasmine Bassham
Nicely-Nicely: Me! or Julian Mendoza
Arvide: Zach Zupke
Big Jule: Brandon Reyes
Harry the Horse: Connor Baker
Benny: Sam Primack

Just a reminder! If you're interested in seeing some of these talented young actors and actresses perform, we will be having a cabaret at the Tuscany Theatre on August 7th at 6:30 PM. Buy your tickets online for only $8 at ayt.ticketleap.com under "AYAA Awards Night" (it's not an Awards Night; that was a mistake)! Tickets go up to $12 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to AYT and AZ Magic. For more info about AZ Magic, please go to azmagic.org.

AYAA Cabaret at the Tuscany Theatre!

Hi, everyone! I am super excited to announce AYAA will be holding its first ever cabaret at the Tuscany Theatre on August 7th at 6:30 pm! Tickets are $8 if you buy online at ayt.ticketleap.com or $12 if you buy at the door. A portion of the proceeds will be directed back to AYT and the rest will be going to a TBA charity. 

The cabaret is based on results from the dreamcastings we have been doing since January. It will include songs from Grease, Legally Blonde, Hamilton, Spring Awakening and many, many more! This cabaret will feature performances by Nathan Sheppard, Nicholas Hambruch, Sarah Davidson, Jessie Jo Pauley, Kale Burr, Sarah Pansing, Joey Grado, Noah Delgado, Bryce Dilullo, Spencer Claus, Summer Farnsworth, Dale Mortensen, Jackie Brecker, Sam Primack, Anson Romney, Ethan Shanker, Vincent Pugliese, Payton Bioletto, Benny Cowans, Devon Policci, Carter Palumbo and myself! 

Also, if you can't make it to THIS show, it is looking likely we will be doing a second cabaret later in August at a different theatre. Stay tuned for updates about that!

**NOTE: If you buy tickets on ayt.ticketleap.com, it is currently listed at AYAA Awards Night. That is the link to buy tickets, but this is a cabaret, NOT an awards night. Our awards will be done completely online starting July 7th**

What should our friends play?

Hi, guys! So, I was reading a Playbill article titled "11 Roles These Broadway Stars Never Played But Should" -- which you can read here -- and I decided to take a riff off of this article and ask kids (and one adult!) around the Valley to give me roles their friends haven't played but should! Here are their responses:

Jackie Brecker
Haley Johnson- Belle in Beauty and the Beast
Harley Barton- Penny Pingleton in Hairspray
Mackenna Goodrich- Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd
Jessie Jo Pauley- Eliza Schuyler in Hamilton
Miranda Smith- Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins

India Chudnow
Lydia McCloskey - Jerusha from Daddy Long Legs
Ethan Shanker - Jack from Newsies

Bryce Dilullo
India Chudnow - Grandma Ida from First Date
Carter Palumbo - the entire cast of The Producers

Anson Romney
Jessica Sinodis- The Drowsy Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone
Kale Burr- A Prince in Into the Woods
Sarah Davidson- Fiona in Shrek the Musical
Joey Grado- The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors
Sam Primack- Pippin in Pippin 
Jessie Jo Pauley- Millie in Throughly Modern Millie

Dale Mortensen
Anson Romney as Aladdin in Aladdin
Jessie Jo Pauley as Fantine in Les Miserables

Hank Woods
Jessica Sinodis as Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables

Nicholas Hambruch
Nathan Sheppard - Pippin in Pippin
Alex Martinez- Czolgosz in Assassins
Adam Bei- Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can
Cami Benton - Fantine in Les Miserables
Jessie Jo Pauley - any lead in a R&H show
Kale Burr- Raoul in Phantom of the Opera

Sarah Pansing
Sam Primack as Jamie in The Last 5 Years 
Carly Grossman as Fiona in Shrek
Vincent Pugliese as Fiyero in Wicked 
Julian Mendoza as Phantom in Phantom of the Opera
Brandon Reyes as Usnavi in In the Heights
Noa Gauthier as Alice in Wonderland 
Ethan Shanker as Elder McKinley in Book of Mormon

