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bACKSTAGE
Welcome to a behind the scenes look at the students who make up the Bloomingdale Theater Program. Each week we will post a "back stage" view of one of the students so check back often to learn more about these amazingly talented individuals.
Previous Featured Students
Next Week's Featured Student
EVAN DeGraff
Class of 2018
1. What is the first song you remember singing?
...Fins by Jimmy Buffett
2. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, in what field of study?
...Yes, in film???
3. What do you like most about theater?
...Comedy?
4. What fictional charater would best describe you?
...Donald Duck
5. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman who are thinking about the theater program? And why?
...Its not what I expected, everyone is down to earth.
6. If you could switch roles with Ms. Cox for the day, what would be the first thing you would do?
...I would make a board of studentss that would be voting on MOST decisions so students would have a voice.
7. What is the funniest thing that happened behind stage?
...During rehersal there was a scene that involved kissing so I played love music during the scene.
8. How do you prepare for opening night?
...I act like I am boxing because it puts me in the mood
9. Advice for shy people interested in theater?
...Do tech...We build a bunch of stuff
10. What's your favorite play or performance?
...Mary Poppins
Evan DeGraff
AMANDA ALLEN
Class of 2016
1. Who introduced you to Theater?
… Anna DeCort
2. What is your favorite play or performance?
…Cat’s Meow and Below the Belt (favorites our troupe performed)
3. If you won the lottery would you still act? Why or why not?
… YES! Acting is my passion and I intend on continuing it for the rest of my life.
4. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, what field of study?… Yes, major in acting/performing arts
5. What do you sing in the shower?
… The entire Hamilton Album
6. What do you like most about theater?
… The fact that everyone is supportive and a second family
7. What advice do you have for incoming freshman who are thinking about the theater program? And why?
… Try it? It is such a great and welcoming community to be a part of! You definitely get something out of it.
8. How do you prepare for opening night?
… I sneak out to the bathroom (in full makeup & costume) near the house to see how many people showed up.
9. Advice for shy people interested in theater?
… Join!!! People in theater are so welcoming and theater allows you to be yourself.
10. Do you have a superstition and if so, what is it?
… Saying break-a-leg.
Amanda Allen
Skylar Ancell
SKYLAR ANCELL
Class of 2019
1. Who introduced you to Theater?
…My cousin who was in a musical when I was in 7th grade.
2. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?
…CAriana Grande, because she's so beautiful and talented, she can do it all.
3. If you won the lottery would you still act? If so, why or why not?
…Definitely, its so relaxing and you feel comfortable doing what you love.
4. What do you sing in the shower?
…Anything that comes on my playlist
5. What do you like most about theater?
…My theatre family, I feel at home when I'm with them.
6. What advice do you have for incoming freshman who are thinking about the theatre program? And why?
…Definitely join, its so much fun and you make alot of good friends.
7. What is the funniest thing that happened back stage?
...Oh the night of one acts everyone was dancing because they were nervous but we were all nervous together.
8. How do you prepare for opening night?
...I stand in front of the mirror and go over my lines.
9. Advice for shy people interested in theater?
…Just pretend you're at your house or in front of family, there's nothing to be nervouse or shy about.
10. Do you have a superstition and if so, what is it?
...I always think there's someone behind my shower curtain, just because of movies I watched.
Claire Eberhart
CLAIRE EBERHART
Class of 2018
1. Who introduced you to Theater?
…My mom and sister, both of them are huge fans of Broadway and brought me with them to a show and I’ve loved it ever since.
2. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?
…Chris Evans, he’s one of the nicest actors I know and he plays my favorite superhero, Captain America
3. What is your favorite play or performance?
…Wicked or Avenue Q because both soundtracks are amazing
4. If you won the lottery would you still act? If so, why or why not?
…Yes I would definitely still act because with all the lottery money I’ll be able to have more time to act.
5. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, in what field of study?
…Yes, I’m going on to get a medical degree to become a neurosurgeon
6. What do you like most about theater?
…I love how everyone in theater is just part of one big family where everyone is there for each other
7. What advice do you have for incoming freshman who are thinking about the theater program? And why?
…As Shin Labeouf once said, “Just do it.” it may seem intimidating at first, but it’s worthwhile to join.
8. Why is working backstage better than being on stage?
…Because you get to watch the entire performance and techies are the funniest people you will ever met..and a blast.
9. Advice for shy people interested in theater?
…Join. I was really shy but hanging out with the troupe really opened me up and its made high school really awesome.
10. What’s the first thing you are going to do this summer and why?
…I’m going to Orlando, so I can go to Universal and chill at my sister’s apartment and watch Netflix and avoid any school work.?
DRAKE HUBBARD
Class of 2016
1. Who introduced you to Theater?
... Nick Montella
2. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?
... Seth Rogan because he writes and acts in his own movies
3. What is the first song you remember signing?
... My ABC’s
4. If you won the lottery would you still act? If so, why or why not? ... Yes, because it’s what I enjoy doing
5. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, in what field of study? ... Yes, I plan on going to USF for civil engineering
6. What fictional character would best describe you?
... The Cat in the Hat
7. What advice do you have for incoming freshman who are thinking about the theater program? And why?
... They will regret not doing it sooner or later like I did
8. What is the funniest thing that has happened behind stage?
... Everyone started singing random songs
9. If you could switch roles with Ms. Cox for the day, what would be the first thing you would do? (PG rated only)
... Improv forever
10. What is the weirdest prop you have had to use?
... A bowl of spaghetti
Drake Hubbard
NICK MONTELLA
Class of 2016
1. What is the first song you remember signing?
… My family and I always sang “Boogie, Woogie Bugel Boy when I was young
2. What is your favorite play or performance?
… I was in my friends original play, “The Harpers” and I loved it
3. If you won the lottery would you still act? If so, why or why not?
… Yes! I’d hire an agent! I’d travel to auditions! It would help me act more!
