On March 27, people throughout the world recognized the importance of theatre and its impact not only on audiences but also on those who make it part of their daily lives. Six students from NAU’s Department of Theatre shared their experiences on the stage and how performing changed their lives.
Gabriel Ybarra, junior
Major: Secondary education with a minor in theatre studies
How did you get into theatre?
I started my theatre journey my sophomore year of high school. I auditioned and joined the advanced drama program after being inspired by my significant other, McKenzie Mack. After joining this program, I was then thrust into theatre life and was involved in many shows, ranging from Shakespearean plays to musicals. After finishing high school, I continued to do performing arts as a hobby and at the start of the second semester of junior year at NAU, I auditioned and was cast in a production called “Los Vendidos” by Luis Valdez. This show was incredible and was a lot of fun. It reinvigorated me to rejoin theatre and perform again.
Favorite role you have ever played
My favorite role was Donkey in a production of “Shrek the Musical.” It was during my senior year in high school, and being Donkey was everything I could have ever wanted in a role. I got to embrace my sillier side and was able to show off some of my singing chops as well. The production itself was quite enjoyable, and I look back on wearing that grey Donkey suit fondly.
How has theatre transformed your life?
Theatre gave me a home, a community and a place where I could be myself, allowing my creativity to thrive. I struggled in high school and was more problematic as a student; however, theatre changed that part of me and made me feel worth something. This drive to perform and be a part of something greater than myself was cultivated not only by myself but by my amazing partner, McKenzie. She truly changed my life by offering me the chance to do theatre; she taught me everything I know and without her, I wouldn’t have gotten very far. Theatre is a truly beautiful art form that I am happy to be a part of. I hope that other actors know their worth, in and outside of the theatre.
Kai Pahnke, senior
Major: Theatre studies
How did you get into theatre?
I started acting when I was 11. My fourth-grade teacher was a director at the local youth theatre, and every year she put on an end-of-year class play. I auditioned, earned a pretty good role and fell in love. She told me to audition for the youth theatre. I did and was cast in my first musical, “Junie B Jones: The Musical.”
Favorite role you have ever played
My most accomplished role was when I played Olivia in William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” However, my favorite role was playing Bippy, the obnoxious house elf, in “Puffs.” The five minutes of stage time for that character were the best five minutes of my career.
How has theatre transformed your life?
Theatre has given me a purpose. To be able to perform and pursue acting as a life goal is a privilege and a gift that I will always be grateful for. Before theatre, I was an extremely shy kid with no hobbies and no friends. My mom says I was “afraid of my own shadow.” In theatre, I have found my friends for life, my passion and myself.
Riley Rambo, junior
Major: Theatre studies with performance emphasis
How did you get into theatre?
I got my start in elementary school, where everyone had to be a member of the school choir and had to audition for the school’s/church’s plays/musicals. We put on something for major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving every year, and I loved that it gave me an opportunity to hang out and play pretend with my friends.
Favorite role you have ever played
My favorite role was probably Tom Collins, TC as we affectionately called him, in NAU’s production of “Rent.” He was my introduction to the Clifford E. White Theatre and the first show my mom saw me perform during my time here at NAU. I had an amazing experience living that short chapter of his life and made some lifelong friends.
How has theatre transformed your life?
Theatre has made me want to ask more questions about life; it’s something that I take seriously enough that I can get a little down on myself for seemingly not always living up to the lofty expectations I place on myself. However, it instills joy in me because it’s all a game, one with meaning and nuance usually, but at the end of the day, it’s supposed to be fun and opens me up to self-discovery.
McKenzie Mack, junior
Major: Theatre studies with performance emphasis and a minor in creative media and film
How did you get into theatre?
I have always loved theatre! For as long as I can remember, it has been a part of my life. My parents introduced me to all art forms, especially theatre, when I was little and I fell in love with it. They have supported me in my passion and pursuit of acting! My dad would watch musicals and sing with me, and my mom would always act out my storybooks with me. Theatre is a piece of my life that has always been glued to me.
Favorite role you have ever played
This is a tough question; it is a toss-up between playing Fiona from “Shrek the Musical” and being part of the Chorus of Old Women in “Lysistrata.” Both were equally dramatic and hilarious to play. I won’t ever forget those roles!
How has theatre transformed your life?
Theatre has always been my largest passion in life; it has shaped me into who I am today. When doing theatre, I can be my most authentic and whimsical self, immerse myself in stories and bring them to life and be in a community that feels like a big family. I have met my closest friends, Benea Quintero and Cadence Fallon, and my partner through theatre, Gabriel Ybarra! Theatre has given me opportunities, family, love and expression; it has transformed my life by giving me life! I want to do theatre and all forms of art for the rest of my life. Art is my everything and I truly think it has shaped the world I live in as well. After all, “Earth without Art is just EH” and I live by that. :)
Garet Morris, senior
Major: Theatre studies with performance emphasis
How did you get into theatre?
I started singing in church as a little kid, which led to participation in local choirs at various performance venues. Theatre was an outlet to satiate a constant desire to perform music, so I started doing children’s community musicals through the Eastern Arizona College Youth Theatre Program. Through junior high and high school, I continued to perform in as many different mediums as possible—show choir, concert choir, band, orchestra—but musical theatre was always my favorite. Since my high school was super-duper small, we had no theatre program or even a school play. I auditioned at EAC with the college theatre students to get the most professional experience I could. I chose theatre as a major because there is nothing I could possibly do that would make me happier.
Favorite role you have ever played
During my second semester at NAU, the department put on its production of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.” I played Mark Cohen, and it has been my favorite role.
How has theatre transformed your life?
Theatre as an art form continues to change my life daily. Every new piece I discover from a new playwright, living or dead, expands my view of what a meaningful story can be. Every new performance I discover by an actor helps sharpen my own tool set as an actor and feel more confident in my abilities. I am incredibly grateful for the different styles and genres I’ve gotten to perform over the years, inviting versatility into my repertoire.
Sarahibenea Quintero, junior
Major: Theatre studies with performance emphasis
How did you get into theatre?
I got involved in theatre when I was initially told to audition for a musical back in middle school, encouraged by my choir teacher and friend. I fell in love with acting ever since. It’s become part of my identity. I’ve always been on the creative side.
Favorite role you have ever played
My favorite role to have played was Mama Murphy in “Bright Star.” It really gave me the confidence to continue theatre, and I got to explore so many choices with this role.
How has theatre transformed your life?
Theatre transformed my life as it gave me a voice I would otherwise not have. I come from a Latin background and have faced many hardships for simply being Latina, and theatre allowed me to embrace my culture and gave me the courage to fight for our voice as a community. More specifically, here at NAU you can see how the shows we choose can also tackle oppression in theatre and help marginalized communities gain a voice. Theatre has given me a voice. I’m forever grateful for the impact this art has had for me.