Grace Napoletano
Casey Likes - Evan in 13

Connor Baker
Payton Bioletto as Leading Player in Pippin
Adam Hays as Jason in Bare
Sam Primack as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats

Julian Mendoza
Vincent Pugliese as Gabe in next to normal
Sarah Pansing as Belle in Beauty and the Beast

Jessica Sinodis
Grace Lisicki as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers
Grace Lisicki as Natalie in Next to Normal

Jasmine Bassham
Sarah Pansing - Christine in Phantom of the Opera
Addison Bowman - Heather Chandler in Heathers

Linda Pauley
The Last 5 Years
Catherine: Brittney Peters
Jamie: Adam Bei
Next to Normal
Diana: Kelli James
Natalie: Jessie Jo
(They've wanted to do this show together for years......teacher and student playing mother and daughter.)
In The Heights
Nina: Zoe Zamora
Oklahoma
Curly: Kale Burr
Les Miserables
Jean Valjean:  Danny Blankenmeier
Cosette: Benny Cowan
Eponine: Sarah Scroggins
Phantom of the Opera
Phantom: Nicholas Hambruch
Christine: Jessie Jo Pauley

Joey Grado
Dale Mortensen as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho

Mackenna Goodrich
Vincent Pugliese as Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can
Rebecca Galcik as Heather Chandler in Heathers
Gabi Giusti as Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie

Devon Policci
Joey Grado as Lefou in Beauty and the Beast

Summer Farnsworth
Sarah Davidson- Fiona (Shrek)
Meg Farnsworth- Sally Brown (You're a Good Man Charlie Brown)
Jessie Jo Pauley- Sibella (Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder)
Jackie Brecker- Natalie (Next to Normal)
Jessica Sinodis- Lauren (Kinky Boots)
Anson Romney- Aladdin (Aladdin)
Miranda Smith- Ado Annie (Oklahoma!)
Mackenna Goodrich- Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd)

Thank you to everyone who sent me in your thoughts!

AYAA Dreamcasting: Sweeney Todd

Hey, guys! Sorry this is being posted so late. My laptop was experiencing technical difficulties. All of this will be better when I acquire by Macbook for college. (!!!) In any case, today's dreamcasting is of Sondheim's darkly-twisted masterpiece, Sweeney Todd. This show retells the tale of Benjamin Barker aka Sweeney Todd, a vengeful barber who returns to London to exact his retribution on those who wrongfully arrested him, "killed" his wife, and stole his daughter.

Also, as a note, I usually don't post two dreamcastings in a row, but I have been very busy prepping for Hairspray. In addition, I have a few projects in the works, but they are not ready to be posted. However, I will hopefully have some awesome news on Monday!

I reached out to a bunch different young actors in the Valley -- Hank Woods, Summer Beckman, Johnna Watson, Nicholas Hambruch -- and asked them to dream cast Sweeney Todd. Their responses and mine are below.

Hank Woods
Sweeney Todd: Hank Woods
Mrs. Lovett: Johnna Watson
Anthony: Vinney Pugliese
Johanna: Liz Grannis
Judge Turpin: Connor Baker
Tobias: Kale Burr
Beadle: Liam Thibeault
Lucy/beggar Woman: Jessie Pauley
Adolfo Pirelli: Nathan Sheppard

Nicholas Hambruch
Sweeney Todd, me
Mrs. Lovett, Carly Grossman
Anthony, Nathan Sheppard
Johanna, Jessie Jo Pauley
Judge Turpin, Peter hill
Tobias, Andrey Lull
Beadle, Jeff Davey
Lucy/beggar Woman, Jennie Rhiner

