Level II actors at Stagelight Performing Arts chose their monologues two months ago. In each class since then, Ms. Danielle took the actors through a series of exercises to build necessary techniques to perform their monologues authentically and confidently. Students were required to spend much time memorizing and rehearsing their lines outside of class.

Just as in all rehearsal processes, there were ups and downs. Performing is hard stuff! But the performance night eventually approached, and by that time, the actors were ready. As lights were being set up and parents took their seats, you could feel the excitement and nervousness of the performers. The camera rolled…

And these performers wowed us. The performances were sincere. The work was evident. The triumph these actors felt was palpable. We witnessed strong choices being made, right there during live performance. We watched students stumble on lines and finish with great determination. We watched the actors encourage and cheer each other on. We watched these groups of actors grow through this process together and as a community.

Well done, actors. We couldn’t be more proud.

Below are four of the monologues presented last week. Click a name to watch:

Daphne Stift

Kevin Fitzsimons

Lexie Gilstrap

Chris Goldman

Savannah Clayton, 14 years old, has been a student at Stagelight Performing Arts since our first season. She has performed in many Stagelight Productions’ shows, but she recently played the coveted role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. We wanted to know all about her experience “over the rainbow,” so we caught up with her to ask our questions!

SPA: What was your favorite thing about playing Dorothy?

SC: I liked that little kids looked up to me, like I look up to the kids older than me. I also liked that I got to be on stage most of the time and share the talent God gave me.

SPA: What did you do to prepare for this role?

SC: I wrote out my songs and wrote what they meant to me to help me with my emotions. I watched the movie and previous Stagelight versions of the show.

SPA: What was the most challenging part about playing Dorothy?

SC: The most challenging part was probably trying to balance my school work and memorize all my lines.

SPA: In what ways are you similar to Dorothy?

SC: I am similar to Dorothy because she is brave and adventurous.

SPA: In what ways did your classes at Stagelight help you with this role?

SC: Ms. Danielle and Ms. Lindsey helped me grow in acting and have really helped me over all. Ms. Rene helped me prepare all my songs and know them well.

Well done, Savannah!

Stagelighters Ella Davies and Soraya Corydon are playing the part of the Prissy Cow in Chino Children’s Community Theatre’s Jack and the Giant, running October 20 – November 11. We caught up with these girls to ask them all about their experience in working together to play one part in the show.

SPA: Tell me a little bit about the show and the part you’re playing.

ED: We are playing the Prissy Cow in Jack and the Giant!

SC: Yeah, I’m the front of the Cow, and Ella has to hold on to me to play the back of the Cow.

ED: We say “Moo” a lot.

SPA: What has been the most exciting part of the rehearsal process?

SC: Probably learning how to dance while Ella’s holding on to me… trying to spin together is really hard!

ED: I think it’s fun to practice with someone else, like we’re the same character.

SPA: How have your classes at Stagelight prepared you for this show?

ED: I’ve learned a lot of acting skills so it’s made me better at making sure I’m facing the audience and rehearsing more seriously.

EC: The jazz class I’m taking is helping me pick up choreography quickly.

We wish these two Stagelighters a great run in Jack and the Giant. Visit chinocommunitytheatre.org  for tickets and more information about the show.