#TAABeauty Cast Spotlight: Ensemble and Featured Dancer Christian David

 We have been fans of Christian David's musical work for a long time -- we're so excited that he is finally joining us on stage with TAA's "Beauty and the Beast!" 

We asked him some questions about his life, in and out of theater and music -- hope you enjoy getting to know him a bit better as much as we did!

You do a lot with music -- can you please tell us about the rest of your musical life and what it means for you?
My musical life is devoted to ministry. I have had the opportunity to travel and minister through song, and it's the most rewarding experience I could ask for! This is what I believe my purpose and destiny, to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ through song.

When it's not music, what else do you do with your life?
When I'm not doing music (which is very rare) I'm also a graphic design artist. I have my own business in which I design flyers, business cards banners and also do video and commercial editing.

Why musical theater?
For me, there is so much joy I get out of theater, both on stage and off. And I believe this to be true for the community as well, those who perform and those who don't. It offers the same experience to all...a chance to get a way and go to another place that's outside of your life for a while. A chance to live through breathtaking music and story telling. I believe, now more than ever, this is important. Giving people an outlet from this harsh world we live in.

Tell us about TAA's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast...
This production is filled with so many genuine people who just love to perform. An awesome group of people who really just love to be nice. And that's exactly what comes across during performances. 

Any additional thoughts on life?

No matter what, live! Life may throw a harsh temporary reality your way, but there's always hope! Choose to live and not look back on what was and will never be again!

He didn't mention this in the interview, but we have to!  Christian's CDs are fantastic!  Find his work on iTunes and Amazon and GooglePlay!  

See and hear Christian and the rest of the spectacular TAA Beauty and the Beast cast perform at Visalia's LJ Williams Theater August 18-21!
For tickets call 559-972-8417 or visit Brown Paper Tickets Online

#TAABeauty Cast Spotlight: Featured Dancer LeAnn Medina!

Featured Dancer LeAnn Medina is a treasure in Visalia's young artist's community.  She has been part of TAA since our first production, appearing as Clara in the Nutcracker Ballet and we are so glad she is with us!  A sophomore at Golden West High School,  she is not only a competitive dancer but a member of youth symphony as a cellist.  We can hardly wait to see what the future brings for this passionate and dedicated artist!  

You have a beautiful start to your life as a performing artist -- could you tell us some of your background so far?  
I havvvve to start with DANCE!  I started classes at 6 years old and I currently dance at Elite

Dance Acadamy.  I've been studying dance for nine years!  My family did not have enough money to consistently afford dance classes so my aunt helped me out for 8 years financially, but now I'm a teacher assistant which helps pay for the tuition and dance team costs.  I'm in the Golden West "Illusions" dance team as well 

My favorite part of dance is just the feeling of being free in the movement. A dancer knows the feeling of being on stage. Every art has some sort of original feeling of happiness and just loving what you're doing.  When I was five years old I watched Barbie in the Nutcracker every day for a whole year!  My parents always snuck by and caught me dancing the the final pas de deux of the Nutcracker, which at five was just thrashing, jumping, and flailing, but you know what? It brought me to the great world of dance competitions, musicals, and I actually got to dance that final Pas de Deux in TAA's Nutcracker last year!  With no flailing!!
I also play the CELLO! In 5th grade we were given an option of playing an instrument of any

choice. I wanted to play the violin until I heard a teacher play the cello, and I fell in love with the wide variety of tones! It can go all the way to violin land but it can still go quite low similar to a bass.  I'm grateful that I continue to get scholarships for private lessons.  My favorite part of playing the cello is that music is the one language that everyone can understand. Everyone that plays sends a certain feeling to an audience. Whether it be a sad feeling, angry feeling, or cheerful feeling. We all can get it no matter what language they speak. 

You're a competitive dancer -- tell us about that? 

I've competed for 9 years now and it is a tough game. There are many great dancers out there, but in the long run all of us, as a team, aim for improving ourselves and having fun! Many dancers are aware of Starpower, Hollywood Connection, Nuvo, NYCDA, and many other comps. We perform in front of many famous choreographers that are usually from "So You Think You Can Dance" or just famous choreographers in general. Great experience and nothing can match the feeling of passion and adrenaline on stage! And the feeling of winning is great too!