Adolfo Pirelli- Tedd Glazebrook

Summer Beckman
Sweeney Todd- Nicholas Hambrunch
Mrs. Lovett- Mackenna Goodrich
Anthony- Nathan Sheppard
Johanna- me! I would love to play this part!
Judge Turpin- Steven Enriquez
Tobias- Jack Yampolsky
Beadle- Michael Goldstein
Lucy/beggar Woman- Aubrey Cole

Adolfo Pirelli- Asher Sheppard

Johnna Watson
Sweeney Todd- Nicholas Hambruch
Mrs Lovett- Sophia Drapeau
Anthony- Vincent Pugliese
Johanna- Katie Shea Rodin
Judge Turpin- Hank Woods
Toby- Andrey Lull
Beadle- Thomas Steward
Lucy- Allison Steward

Pirelli- Liam Thibeault

Mackenna Goodrich
Sweeney Todd: Hank Woods
Mrs. Lovett: Jessica Sinodis
Anthony: Kale Burr
Johanna: Jessie Jo Pauley
Judge Turpin: Grey Smith
Tobias: Nick Williams
Beadle: Devon Policci
Lucy/Beggar Woman: Payton Bioletto
Adolfo Pirelli: Ethan Shanker

Thank you everyone who participated in this week's dreamcasting. We are about done with our regularly scheduled dreamcasting before it goes on hiatus (in its current form; there will still be dreamcasting), but the next one will be perfect for all guys and dolls.

AYAA Dreamcasting: Thoroughly Modern Millie

Hello, everybody! Welcome to a Monday edition of dream casting! I hope everyone had an excellent Tony Sunday last night. I was proud of myself for predicting me 20 of the 24 awards right. And all the top votes on the community Tony post on AYAA last night were correct! Yay us!

Today, I present a dream casting of a musical that won the Tony for Best Musical in 2002: Thoroughly Modern Millie. This show tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young woman from Kansas, who moves to New York in the 1920s in the hopes of finding a rich husband. However, when she falls for a street urchin named Jimmy, her definition of modern love is questioned.

I reached out to a bunch different young actors and one mom in the Valley -- Miranda Smith, Kerry Galcik, Rebecca Galcik, Sarah Davidson, Jessie Jo Pauley -- and asked them to dream cast Thoroughly Modern Millie. Their responses and mine are below.

Miranda Smith
Millie: Summer Farnsworth (or me be it's another dream role:)
Jimmy: Dale Mortensen (he rocked it at MCC)
Dorothy: Jessie Jo Pauley
Mrs. Meers: Mackenna Goodrich
Trevor Graydon III: Dallin Urness
Muzzy: Jessica Sinodis
Ching Ho: Anson Romney
Bun Foo: Vincent Pugliese
Flannery: Harley Barton

Kerry Galcik
Millie: Becca Galcik (One of her dream rolls)
Jimmy: Kale Burr
Dorothy: Jessie Jo Pauley
Mrs. Meers: Jessica Sinodis
Trevor Graydon III: Connor Brigola
Muzzy: Kenna Goodrich
Ching Ho: India Chudnow
Bun Foo: Orianna Valcamp
Flannery: Sarah Davidson

Rebecca Galcik
Millie: Me (I'm sorry it's a dream role)
Jimmy: Connor Brigola
Dorothy: Jessie Jo Pauley
Mrs. Meers: Mackenna Goodrich cause that was good
Trevor Graydon: Kevin Kennedy
Muzzy: Gabi Giusti
Ching Ho: Tatum Weight
Bun Foo: Alex Darmawaskita
Flannery: Dom Roberts

Mackenna Goodrich
Millie: Jackie Brecker
Jimmy: Vincent Pugliese
Dorothy: Summer Farnsworth
Mrs. Meers: Jessica Sinodis
Trevor Graydon III: Nick Hambruch
Muzzy: Gabi Giusti
Ching Ho: Ethan Shanker
Bun Foo: Connor Brigola
Flannery: India Chudnow