4. What fictional character would best describe you?
…Jim Hawkins from Treasure Planet
5. What is the best Broadway song?
… “Ireland” from Legally Blonde the Musical, hands down. Look it up!
6. What is the funniest thing that has happened behind stage?
… Hearing a certain wolf scream while standing in a cauldron
7. If you could switch roles with Ms. Cox for the day, what would be the first thing you would do? (PG rated only)
… I dunno. Steal candy from the drawer
8. What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
… I want to be a voice actor
9. How do you prepare for opening night?
… Not freaking out. Or rather calmly stressing everyone else out.
10. Do you have a superstition and if so, what is it?
… Knock on wood. I always do this.
ALEX WRIGHT
Class of 2016
1. Who introduced you to Theater?
... My Mom
2. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?
... Johnny Depp because he is such a versatile actor
3. What is the first song you remember signing?
... Part of your World from Little Mermaid
4. What is your favorite play or performance?
... Wicked is my favorite play
5. If you won the lottery would you still act? If so, why or why not?
...Yes because it’s my dream and I could live off the lottery winnings
6. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, in what field of study?
...Yes, UF for Chemical Engineering
7. What do you like most about theater?
... The ability to be free with who I am
8. What is the best Broadway song?
... One More Day from Les Mis
9. What advice do you have for incoming freshman who are thinking about the theater program? And why?
... It may seem weird and you may be judged but it’s so worth it to have the second family
10. What is the funniest thing that has happened behind stage?
... Tuesday dance parties
Nick Montella
Alex Wright
DAKOTA ZANE
Class of 2016
1. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?
… Daisy Ridley: I love her
2. What is your favorite play or performance?
…The Addams family musical
3. What do you sing in the shower?
… I get judged if I sing
4. What fictional character would best describe you?
… Wario
5. If you could switch roles with Ms. Cox for the day, what would be the first thing you would do? (PG rated only)
… Take over the world
6. What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
… I don’t like steak or cherries
7. How do you prepare for opening night?
… Cry
8. Why is working backstage better than being on stage?
... You don’t have to worry about forgetting your lines
9. What’s the first thing you are going to do this summer and why?
… Cry; I have to get a job
10. Do you have a superstition and if so, what is it?
… Yes that people are actually cats
Dakota Zane
Christian Rodriguez
CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
Class of 2017
1. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, in what field of study?
... Yes, musical theater and dentistry
2. What fictional charater would best describe you?
...Scarecrow (Wizard of Oz)
3. What is the best Broadway song?
...Who I'd be - Shrek the Musical
4. If you could switch roles with Ms. Cox for the day, what would be the first thing you would do?
...I wouldn't change anything. She's the best teacher and loves us!
5. What would people be surprised to know about you?
...Nothing, I'm an open book.
6. How do you prepare for opening night
…Rehearse non-stop
7. Why is working backstage better than being on stage?
...It isn't, it's a matter of opinion
8. What's the first thing you are going to do this summer and why?
...Audition for the Patel Conservatory's Les Mis performance
9. Do you have a superstition and if so, what is it?
...I believe in bad luck and karma
10. What is the weirdest prop you have had to use?
...A giant whisk
Justin Kirschner
JUSTIN KIRSCHNER
Class of 2017
1. Who introduced you to Theater?
...A close mentor of mine who showed me theater over the summer, I call him Jonnie Monsta but his last name is Alberts
2. What is the first song you remember singing?
...Birthday by the Beatles
3. What is your favorite play or performance?
...The Cherry Tree by Anton Chekhov
4. If you won the lottery would you still act? Why or why not?
...Yeah, because there is always something to be fascinated by, emulating a character really creates a connection more valuable than much else?
5. Do you have plans to attend college? If so, in what field of study?
...Yes, I would like to be an Aerospace Engineer or something involving Astrophysics.
6. What do you sing in the shower?
...A lot of Bo Burnham, n anti-humour type of singer which is pretty hilarious.
7. What do you like most about theater?
...The camaraderie, for sure?
8. What fictional charater would best describe you?
...Goofy's son. I loved Mar in that show. He reminds me a lot of people I care about and how I view myself.
9. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman who are thinking about the theater program? And why?
...Enroll
10. How do you prepare for opening night?
...Practice
1. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?
… Daisy Ridley: I love her
2. What is your favorite play or performance?
…The Addams family musical
3. What do you sing in the shower?
… I get judged if I sing
4. What fictional character would best describe you?
… Wario
5. If you could switch roles with Ms. Cox for the day, what would be the first thing you would do? (PG rated only)
… Take over the world
6. What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
… I don’t like steak or cherries
7. How do you prepare for opening night?
… Cry
8. Why is working backstage better than being on stage?
... You don’t have to worry about forgetting your lines
9. What’s the first thing you are going to do this summer and why?
… Cry; I have to get a job
10. Do you have a superstition and if so, what is it?
… Yes that people are actually cats
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