Note: I sent out this lil interview things about two weeks ago and college is a busy busy time. So some of the "what are you up to now" responses are already a little outdated.
Asher Sheppard
I originally interviewed Asher on January 4th, 2016. He was asked to interview because of his AriZoni win for Mr. Aesop in Fountain Hill's production of The Fabulous Fable Factory.
What are you up to now?
The Secret Garden at VYT
What are your plans for the upcoming year?
I'll get back to you on that one. (A/N: Asher was recently cast as the Tin Man in VYT's The Wizard of Oz which will go up in June!)
What's college like? What have you enjoyed the most about college?
PVCC is a good community college with an amazing theater that I really want to be in.
Are you planning to study theatre? If so, why? Also, are you planning on pursuing acting, musical theatre, design, etc. If NOT, why aren't you?
Currently in college already, in my third year. I want to become an editor for books and scripts for movies and theatrical productions.
What do you think the value of doing youth theatre is? What have you/did you learn from it?
I've learned how to develop a thick skin and take rejection better. I've also learned how to interview for job opportunities more effectively.
One piece of advice you would give to other aspiring theatre makers!
There is always another opportunity for you if you did not get cast in the part you wanted. You will always get another chance.
Kaleigh Feuerstein
I interviewed Kaleigh on June 30th, 2016. She was asked to interview due to her starring role as Tracy Turnblad in AYT's production of Hairspray.
What are you up to now?
Just trying to make it through my senior year...
What are your plans for the upcoming year?
Major in Business Entrepreneurship with a minor in theatre (maybe double major) at ASU and hopefully work at Gammage!
What colleges are you thinking about going to? Are you planning to study theatre? If so, why? Also, are you planning on pursuing acting, musical theatre, design, etc. If NOT, why aren't you?
ASU! I will be minoring in theatre because I believe where I am at REALISTICALLY, theatre isn't in my future and I will not make it big on Broadway or anything of the sorts. I would love to stay active in the field though and hope to open my own performing arts academy one day.
What do you think the value of doing youth theatre is? What have you/did you learn from it?
Theatre has taught me so many life skills that you really can't get a grasp on elsewhere. One big one is self confidence/public speaking. I've seen myself grow so much and feel confident speaking in front of large crowds, participating in group discussions, etc. because being on a stage taught me to not be afraid of vulnerability and to explore that. I've also learned how to nail an interview (audition prep), collaborate with others on a project (the ultimate goal of a theatrical production), and I have met so many amazing people from all backgrounds.
One piece of advice you would give to other aspiring theatre makers!
Explore your vulnerability and allow yourself to make choices- the stage is a safe place. You can be whoever you want to be and interpret your character to whatever extent you please.
Sam Primack
I interviewed Sam because he was an AYAA Artist of the Year (Junior Divison). His interview went up on AYAA on October 1st, 2015.
What are you up to now?
I am in Catch Me If You Can at my school opening next week playing Frank Jr., (A/N: which closed because Mackenna is a busy boy, but you can check Sam's Facebook for highlights!) and then I'm in this VYT original musical written by an alumni called You're It playing Fredrick, and finally I'm in Legally Blonde at SYT playing Emmett!!
What are your plans for the upcoming year?
I'm not sure yet. I'll be a junior so I'm excited to do some amazing shows. I've been deciding the shows I'm doing so we will see!
What colleges are you thinking about going to? Are you planning to study theatre? If so, why? Also, are you planning on pursuing acting, musical theatre, design, etc. If NOT, why aren't you?
I have 2 years to decide. But yes I am going to study theatre and hopefully pursue what I love to do.
What do you think the value of doing youth theatre is? What have you/did you learn from it?
It has made me such a confident person and speaker, and there are so many talented directors and actors in the valley right now so it is amazing to learn from such amazing people.
One piece of advice you would give to other aspiring theatre makers!
Never stop performing. Always keep going even if it's hard, because it will be rewarding in the end.
Jessie Jo Pauley
Jessie was a part of the Interview Snapshots at the end of 2015. I asked to interview her after she won an NYA Artist of the Year Award.
What are you up to now?
I'm finishing my freshman year at ASU as a journalism student and next year I will be a double major studying journalism and music theatre! It's been a great year of learning. I've learned a lot from my professor Toby Yatso, from performing in Billy Elliot at Phoenix Theatre, and from doing a show with only three other women (who are phenomenal). Theatre wise, I just finished a four month run of The Marvelous Wonderettes (shout out to the three powerhouse ladies I performed with) at the Hale Centre theatre as Suzy and will soon be opening the show Aida.
What are your plans for the upcoming year?
Well, next year I will be tackling a double major in journalism and music theatre. I will be starting a partnership with TRUST AZ (Training and Resources United to Stop Trafficking). As a student journalist, we will be partnering in order to bring awareness to sex trafficking in AZ to AZ citizens and students. As for theatre, I want to start auditioning for more shows and theaters. It's always good to expand your experience.
What's college like? What have you enjoyed the most about college?
I love college! To be honest, I'm not at my dorm or campus all too much because I am always at rehearsal. Nevertheless, I still love being a college student. College is like one big sleepover at school haha. I like the independence the most. You learn to be responsible for yourself.
What do you think the value of doing youth theatre is? What have you/did you learn from it?
I gained all my confidence from doing youth theatre. Youth theatre allows you to be vulnerable and strong at the same time. I learned how to speak to others, be quick on my feet, and make connections (all of which totally help me with my journalism career).
One piece of advice you would give to other aspiring theatre makers!
Don't be embarrassed. Try something new. Play out of your type. Sing a song that not your in safe zone. Be okay with not getting the part, everyone goes through it.
The biggest one is be kind to others, but focus on bettering yourself. Compete with yourself not with others. Focus on what you can do to better yourself rather than focusing on being better than other people.
Marty Loehr
Marty was also apart of the Interview Snapshots, that were posted on December 21st, 2015. I interviewed him after he won an AriZoni Award for Fester in the Addams Family at Studio 3.
What are you up to now?
Going to school full time, and working part time as a veterinary technician 😸
What are your plans for the upcoming year?
Hopefully finish all my prerequisites 😅
What's college like? What have you enjoyed the most about college?
College is interesting... No one is holding your hand anymore, which is WAY different when comparing it to high school. College is also scary. It's a wake up call that your an adult, and taking classes that'll lead you to a career you'll have the rest of your life is intimidating.
Are you planning to study theatre? If so, why? Also, are you planning on pursuing acting, musical theatre, design, etc. If NOT, why aren't you?
When I entered college I knew that I wasn't going to pursue a theatre degree. Though it's been my life through my teenage years, it wasn't my calling. One reason why I didn't pursue theatre is that your future in the industry isn't certain. I don't think I can take the stress of finishing my degree and not knowing where to go, however I applaud everyone who can take that leap.
What do you think the value of doing youth theatre is? What have you/did you learn from it?
Doing youth theatre was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It made me feel comfortable talking in front of large crowds, and it made me express my extroverted side. Without theatre I wouldn't be where I am today.
One piece of advice you would give to other aspiring theatre makers!
If theatre truly is your passion, your life's calling, never give up. Don't listen to those who try to delegitimize your major. Realize the path you've chosen isn't an easy one, but when you succeed, everyone will know your name.
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