Sarah Davidson
Millie: Summer Farnsworth (or me)
Jimmy: Dale Mortenson
Dorothy: Jessie Jo Pauley
Mrs. Meers: Mackenna Goodrich
Trevor: Kale Burr
Muzzy: Jackie Brecker
Ching Ho: Anson Romney
Bun Foo: Joey Grado
Flannery: India Chudnow

Jessie Jo Pauley
Millie: Ali Whitwell
Jimmy: Hank Woods
Trevor Graydon: Nick Hambruch
Dorothy: Summer Farnsworth
Mrs. Meers: Linda Pauley
Muzzy: Mackenna Goodrich
Ching Ho: Anson Romney (he was just so good as this role)
Bun Foo: Laney Huynh
Flannery: India Chudnow

Thank you, ladies! I hope the next dreamcasting will have you yelling "God, that's good!"

AYAA Survey: Tony Predictions

In light of the 70th Annual Tony Awards this evening, I asked some people around the Valley what their predictions were for seven of the 24 awards being presented this evening. I asked for their picks for Best Musical, Best Revival of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Featured Actor in a Musical and Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Here are the results:

Best Musical: 

• Bright Star - 0%
• Hamilton - 94.4%
• School of Rock - 5.6%
• Shuffle Along - 0%
• Waitress - 0%

Best Revival of a Musical:

• The Color Purple - 72.2%
• Fiddler on the Roof - 0%
• She Loves Me - 11.1%
• Spring Awakening - 16.7%

Best Score:

• Bright Star- 0%
• Hamilton - 66.7%
• School of Rock- 5.6%
• Waitress- 27.7%

Best Leading Actor:

• Alex Brightman for School of Rock- 0%
• Danny Burstein for Fiddler on the Roof- 0%
• Zachary Levi for She Loves Me- 0%
• Lin-Manuel Miranda for Hamilton- 22.3%
• Leslie Odom Jr. for Hamilton- 77.7%

Best Leading Actress:

• Laura Benanti for She Loves Me- 5.5%
• Carmen Cusack for Bright Star- 0%
• Cynthia Erivo for The Color Purple- 55.5%
• Jessie Mueller for Waitress- 27.7%
• Phillipa Soo for Hamilton- 11.3%

Best Featured Actor:

• Daveed Diggs for Hamilton- 66.7%
• Brandon Victor Dixon for Shuffle Along- 0%
• Christopher Fitzgerald for Waitress- 0%
• Jonathan Groff for Hamilton- 11.1%
• Christopher Jackson for Hamilton- 22.2%

Best Featured Actress:

• Danielle Brooks for The Color Purple- 16.6%
• Renee Elise Goldberry for Hamilton- 55.5%
• Jane Krakowski for She Loves Me- 27.9%
• Jennifer Simard for Diaster!- 0%
• Adrienne Warren for Shuffle Along- 0%

Also I wanted to share some notes people included in their responses:

*Bryce Dilullo said he sent me what he WANTS to happen, but thinks it will be "a sea of Hamilton."

*Summer Farnsworth had a hard time deciding between Leslie Odom Jr. and Lin-Manuel Miranda for the Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Even though she picked Odom Jr., "if Lin and Leslie could just split it that would make the world a better place."

*Jonah Carlson's full response: "1) Hamilton [for Best Musical], it would be a shocker if anyone else won, and I'm not even a die hard fan of the show.
2) also Hamilton [for Best Score], blending hip hop and classic Broadway sound was something I had never heard before, and will be rewarded.
3) Cynthia Erivo in the color purple [for Best Leading Actress]. I thought she had the most difficult part to portray and did the best job bringing it to life.
4) Jane krakowski in she loves me [for Best Featured Actress] but I don't say that with a ton of confidence because I think anyone in that category could win it.
5) I'll go with Christopher Jackson in Hamilton [for Best Featured Actor], but again, not a ton of confidence with the pick.
6) the color purple [for Best Revival], while I LOVE she loves me (pun intended) the color purple was simply better.
7) okay, if Lin Manuel Miranda doesn't win this award [i.e. Best Leading Actor]I'm pretty sure there will be riots in the streets, death threats on Twitter, dogs and cats living together, and mass hysteria."