Now you've added musical theater to your list...
I've had some experience on musical theater when my studio had classes for it. Really, if you can find a dancer that can sing and read notes, the equation is all set. The hard part is doing that together. At the same time.  But you know what? The best and great old cure is (surprise surprise) practicing!  I absolutely love musical theater because it combines the two things I love most! Singing and dancing!

What do the performing arts mean to you and to the community?
I probably wouldn't be who I am today without performing arts. It's given me many gifts and

happiness in my everyday life! What better way to share your story than through a dance routine, a song, or an instrument?  I feel that the arts can bring a community together because everybody enjoys it!

Who do you think will enjoy Theater Arts Alliance's production of Beauty and the Beast?
Everyone that's a human being that can just sit down and enjoy the great talents of the community that have produced such a great and beautiful production. Beauty and the Beast has a cast that I never knew would be so talented. To add on top of that, they are all from within our community!

See LeAnn and the rest of the fantastic #TAABeauty cast August 18-21 at Visalia's LJ Williams theater! 

For tickets call 559-972-8417 or visit Brown Paper Tickets Online!

#TAABeauty Young Artist Spotlight: Featured Dancer Kaylynn Gardner!

Kaylynn Bonnie Gardner is an eleven year old sixth grader at Monroe Elementary School in Hanford, her favorite subject is math and we at Theater Arts Alliance have known that "KK" was a girl to watch ever since she walked into auditions for the Nutcracker Ballet!  We hope that this talented and enthusiastic young woman continues to be a fixture in our productions!  Here are some of her thoughts on life as a young person in the performing arts! 
 
 
How long have you been studying the performing arts? 
I have danced since before I could even walk, competing with Dancer's Edge in Hanford and the past year dancing with Ruby Slipper in Visalia. Last summer I was in my first production, Annie, where I was a lead dancer. It was so much fun and it truly sparked my desire to be on stage! Last fall I was privileged to be in Nutcracker with TAA. I played the part of Fritz, Clara's brother, and also danced as a soldier, Peppermint and Gingerbread. That was my first real experience with a professional theatre company and I loved every minute! Madama Butterfly with TAA was my first opera experience and it was amazing! With Ruby Slipper, I also performed in Mulan. I am now involved in TAA's Beauty and the Beast as a featured dancer which will perform later this month. I actually learned to walk in my first ballet class in Kings Dance Center in Hanford! I have been dancing ever since! When I am dancing, I feel inspired and happy. I am also an ambassador for a dance company, Sugar. This has been a fun experience and I get to promote their company and share my dance experiences with friends on Instagram.

Can you tell us about some of your latest adventures?  There seems to be a lot going on for you right now!  This summer has been filled with new, exciting experiences for me. I have auditioned for a movie which will start filming sometime this fall, I performed in a music video with Talia Perez, a new Christian artist, performed live with her in Los Angeles, and filmed the music video on top of the L.A. Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles! That was such a crazy fun experience. Saturday night, after rehearing for Beauty in the Beast in Visalia, I attended my very first Red Carpet event in Hollywood, hosted by the producer and casting directors I am currently working with. It was an event to expose new film makers and actresses to the Hollywood elite! I also spent two days the past week filming a movie in Los Angeles. This was a UCLA Student film production where I was a classroom kid and a playground kid. The start was Zackary Arthur (The 5th Wave). I was on the movie set for two days. I met a lot of people. This summer I also had the opportunity to do some stock print modeling, and I had two professional photo shoots in Los Angeles. My mom is in negotiations for two new projects, however, I'm still waiting on those! 
 
Who should come and see TAABeauty and why?  I would encourage everyone to go experience Beauty and the Beast. It's going to be awesome. The singers are all amazing and the acting is very professional. I'm honored to be a part of this production. I think when people experience the performing arts, they can let the cares of the day away and you can relax and be pulled into the story for a couple of hours. The cast for Beauty and the Beast is the largest cast I've worked with and I'm loving getting to know so many new people. My dream is to someday have a lead part in a production so I can showcase the experiences I have had and perform for my family and friend. My dreams are coming true thanks to TAA and my parents and family who support me in this 100%.

