#TAABeauty Young Artist Spotlight: Ensemble Member Kylee Gardner!

There's a truism in musical theater that says "The Ensemble makes or breaks the show" -- and Kylie Gardner is definitely an ensemble member that "makes" it!  Her high energy and every-moment enthusiasm on stage have been an integral part of TAA's first season, in the Nutcracker Ballet, Madama Butterfly (which wasn't even this 8th grader's first opera!), and now we are so happy to have her not only in the #TAABeauty ensemble but also as a featured soloist in the TAAJuniorCo Pre-show!  We asked this young artist about her life in theater so far and the balancing act of school and performing arts... 

You've done a lot of performing projects already in your life! What are some of the things you've been in? Annie, Alice in Wonderland, The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella,

Tosca, The Nutcracker, Madame Butterfly, The Fresno Grand Opera Christmas on Van Ness (twice), Beauty and the Beast, and yearly school Christmas plays since Kindergarten. My favorite play was the Music Man because everyone in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade (at my school) had a part.

Why musical theater?  
I chose to do theater because, I love to sing. It also very interesting to see how other people interpret there characters. I enjoy theater because I can tell a story to people of all ages. 

We've known you long enough now to know that you have an amazing work ethic, not just for your age but for any age!  What drives you, and how do you balance also being a good student?  
What drives me is the fact I can bring joy to people by singing and dancing. Study and practice is a balancing act, but I try to work hard and finish homework at school.

Everyone who has done theater has some stories... what is your weirdest moment so far? 
I have to say that the weirdest thing I've gotten to do on stage was have to pretend that one of my friends was my boyfriend for the Music Man.

What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process for #TAABeauty?
 My favorite part of the rehearsal process for Beauty and the Beast was when we all came together as a cast and worked on making some of the costumes, painting the sets, and building them.

Who do you think should come and see #TAABeauty? Everyone!

Kylie in the Grace Christian School production of "The Music Man"

Come and see Kylie and the rest of the fantastic Beauty and the Beast cast at LJ Williams theater August 18-21! 
Tickets at 

Brown Paper Tickets: Theater Arts Alliance

Or by calling 559-972-8417

#TAABeauty Cast Spotlight... Vincent Macareno, The Beast

Vincent Macareno is not only an extremely promising young actor but already beginning his career as a theater producer and director.  It is such a privilege and joy to work with him and we can hardly wait for audiences to experience his thrilling portrayal of The Beast!  Here are some of his thoughts, experiences, and plans in theater and in life!




You're crazy enough to want to spend the rest of your life in the performing arts... why? I'm interested in music and theatre (and especially musical theatre!) because I think both of these mediums have the ability to touch people in ways that others can't. We, as theatre artists,

are very in tune with what we have come to embrace as "the human experience", and we thus have a responsibility to bring stories to life that have the capacity to make a substantial impact on people. The crazy thing about theatre, for me, is that we are told to sit down and watch two to three hours of what seems like such a specific, enticing story, and we leave finding that we have found ourselves in a certain character or relate to a certain aspect of the plot, and that's what draws me in. That's what makes me want to do this for a living. To be able to tell people that someone understands something that no one else seems to, and entertain them at the same time is such a gratifying experience.

You have already done many theater projects... do you have a favorite?It's hard to pick a favorite theatre project! Every single show I've been in has impacted my life

in some way or another. This may be biased, but my formal debut producing venture, RENT, has been incredibly rewarding, and would definitely take the top spot. I knew that I was in love with every single aspect of musical theatre (and theatre in general!), but this project proved it to me, and I loved being faced with the responsibility of bringing that production to life, regardless of whether or not it came into full fruition. I also had the privilege of being both on stage and behind the scenes, so it was a lot of fun. However, if I had to pick a project that was not my own, it would definitely be a tie between The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins. I always say that Phantom is the one show I could do eight times a week and never get tired of, and it was my dream show for a long time. Not to mention, Monsieur Firmin is such a fun character to play. In regards to Mary Poppins, I received so much praise for that show, and I loved playing Mr. Banks. I feel like he's one of the characters that I truly made my own, not to mention, the entire cast was absolutely phenomenal!