*Who Noah Delgado thinks SHOULD win each category (not necessarily who will win):

• Best Musical: School of Rock or Hamilton
• Best Revival: The Color Purple or Spring Awakening
• Best Lead Actress: Phillipa Soo for Hamilton
• Best Lead Actor: Alex Brightman for School of Rock or Leslie Odom Jr. for Hamilton
• Best Featured Actress: Renee Elise Goldberry for Hamilton
• Best Featured Actor: Daveed Diggs or Jonathan Groff for Hamilton
• Best Score: Hamilton

*Connor Baker in regards to Best Musical said "Waitress but Hamilton will snatch that af"

*Ethan Shanker just said: "1. Hamilton

2. Hamilton

3. Hamilton

4. Hamilton

5. Hamilton

6. Hamilton

7. Hamilton"

I have my own picks for all 24 categories, but we will see tonight! I am going to the Theater Works party and I'm super pumped! Hope you all have a swell musical filled evening!

20,000 PAGE VIEWS!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I AM A GIANT SQUID OF JOY!

We just hit 20,000 page views! I posted the 10,000 page views on April 9th. It took about nine months to hit 10,000 views, but it took only 2 months to gain 10,000 more. Momentum is really starting to increase here at AYAA! Thank you for every one who has visited the website this past year! Your support means an awful lot.

As we roll into the summer, I wanted to update you on some things that will be going on on AYAA over the next couple months.

1) We will continue to post dreamcastings every 5ish days -- with the exception of when I am on vacation in July. After our biggest dreamcasting yet is posted -- it's a killer musical -- dreamcastings in their current form will take a bit of a hiatus. I know, I know, very sad. They will still be on the site, but just in a slightly different fashion.

2) Speaking of dreamcastings, we will be having an AYAA Cabaret in August! I have a location and a date locked down, but I don't want to announce it until we have a few more loose ends set in stone. However, I can promise two things:

1. The cabaret is based on the Dreamcastings. I pulled songs and performers based on who the community wanted to see in certain roles.
2. I already have an awesome cast for the show! It will feature 25 amazing young actors and actresses from the Phoenix metropolitan area singing songs from Spring Awakening, Beauty and the Beast, Hamilton, Legally Blonde, Book of Mormon and more!

3) In addition to the Cabaret, my other big dream for AYAA is coming true: we will be doing an online youth-rewarding-youth awards program in July. On July 7th, I will be posting a Google Forms for nominate for the first ever AYAA awards! So start thinking of young actors and actresses who you think gave amazing performances this year. It will be for both community theatre and high school productions. Winners will be announced in early August.

4) Also, I am looking for people to help with the website next year. I am going to college in Ohio and I plan to be involved with the website, but I will need some help. If you are interested, shoot me an FB message or an e-mail at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com.

Thank you again for your continued support of AYAA! And please, share the site with our friends. The more we grow, the better the site will be and the stronger out community will be. I don't think it has much to do with AYAA, but I have noticed a marked difference in the tensions between youth theatres over the last year!

And if you are new to the site, hello! I'm Mackenna and I run AYAA. Here are some articles you should check out to get yourself acquainted with what we do here!

• Welcome Letter
• Grease Dreamcasting
• AYAA Interview w/ Ethan Shanker
• AYAA Dreamcasting Potpurri (Days 4 and 5)
• AYAA Survey
• What to See This June!
• Winner Announcement of AYAA May MUSICAL Madness!

Thank you to all our new and old readers! If you haven't yet, like our Facebook page because it's where I post the most updates. And look forward to the cabaret and the awards!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Mackenna Goodrich

AYAA Survey

Hey there, friends! So story time: I wanted to ask people around the Valley about their dreams, shows they want to be in, choreograph, etc. I initially messaged about 80 teens in the Phoenix area and that group message became a hot mess. So then, I posted the questions directly on my Facebook account and it worked out great!