Come meet Kaylynn "KK" and the rest of the fantastic
TAA Beauty cast this August 18-21 at the 

LJ Williams Theater in Visalia! 

For Tickets call 559-972-8417 

or go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2561633

TAABeauty Cast Spotlight: Lauren Chambers, "Babette"

"Into the Woods"

From mission work in Thailand to wowing us in every TAABeauty rehearsal with her hysterical and detailed performance as the French maid turned Feather Duster, Babette, Lauren Chambers throws her whole heart into everything she does, including her work on the stage!  She has been part of the Visalia performing arts community from an early age, and shared some of her thoughts on theater and life with us...

How did you get here?  Why is theater part of your life? I grew up watching old musicals, and I was mesmerized by them! The beautiful ladies in the beautiful dresses doing beautiful dances. It was all I ever wanted to do! Theater has also given me the opportunity to dance again, and has taught me a lot about confidence! There is something weirdly freeing about being someone else for a bit, it's fun!
 

"South Pacific"

Tell us about your performing arts background...I have been performing in one way or another in Visalia since I was in elementary school. Throughout my school years, I was very involved with Dance Arts, and since I've moved back to Visalia I've been enjoying working with the League of Christian Actors and Theater Arts Alliance. 

What is your favorite theater project to date? I think one of my favorite shows I've done was TAA's Young Frankenstein. The show itself is funny, but the cast made it hilarious! It was such a small cast, and most of us had worked together on other projects before, so it was like doing a show with your family. I was in the ensemble, so I had a million different parts. It was wonderful!  

What is your "day job," and what else do you do when you're not on stage?By day I am a teacher, I guess you could say it relates to theater by fact that I'm used to having an audience all day long. But really, I think that theater has helped me in my work simply because theater has helped me become a more confident person in general, in and out of my classroom. Aside from theater and work, I hardly have time for other hobbies, but I love to craft. I knit and and do other silly Pinterest-inspired things. I also love to bake pie! 

Real-life in Thailand!

Why see this production of "Beauty and the Beast?" Beauty and the Beast is a fairy tale, and fairy tales are good for the soul! Beauty and the Beast sends an important message about standing up for yourself, looking for the good in others and not judging someone simply because they may look different. I think everyone should see this show, because it really is "a tale as old as time," but our cast is giving a great interpretation to this magical story!

Dancing in TAABeauty rehearsal with Lumiere

 See Lauren as Babette the Feather Duster and the rest of the marvelous TAABeauty cast 

August 18-21 at Visalia's LJ Williams Theater
For tickets call 559-972-8417 

Or go to www.brownpapertickets.com

TAABeauty Actor Spotlight: Lesley Ogle, Featured Ensemble Member!

Theater Arts Alliance is proud to have one of the finest ensembles ever in the upcoming production of "Beauty and the Beast."  Each member of the ensemble is skilled and talented enough for leading roles, and Tulare's Lesley Ogle is no exception.  We asked her some questions about life in and out of theater and what the performing arts mean to her... 

We get to see your fabulous talent on stage, but what do you do when you're off-stage?  I am a teacher librarian in Tulare by day, helping both students and teachers with technology and library books. I love my job because it allows me to interact with so many great people every day, and when no one's around, I get to escape into a great book. Theater and singing are my passions for sure, but I have always been an avid reader and movie-watcher. I just love a great story!

Why musical theater? 

I got bit by the theater bug when I was 4 and never really wanted to stop. I did school and community shows through high school and loved every minute of it. I took a long hiatus during college and my early career to focus on that, but last year I finally got back in and have no plans of stopping. I'm happiest when I can sing; it's my favorite thing to do. Theater, specifically musicals, allows me to experience other lives, other worlds, and meet some incredible people all while getting to do my favorite thing.


Tell us about your role in the Theater Arts Alliance production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast..."   
 My role in TAABeauty is different for me. I usually have a lead or supporting role in smaller cast shows, but TAABeauty has such a powerhouse of talent in such an overwhelming cast, I am thrilled to have the role I do. Productions like this need a solid ensemble as so many numbers are dance-driven show-stoppers with layers of voices and movement. It requires a large, very talented ensemble to replicate such a cherished world of Disney's, and from day one I knew my role was so important. How does the audience know how sweet and wonderful Belle is if they don't see me be really mean to her?  

