I’ll be interviewing with sophomore, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Naughton. Lizzy who participates in performing arts, such as theater. Theater is a collaborative program that includes acting to tell a story. When asked what influenced her to start acting Lizzy’s response was, “I got into acting in the 8th grade”. 

We went to the Mac for a field trip to see the wizard of Oz, and I fell in love, thinking I could truly do it! I now know people who were in that show!” That performance had inadvertently helped Lizzy ignite a passion for acting. 

 While many people may not realize it, theater plays a crucial role in the entertainment industry and being able to have the courage to perform on stage is completely different. With any program fortunately there are benefits. One of the questions Lizzy had been asked was if theater was rewarding and her reply was, “The most rewarding parts of performing are the memories and the friends you make. 

In my opinion I think just getting to tell these stories to people is so rewarding and heart warming.” I’ve heard Lizzy recall countless times of when she truly felt she had touched the crowd and brought the stories to life before their eyes. Stage fright keeps many from performing, but when you finally open up you will realize how your performance impacted the viewers. However, theater can have its own down sides. While the craft does require individuals to work together there’s downsides. I had asked Lizzy what the main downsides were to theater and her response was “The cons of being in theater is definitely drama and closing shows! Drama, especially when it comes to the casting sucks to say the least, but in the end it just fades. Closing shows are always so sad. 

I personally will always miss every show I have done, they all hold a special place in my heart, and it hurts even more when you know it will be the last show you have with certain people.” 

Theater is a place of acceptance and while normally everyone can put their differences aside for the sake of the show sometimes in other cases the negativity ingrains itself into the actions of the cast. These issues can be resolved but there goes to show that not every cast is perfect. Most times the cast develop a close relationship and bond during their time on set. 

Acting requires trust and mutual respect. It can lead to friendships and more. When shows close though, many feelings can be overwhelming, for some it is their first show while for others it is their last. With this in mind, I asked the question we were probably all wondering. Why should we, students, faculty, staff, etc provide support for the theater group. I asked Lizzy and she simply stated, “I think everyone should support the theater group and fine arts in general because they are genuinely such great programs, it helps keep the school spirit alive, and it’s just so fun! Everyone works so hard!” Lizzy stated it in the simplest and most honest way possible. Passions shape individuals in ways more than one can see. When we show our support it allows others to grow and nurture their talents. Acting is more than memorizing lines, it’s taking a story and bringing imagination into life. The theater group most definitely deserves the recognition and support. This however, can induce stress onto new members and Lizzy’s advice is “Be yourself and don’t be afraid! It’s a bit of a push at first but you will get the hang of it and maybe even fall in love! Theater has helped me grow as a person, and it has especially helped me come out of my shell.” She believes that trying to step out of your comfort zone can help you further in the program for personal growth, not to be somebody you aren’t. While you may have to put on a different mask to play a character, it’s important to remember that you are your own person. 

The very final question I asked was if she personally had any performing arts projects she is currently working on?. 

She gave me details on the exciting show they were currently working on. Lizzy responded “I am currently in urinetown! Trust me, look past the title it’s such a great show, I’m so happy that I get to do this show! And I’m also in show choir, bass-ic choir, and women’s chorale and we are working on a bunch of stuff for concerts.” When talking to her I could feel her excitement for the show she is working on. 

Urinetown, while it may seem unrealistic, challenges and addresses deeper literary themes of oppression & corrupt governments. The performance takes darker themes and manipulates them into a way in which viewers can enjoy the show, but also pick up on the underlying message. The first showing of Urinetown will be in March! (dates will be listed below), so clear your schedule and support your local theater group! You never know, you may discover a passion you never knew you had.

URINETOWN PERFORMANCE DATES: 

• March 6th – 7pm

• March 7th  – 7pm

• March 8th – 2pm 

• March 13th – 7pm

• March 14th – 7pm

• March 15th – 2pm