Here are the questions I asked:

1) Name five dream roles of your gender.
2) Name two dream roles of the other gender.
3) A show you just want to be in the ensemble of
4) Show you've been in before and want to do again
5) Two shows you would want to direct (This one is skippable if you aren't into directing)
6) Two shows you would want to choreograph (Also skippable)
7) Two shows you want to do costumes for (Also skippable)
8 Two shows you need to do before you die

I had a ton of people respond so first of all THANK YOU! Here are their responses by question. (Some questions I shared all responses and for some, I just picked and chose answers I thought were interesting.)

1. Name five dream roles of your gender.

Boys:

• Bailey Gorman: Edward Bloom - Big Fish, Seymour - Little Shop of Horrors, Nick Bottom - Something Rotten, Man In Chair - Drowsy Chaperone, Bruce Bechdel - Fun Home
• Julian Mendoza: The Phantom - Phantom of the Opera, Jean Valjean - Les Miserables, Jack - Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd, Link Larkin - Hairspray
• Bryce Dilullo: Elder Cunningham - Book of Mormon, Dewey Finn - School of Rock, Nikki-Avenue Q, Phoebus - Hunchback of Notre Dame, Nick Bottom - Something Rotten
• Nick Williams: Elder Price - The Book of Mormon, Link Larkin - Hairspray (which he is playing this summer at AYT!), Jack - Into the Woods, Curly Mclain - Oklahoma, Rolf Gruber - The Sound of Music
• Devon Policci: Clyde Barrow - Bonnie and Clyde, Joseph - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Doody - Grease, Ren - Footloose, Jack Kelly - Newsies
• Grey Smith: Dewey Finn - School of Rock, Javert - Les Miserables, Bruce Bechdel - Fun Home, Christopher Boone - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Victor Frankenstein - Frankenstein
• Adam Lundgreen: Gabe - Next to Normal, Marius - Les Miserables, Willard - Footloose, George Washington - Hamilton, Papa Ge - Once on This Island
• Hank Woods: Robert - Company, Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd, Biff - Death of a Salesman, Javert - Les Miserables, Tevye - Fiddler on the Roof
• Ethan Shanker: Hedwig - Hedwig, Franz - Rock of Ages, Peter - Bare, Carmen Ghia - The Producers, Monty Navarro - Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Girls:

• Lily Castle: Kathy - Last Five Years, Rose - Dogfight, Leading Player - Pippin, Jenna - Waitress, Sister Mary - Sister Act
• Caroline Jackson: Girl - Once, Glinda - Wicked, Alice - Alice in Wonderland, Ulla - The Producers, Roxie - Chicago
• Lauren Anderson: Elle Woods - Legally Blonde, Eliza Schuyler - Hamilton, Belle - Beauty and the Beast, Carole King - Beautiful, Meg Giry - Phantom of the Opera
• Avery Lee: Bea - Something Rotten, Mrs. Lovett - Sweeney Todd, Aida - Aida, Mimi - Rent, Lady of the Lake - Spamalot
• Summer Beckman: Christine - Phantom of the Opera, Johanna - Sweeney Todd, Elle Woods - Legally Blonde, Veronica Sawyer - Heathers, Eponine - Les Miserables, Audrey - Little Shop of Horrors
• Becca Webb: Elphaba - Wicked, Veronica - Heathers, Tracy - Hairspray, Peggy/Maria Reynolds - Hamilton, Eponine - Les Miserables, Peter Pan - Peter Pan
• Miranda Smith: Narrator - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Adelaide - Guys and Dolls, Sandra Bloom - Big Fish, Minnie Fay - Hello Dolly!, Peter Pan - Peter Pan
• Summer Farnsworth: Millie - Thoroughly Modern Millie, Miss Honey - Matilda, Fantine - Les Miserables, Meg Giry - Love Never Dies, Glinda - Wicked (I know IM BASIC)
• Sophia Bavishi: CARRIE (!!!) - Carrie, Veronica - Heathers, Sylvia - Sylvia, Eponine - Les Miserables, Mad Hatter - Wonderland, Ivy - bare
• Sarah Davidson: Baker's Wife - Into the Woods, Fiona - Shrek, Eva - Evita, Sharpay - High School Musical, Narrator - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Sarah Pansing: Cathy - The Last 5 Years, Natalie or Diana in next to normal, Christine Daae - Phantom of the Opera, Any Role - RENT , Belle - Beauty and the Beast, Veronica Sawyer - Heathers
• Grace Lisicki: Natalie - next to normal, Narrator - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carrie - Carrie, Mimi - Rent, Campbell - Bring It On
• Mackenna Goodrich: Any of the female roles - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Sheila - Hair, Mrs. Lovett - Sweeney Todd, Fantine - Les Miserables, Roxie - Chicago