What's next for you after TAABeauty?  
 After TAABeauty, I plan on continuing my experience in live theater. I'm auditioning for anything I can get my hands on and continuing to get better at my craft. Also, school starts soon and I'll have have to go back to work, but

that's okay. That part of my life is pretty great, too!

You told us why theater is important to you -- what about to the community in general?  Is live theater still important?
Theater is one of the oldest forms of cultural art. For literally thousands of years, talented people have been creating alternate worlds and bringing them to life for an audience. This art form is still vital to our community today as live theater allows the audience to truly FEEL! They can see real people right in front of them love, laugh, cry, die, and experience that right along with the characters. Being a part of the cast fosters confidence and social experiences and helps bring together so many people from different backgrounds and experiences to reach one common goal - an incredible live performance.

Who should come see TAABeauty?  
Everyone should come see TAA's "Beauty and the Beast!" It is a truly family-friendly show, and this cast and production team are unlike any I've worked with. The commitment level is outrageous as everyone wants this to be an experience to remember. "Beauty and the Beast" is (yep I'm saying it!) a "tale as old as time" and is loved by so many. Our interpretation will certainly not disappoint.

See Lesley and the rest of the fantastic #TAABeauty cast August 18-21 at Visalia's LJ Williams theater! 

For tickets call 559-972-8417 or visit Brown Paper Tickets Online

TAABeauty Cast Spotlight: Joe Harding, "Monsiuer D'Arque"

 

Joe Harding is undeniably one of the best character actors in the Central Valley.  A mainstay of Encore Theater Company in Tulare, we are lucky to have him part of TAA's Beauty and the Beast!

These are some of his thoughts on his upcoming role...

Who do you play in Beauty and the Beast and how is he important to the story?  
I am the character Monsieur D’Arque, the insane asylum director. He comes into the show at the point where Gaston needs help convincing Belle to marry him. For a price, D’Arque agrees to collect and send Belle’s father, Maurice, to “reside” in the Maison Des Lunes. Along with Gaston and Le Fou, D’Arque completes the Unholy Trinity or the Three Musketeers of Mayhem. (Insert diabolical plot laugh here). 

This is not a character that matches your personality -- is that fun? Challenging?
First off, I will take that as an immense compliment; although, many at work would say I was “type cast”. The challenge and fun of theater is to do something or act differently than you normally would. I hope to radiate so much sinister evil through voice and mannerisms, Gaston will start looking like a choir boy. Come and see for yourself. 

 What other roles have you played recently?

Over the last 16 months, I have been in 7 shows playing a wide variety of characters. Where else except theater can you get to pretend you are a straight-laced Navy officer or an intoxicated member of a wedding party or a mysterious Christmas party guest with an eye patch and a cape or an honest and sincere Bingo announcer or a farcical Scrooge or the Grinch in a professional latex mask? 


What are your all time favorites and what is on your "bucket list? 
Every role I end up in becomes my all-time favorite. I used to have a pretty long bucket list of shows and roles but over time I have had to eliminate some choice roles like the Elephant Bird in Seussical, Kenickie in Grease and Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I am at the point in my community theater and semi-professional stage career where I have a deep appreciation for everyone that contributes to make a show come to life.

The audience only gets to see a fraction of those that are responsible for the magic to happen. I truly enjoy the “bucket cast and crew” where everyone joins an extended family and we all get to share each other’s triumphs as well as a sympathetic ear or shoulder when times get tough around the theater or in life. 

What else do you do with your life when you're not on stage? 
Weren’t you paying attention? I am always on stage. As a math and history teacher for Visalia Unified School District, I put on 3 shows daily for my students, entertaining over a hundred enthusiastic teenagers. Most days after school, I also coach our high school tennis team. That keeps me busy right up to rehearsal for my current show. 

Why is live theater important to you personally and why is it important to the community?  

Joe as Uncle Drosselmeyer in TAA's Nutcracker Ballet

For me, theater is a great hobby. I enjoy the challenge of learning lines, choreography, and music. I believe it is important to the community to support our young artists and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Our area is full of talented young singers, dancers and performers; we do not have to travel far to see high quality live theater on a regular basis. 

