Issue XIX
The Martinsville City Schools Performing Arts Academy recently presented the musical Frozen, and several of the cast members were students from Martinsville Middle School. Bulldog Beat homeroom reporters interviewed some of the student actors to learn about their experiences performing in the play.
Archer Deatherage Shares His Experience
Interview by Emery Taylor, 6th grade Bulldog Beat Reporter
Emery Taylor interviewed Archer Deatherage, who played the Duke of Weselton in the production.
Archer said his favorite part of being in the play was performing in front of a crowd. The most challenging part of preparing for the role, he explained, was the grind and how hard you had to work during rehearsals.
The cast rehearsed for about two months before the show. Archer remembers a funny moment from rehearsals when he was goofing off with the principal actors.
Right before going on stage, Archer admitted he felt very nervous, but said that feeling got easier over time. Performing for the audience felt exciting and rewarding.
One unexpected moment happened when the stage lights came on, and his wig wouldn’t go back on properly. Archer said the experience taught him how much hard work goes into being a principal character and how that work pays off.
Archer would definitely like to perform in another play because it is always fun and rewarding. He said the person who encouraged him the most was his stepdad, Jonathan.
If Archer could play any character in Frozen, he would choose Olaf because he is cool and funny. His favorite song from the show is “Fixer Upper.”
His advice to other students who want to try acting is simple:
“It gets easier the more you do it.”
ZaKayden Warren Plays the role of a Troll
Interview by Miriam Carter, 6th grade Bulldog Beat Reporter
Miriam Carter interviewed ZaKayden Warren about her role as a troll in the production.
ZaKayden said her favorite part about being in the play was getting to perform as one of the trolls. The most challenging part was practicing and rehearsing so much.
The cast often rehearsed for several hours, and ZaKayden remembers funny moments happening backstage when the cast members were playing around before going on stage.
Right before the performance, ZaKayden said she felt scared and nervous, worrying she might mess up. However, she also said the experience helped her make new friendships and bond with the cast.
ZaKayden hopes to perform in another school play because it is entertaining and fun. If she could choose another character in Frozen, she would like to play young Anna, because she likes that character the most.
Her favorite song from the show is “Fixer Upper.” Her advice to future actors is encouraging:
“You can do it. It’s entertaining and fun.”
Zefrina Capulong Brings the Ice to Life
Interview by Nevaeh Daniels, 6th grade Homeroom Reporter
Nevaeh Daniels interviewed Zefrina Capulong, who played an icicle in the production.
Zefrina said her favorite part of being in the play was meeting new people and wearing the costumes. The most challenging part was being on stage in front of an audience.
Rehearsals often lasted four hours a day, and Zefrina remembered one particularly funny rehearsal moment when someone started crying over a wig.
Before going on stage, Zefrina said she felt happy and ready to perform, although she admitted she tried not to look directly at the audience while acting.
From the experience, Zefrina said she learned to embrace herself and be confident. She would love to perform in another play so she can meet even more new people.
Zefrina said Ms. Shauna Hines helped encourage her the most during rehearsals. If she could choose another character to play, she joked that she would like to be someone who gets to sing “Let It Go.”
Her favorite song from the musical is “Let the Sun Shine On.”
Her advice for students interested in acting is:
“Pay attention, try your best, and work hard.”
Virgil Moore Dances in the Ensemble
Interview by Jade Holland Dallas, 7th grade SCA Bulldog Beat Reporter
Jade Holland Dallas interviewed Virgil Moore, who performed in the ensemble.
Virgil said his favorite part of the production was dancing with the rest of the cast. The most challenging part was getting into costume on time before going on stage.
The cast rehearsed for seven weeks, and Virgil remembers a funny rehearsal moment when Anna took Elsa’s glove during practice.
Right before performing, Virgil said he felt happy but also a little nervous. Performing in front of an audience felt exciting but nerve wracking.
Even when some dance moves didn’t go exactly as planned during the performance, the cast continued the show and had fun together.
Virgil would definitely perform in another play because the experience was so much fun. He said Jordan, an 11th grade student, helped encourage him the most during rehearsals.
If he could choose another character in Frozen, Virgil said he would play Sven because he is a fun character. His favorite song from the show is “Fixer Upper.”
His advice to students interested in acting is honest:
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
A Magical Experience
The Martinsville City Schools Performing Arts Academy’s production of Frozen gave students the chance to perform, build confidence, and make new friendships. For the Martinsville Middle School students who participated, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.
Reporting from the halls of Martinsville Middle School, this is the Bulldog Beat!