2. Name two dream roles of the other gender

Boys:

• Bailey Gorman: Veronica - Heathers, Celie - The Color Purple (ugh, so amazing)
• Julian Mendoza: The Witch - Into the Woods, Fantine - Les Miserables, Christine - Phantom of the Opera, Veronica Sawyer - Heathers, Belle - Beauty and the Beast
• Bryce Dilullo: Grandma Addams - Addams Family, Aida - Aida
• Nick Williams: Elphaba - Wicked, Mrs. Lovett - Sweeney Todd
• Devon Policci: Rizzo - Grease, Wednesday - Addams Family
• Grey Smith: Margaret - Money and Friends, Agnes - She Kills Monsters
• Adam Lundgreen: Bonnie - Bonnie and Clyde, Eponine - Les Miserables
• Hank Woods: Mrs. Lovett - Sweeney Todd, Natalie - next to normal, Elle Woods - Legally Blonde
• Ethan Shanker: Matron "Mama" Morton - Chicago, Snow White - Into the Woods ;)

Girls:

• Lily Castle: Dewey - School of Rock, Christopher - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• Caroline Jackson: Elder Price - Book of Mormon, Melchior Gabor - Spring Awakening
• Lauren Anderson: Huey Calhoun - Memphis, King George - Hamilton
• Avery Lee: Jafar - Aladdin, Lola - Kinky Boots
• Summer Beckman: Jack - Into the Woods, Phantom - Phantom of the Opera, JD - Heathers, Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd, Jean Valjean - Les Miserables
• Becca Webb: Jojo - Seussical, Jack - Newsies, John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton - Hamilton
• Miranda Smith: Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd, Ren - Footloose, Seaweed - Hairspray, Dewey Finn - School of Rock, Edward Bloom - Big Fish
• Summer Farnsworth: Gabe - next to normal, Monty Navarro - A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
• Sophia Bavishi: JD - Heathers, Elder Price - Book of Mormon
• Sarah Davidson: Frankie Valli - Jersey Boys, Evan - 13
• Sarah Pansing: Pippin - Pippin, JD - Heathers, Moritz - Spring Awakening
• Grace Lisicki: Angel - RENT, Moritz - Spring Awakening
• Mackenna Goodrich: Elder Cunningham - Book of Mormon, Will Shakespeare - Something Rotten

3. A show you just want to be in the ensemble of

Lily Castle and Grey Smith: A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Caroline Jackson: Anything Goes, Bryce Dilullo: RENT, Lauren Anderson and Ethan Shanker: American Idiot, Summer Beckman: Matilda, Summer Farnsworth: Love Never Dies, Sophia Bavishi: Pippin, In the Heights, Sarah Davidson: Something Rotten, Grace Lisicki: Joseph and the Amazing..., Mackenna Goodrich: Cabaret

A LOT of people said Hamilton or West Side Story

4. Shows you've been in before and want to do again

Bailey Gorman: Cinderella as Jean-Michel. We only got three performances and I wish we could have had more! I loved playing him :), Mackenna Goodrich and Caroline Jackson: The Drowsy Chaperone, Bryce Dilullo: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Summer Farnsworth: Curtains, Adam Lundgreen: Peter Pan and Wendy, Footloose, Hank Woods: Bert - Mary Poppins, Ethan Shanker: Avenue Q (as a different role), Sophia Bavishi and Miranda Smith: Bonnie and Clyde

Quite a few people said Grease, Hairspray, and Beauty and the Beast.