Who should come to this show and why? 
I think you should come to show ONLY if you are a KID, have a KID, know a KID, were a KID, think like a KID, or wanna be a KID. Just KIDding! It’s for everyone. It’s Disney. It’s a Theater Arts Alliance production. TAA does not do routine or boring. Memories will be made; experiences will be had. You will be entertained!

Come see Joe and the rest of the phenomenal Beauty and the Beast cast this August 18-21 at the LJ Williams Theater in Visalia 
Tickets at:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2561633 or call 559-972-8417

#TAABeauty Cast Spotlight: Seth Vazquez, "Gaston"

Introducing Seth Vazquez, "Gaston" in TAA's upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast!
Seth Vazquez is an accomplished and well-established actor and singer in the Central Valley.  In roles as diverse as the thoughtful and romantic Lieutenant Cable in South Pacific to the zealous and passionate Enjolras in Les Miserables, Seth brings a strength and excitement to every stage!  We asked Seth a few questions as he prepares for "Gaston."

Audiences will get to know you on stage -- what do you do the rest of the time?
By day, I am an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), either on a ambulance or in a hospital ER.  The biggest drive in my life is helping those who are experiencing possibly the worst moments of their lives. As an adrenaline junkie, quick thinking and fast interventions are like second nature to me, so much so that I'm in the process of advancing my education at Fresno state in hopes of becoming an Emergency Room Physicians Assistant (PA) so that I will be able to help more people then ever possible.

How did you get your start in theater?  I started doing theater based on a dare, funny enough. A girlfriend in high school had been trying to convince me to audition for the school musical but I just couldn't bring myself to do so. In fact, I waited until the last 10 minutes of the audition process to reluctantly walk in, but I am sure glad I did. Being up on stage, being someone else, is something that really can't be explained to another: it has to be experienced! For me, the feeling I get on stage is addictive, I think that's what keeps bringing me back to the stage. No matter where I go in life I know that as long as I have a voice and a body to be in, I will find a stage to be on.

Tell us about the character you play in Beauty and the Beast -- Gaston.

I have always found Gaston to be unique in the realm of Disney villains. Where others mirror their horrible intentions on their exterior, Gaston is physically attractive and really drives the

phrase, "don't judge a book by its cover" home. What really drove me to him is his character arch. In the beginning, Gaston is rude, narcissistic, and chauvinist yet somehow remains charming to the audience. Yet as the show progresses his once charming nature morphs into one of malice and jealousy which ultimately drives him to become the villain of the piece.
Gaston is important to the show because I believe he represents the kind of villain we each can become. It's sometimes easy to let your pride get out of control and to think we deserve only the best, as Gaston frequently states. Where Belle represents whole, complete beauty and the Beast represents beauty on the inside, Gaston is extremely important to the message of "beauty is found within" due to his beautiful exterior but not so beautiful interior.


Why live theater?  Theater for me is something that I can always look forward to, it's something

Seth as "Enjolras" in the Fresno Grand Opera
production of "Les Miserables"

that no matter what troubles or obstacles in life I may be facing, I know that in theater and on the stage I can forget about all the outside world and just enjoy what the cast has spent so many so many painstaking hours preparing for the audience.
I believe theater should be a mirror to life. When one goes to the theater to see a performance I believe that it is our job as actors to not only entertain them, but to move them in a way that no other medium can, to make them feel different about the world by having seen our show. I know that is what I strive for every time I step on a stage. And Beauty and the Beast will be no exception -- prepare to cry all kinds of tears, audience!

Who is this show for?  Who should come see "Beauty and the Beast?"
If you live in California, come see this show!!! This cast will represent some of the premiere actors and singer the region has to offer. Children of all ages would love to experience the wonderful magic and touching message of Beauty and the Beast in LIVE ACTION right before your eyes! From the spoons to Belle herself, each cast and crew member has one goal, to make you, the audience, laugh, cry, and experience the magic that is a Disney spectacular. So "be our guest" and discover the true nature of beauty this August only at the LJ Williams Theater!

Come see Seth and the rest of the Beauty and the Beast cast August 18-21 at the LJ Williams Theater in Visalia!  Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2561633