Meet your Student Ambassadors: An interview with Norah (by Kaisten)
The following interview was conducted and transcribed by Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program Student Ambassador Kaisten, in collaboration with the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
To introduce our Center Stage Ambassadors this year, each Ambassador was tasked with interviewing one another and writing up their interview. I got to interview Norah and ask her a few questions.
How did you hear about the Center Stage High School Musical Theater program, and what were your initial thoughts compared to actually being in the program?
“I first learned about the program through my school’s Fine Arts director. I was thrilled to find an opportunity to learn more about skills such as marketing and publicity in a large organization. I have dabbled in publicity and marketing before, but to have an opportunity where I can learn from professionals and grow my skills is exciting. The Center Stage Program meets everything I expected and more.”
What was your first show seen at the P.A.C. and what is your favorite show?
“I first developed my passion for the Fine Arts through a visit to the Performing Arts Center. When I was young, my father took me to see a touring Broadway production of Annie. As I left, I knew my heart longed to be a part. Watching the magical sets fly in and out and listening to the extravagant music reach each of the 2,072 [audience members] was an experience like no other. My favorite part of the P.A.C.’s house is the amazing experience from each seat. There isn’t a bad seat in the house.”
What is your favorite show you have seen at the P.A.C.?
“My favorite show I have seen at the P.A.C. would have to be a tie between CATS and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. I saw CATS with my family and best friend, twice! I couldn’t stop singing the songs for over a month. Thanks to the Center Stage Student Rush Tickets, the second time I was fortunate to sit in the first few rows. I loved getting to feel like I was a part of the production.”
What skills are you gaining through the program and how will you use those skills in the future?
“I plan to utilize my learned skills from this experience in my role as head of marketing and publicity for my high school’s musical. I am excited to meet people from different jobs who all work with each other to make this large organization come together. I have gained new experiences and connections I never thought to have had. Beyond publicity and marketing, I have gained people skills, and new friendships. Our little but wildly creative group of Student Ambassadors are kind and amazing people to work with who always leave you smiling. “
How have you participated in past productions through your school/summer programs? Also, do you have any plans for the near future in musical theater?
“I like to learn everything I can. I’m hoping to become a Fine Arts Director in my future, so I like to take every opportunity and gain every type of skill. Over the past year I learned about lighting, set design, audio, marketing, publicity, dog training, stage makeup and acting. Over the past year I also directed a youth production of The Wizard Of Oz. My favorite part was working with kids. In the future, I hope to provide fine arts opportunities to the community.”
What extracurricular fine arts activities do you partake in?
“I am a recurring member of my school’s art club, Chinese club, and Imagine club (Music club). I am a secretary for the Pro-Life Club and Head of Recycling for our Earth Club. I also do slide projections for weekly mass. It is the highlight of my week. I love being able to combine my interest in fine arts and religion in a way that benefits The Lord.”
Do you have any role models of people who have inspired you specifically through the fine arts, and if so, how?
“My parents have been huge supporters of my interests. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my dreams. The Hillywood Show has been a huge creative inspiration to me. Through their hard work, faith, determination, and sisterly bond they can achieve great things. I love all things fine arts, and filmography is something that interests me greatly. Sutton Foster, Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Bon Jovi and Benedict Cumberbatch have all inspired me. I love analyzing their performances and learning from them. Susan Rabideau has been an amazing mentor. I would not be where I am today without her. As a woman in this industry, she has guided me through my creative journey and taught me skills of professionalism.”
What does your future look like involving the fine arts?
“My dream is to become a Fine Arts Director and offer opportunities to all in the community. I love directing and building a creative vision. I love working with people and uplifting their talents and utilizing the gift of education to benefit all. I would love to design and manage a creative outlet of different avenues, such as theater, film, music, visual arts, writing, sculpture, digital art and more, for the community to gain skills with trained professionals. I would love to build up the Fine Arts and help inspire and provide people with the tools to explore their God-given talents.”
The Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program is an educational initiative of the Fox Cities P.A.C. with support from corporate partner Fox Communities Credit Union. Additional partners in this program include Johnson Financial Group, Nicolet National Bank, Angelo and Jennifer Ninivaggi, Schneider Foundation, Star98, WFRV, and Wipfli LLP. Programs like the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program are also supported in part by contributions to the Center’s Annual Partner Campaign.
