When stepping into a role it is important to fully understand the character and how one can adapt and learn their story. While becoming one with the role can be challenging, making it unique can help someone express themselves on the stage.

In smaller ensemble roles students have the ability to form their character according to the story’s plot, and truly make it their own. 

“When you’re an ensemble character there’s not a lot of descriptions and it’s really up to you. You get to make up what you want your character to be like, if you wanted to you could make up an entire backstory and that could help you,” Amaliya Barker, 10, said. 

While the background characters aren’t always in the spotlight, they help move the musical along while creating fun effects and visuals. 

“If you don’t have an ensemble then half of the dances and really the POW! is all  gone.  They add to the real story and make the show more exciting.” Amailya Barker, 10, said.

While small roles leave room for adaptation and creativity on the individual actors’ part, stepping into a leading role can become

some big shoes to fill.

“It’s a little limiting with Gaston because  he is such an iconic character, but at the same time it’s also really fun. People are expecting something from you as an actor when you step out on the stage and being able to basically fight for their expectations is an exciting thing to keep in mind while acting,” Zack Vasser, 12, said. 

When stepping onto the stage it is important to build the third wall, otherwise meaning to create the illusion of the show, by fully adopting the character as personal art. 

“Creating the third wall is important so you stay in the character, because with a role like Gaston who is a bigger than life character who displays all the toxic masculinities taken to the extreme, I have to think of my acting as a performance while being Gaston,” Vasser said. 

While being part of a musical or play seems like a big responsibility, by taking on this challenge it can lead to memorable experiences and long lasting friendships. 

“Being in a leading role, you get to be around people who you may not see as much in classes due to age differences, and different groups of friends. You get to meet new people you wouldn’t otherwise talk to,” Paige Jackson, 11, said.