5. Two shows you would want to direct

Bailey Gorman: 13 (I am assistant directing this summer at AYT) and Sunday in the Park with George, Lily Castle: Anything Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kinky Boots, Bryce Dilullo: Sweeney Todd, American Psycho, Avery Lee: Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Miranda Smith: Tale of Two Cities, Grey Smith: Misery, Money and Friends, Summer Farnsworth: The Secret Garden, Hank Woods: Company, Sophia Bavishi: bare, Daddy Long Legs, Sarah Pansing: Les Miserables, Grace Lisicki: Waitress, Mackenna Goodrich: The Drowsy Chaperone, Spring Awakening

Quite a few people said Bonnie and Clyde, Spring Awakening, and next to normal.

6. Two shows you would want to choreograph

Bryce Dilullo: Bonnie and Clyde, Camelot (while watching this way back when at AYT, I left the theatre in love with so many ideas. Seeing that show brought me into musical theatre, fun fact.), Avery Lee: The Wiz, Miranda Smith: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Sophia Bavishi: The Little Mermaid, Sarah Davidson: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Sarah Pansing: Rent, Grace Lisicki: Chicago, Mackenna Goodrich: Elf, Chorus Line

Quite a few people said Cats, In the Heights, Hairspray, Pippin and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

7. Two shows you would want to costume

Bailey Gorman: Little Women, Grease, Julian Mendoza: Guys and Dolls, Bryce Dilullo: Avenue Q (I want to make puppets), Aladdin, Lauren Anderson: Beauty and the Beast, Avery Lee: Dreamgirls, The Lion King, Miranda Smith: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Summer Farnsworth: Big Fish, Sophia Bavishi: Wonderland, Sarah Davidson: The Addams Family, Hair, Sarah Pansing: Heathers, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 

Quite a few people said The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Shrek.

8. Two shows you need to be in before you die.

• Adam Lundgreen: Les Miserables, next to normal
• Avery Lee: Beauty and the Beast, Porgy & Bess
• Bailey Gorman: Edward Bloom in Big Fish, Hamilton
• Becca Webb: Wicked, Newsies
• Bryce Dilullo: Book of Mormon, School of Rock
• Caroline Jackson: Hamilton, Spring Awakening (The Deaf West version)
• Devon Policci: Newsies, Bonnie and Clyde
• Ethan Shanker: Spring Awakening, Hedwig
• Grey Smith: School of Rock, Something Rotten
• Grace Lisicki: Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton
• Hank Woods: Les Miserables, Into the Woods
• Julian Mendoza: The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables
• Lauren Anderson: Hamilton, Heathers
• Lily Castle: Les Miserables, Wicked
• Mackenna Goodrich: Little Shop of Horrors (First musical I ever saw and the one I've seen the most times), American Idiot (my first album was a Green Day album) 
• Nick Williams: The Book of Mormon, The Sound of Music
• Sarah Davidson: Cats, The Little Mermaid
• Sarah Pansing: RENT, next to normal, Wonderland, Wicked, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera
• Sophia Bavishi: Carrie, bare

• Summer Beckman: Phantom of the Opera, Legally Blonde
• Summer Farnsworth: next to normal, Wicked

Shows with multiple picks: Les Miserables, next to normal, Hamilton, Wicked, Newsies, Book of Mormon, School of Rock, Spring Awakening, Phantom of the Opera

Thank you to everyone for their thoughtful responses!