What are your major artistic influences?  I of course have been influenced greatly by every single director/mentor/teacher I've ever worked with, both here in Visalia and in San Jose, and I feel like there's too many to name! Every single one of them leaves their stamp on me in very specific and profound ways, and I think it shows in all the work I do. I'm also extremely inspired by some of the incredibly

talented people working in the industry right now! Sierra Boggess would definitely be my biggest influence when it comes to dressing room traditions/backstage activities. I love her views on life, and it's because of her that I draw angel cards before every performance, as well as do things such as center myself, meditate, etc. Ramin Karimloo is my biggest inspiration, vocally. I sang the entire score of his and Sierra's cast recording of Phantom for a solid 4 years straight (that is not an exaggeration. Seriously, ask my parents what I sang in the shower for most of middle school/high school. I could literally do the entire show by heart!), and I genuinely would not be where I am now if it weren't for his incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring voice. Words can't describe how much I wanted to sound like him and have his range! It was also him that taught me that it is important to have something to say about the characters you portray, which is a philosophy I follow very strongly. My last inspiration, performance wise, is Ben Platt. He and I aren't too far apart, age-wise, and when I saw his performance in Dear Evan Hansen off-Broadway, I realized just how much an honest, raw performance can make a story and a character shine. Also, I have to mention that, as a director, I am greatly influenced by Michael Greif, who directed three of my favorite shows (two of which I already mentioned in my answers!), RENT, If/Then, and Dear Evan Hansen. His ability to capture everyday human life and make it a theatrical masterpiece is such an incredible talent, and there will never be a piece of theatre he helms that won't inspire me.

What is your process like?  Preparing for a role like Beast is actually much more taxing than one would expect. In playing this role thus far, it's incredible how much Beast taps into every single bit of training I've had. Acting wise, he is a man - or, rather, a Beast - of extremes. His temper is such an integral part of the narrative and I, as a performer, have to be relentless in bringing that out. Also, it's important to show how animalistic he's become, especially since if Beast isn't scary and monstrous and doesn't provide a stark contrast of when he begins to have a heart and is eventually transformed, then we lose the heart and prominence of the story. He also is such a tough character on the voice. All the growling and yelling and such does a number on my vocal chords, and I am always quick to continuously warm both down and up before and after scenes to make sure that I can maintain that gruff sound and still be able to sing when necessary. Lastly, I am always sure to bring more to my facial expressions and body language than usual, as I want to make sure that it will be able to read through my prosthetics when the time comes.

What's next for you?  What are your goals?
My long term goals are definitely to become an Equity actor and be able to perform for a living while also producing and directing projects that interest me, and be able to give back to the Visalia theatre community when I can. My top dream roles are Bruce Bechdel (Fun Home), Evan Hansen (Dear Evan Hansen), Alexander Hamilton (Hamilton), and Lucas (If/Then), to name just a few. My short-term goals are, of course, to get my degree in musical theatre, and deliver a captivating performance as Beast with this incredible cast!

Why do you think the performing arts, and especially theater arts, are important? Theatre is important to individuals because it allows us to connect with one another, both as performers and audience members. Especially in the world we live in today, connection is so important, and theatre is such an incredible vehicle for that. Plays and musicals have the ability to unite so many people, as well as create conversations about the life we choose to lead and the way our lives can touch others. Theatre has taught me more about myself than anyone or anything else; its established my morals, my philosophies on life, and what I want to see more of in the world, and I genuinely believe it has the power to do that for anyone who allows themselves to be immersed in this beautiful medium. Theatre is tremendously important to communities as well, because of how influential it can be. The fact that we are seeing other humans on a stage, breathing the same air as us, sharing in a holistic experience as we take a journey through a narrative we can't control is a very powerful thing, and it has an affect on our brains whether we want it to or not. Any production has the power to move mountains, whether it be in sparking a social revolution or even just paving the way for other productions to be able to do so, and no other industry can say that. I also think its important for communities to support the performing arts as a whole because I have always been a stern believer in following your passion, and allowing it to become your career. I've seen and heard of too many talented people leaving their dreams behind because of backlash from loved ones, widespread doubt, and other negative, third party influences. The support of these careers starts in the homes and communities of those who question whether or not to follow their dreams, and there is not a single entity that won't benefit from their eventual success.

Any thoughts on Theater Arts Alliance's upcoming production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast?I'm so excited to make my TAA debut with Beauty & the Beast! The cast and production team are all so talented, and it's definitely the most professional environment I've ever been in. I can tell this production is going to be one for the books, and I can't wait for everyone to see it!

See Vincent and the rest of the incredible #TAABeauty cast August 18-21st at the LJ Williams Theater in Visalia!

                     Tickets at Brown Paper Tickets Online!

#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