Summer is fresh off of playing the lead role of Addaperle in Spotlight's Summer 2011 production of "The Wiz"How long have you been performing on stage?
Since about 2nd grade but I didn’t get really excited about musical theater until 4th grade, that was the first time I had been in a show where I wasn’t just in the ensemble.
What was your first show with Yorba Linda Spotlight?
“Beauty and the Beast” It is my favorite Disney show of all time so I just had to be in it! I did it with my best friend, Sarah, we both had such a great time we had to come back for all the other shows!
Why do you like performing in shows with Yorba Linda Spotlight?
Simply it is just SO MUCH FUN! It doesn’t matter if you are a lead or just in the ensemble you will have a once in a lifetime experience. The people are just amazing! Everyone who works on the show really has a passion for theater and it shows. Everyone has so much fun together! I am so thankful that I can be a part of such a great group of people
What is your dream role?
So many to choose from!!! My first choice would have to be Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” but my other dream roles would be Elle from “Legally Blonde”, Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” or Eliza Doolittle from “My Fair Lady”
.
 |
| Summer as Addaperle in Spotlight's 2011 production of "The Wiz" |
Addaperle in “The Wiz”. That part was SO MUCH FUN!! Not only did I get a crazy awesome costume but I got to enter and leave the stage by the ‘witchivator’! (definitely the coolest thing I have ever done) One of the best parts of being Addaperle was getting to interact with all the munchkins, we were all best friends by the end of the show
Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how? Yes YES YES! Before Spotlight I was just someone saying lines and singing songs on stage, now I am a performer! I was a horrendous dancer before I started doing shows here and I have improved so much! (that isn’t saying much though, dancing is still my weakest point :p) My vocal range has not only expanded but I have become much more comfortable with singing. Not only has Spotlight improved my singing, acting and dancing but it has also grown my confidence in performing!
 |
| Summer in Spotlight's 2011 production of "Footloose" |
Hang out with people from theater! There isn’t much time when I am not performing
If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why?
LEGALLY BLONDE!!!! It is such a fun, high energy show with TONS of parts. The ensemble is in a ton of numbers and the songs are awesome! Every character is so dynamic I would love to see how everyone would perform them!
What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer?
I would say that acting is my strongest, I have always been an actor first and a dancer and singer second. Although I am better at just doing plays I find them boring, musicals are just so much more fun! Singing is second although I am growing more confident with singing on stage, especially after “The Wiz”. Finally dancing… definitely my weakest trait… I really love to dance but anyone who knows me will tell you, I have horrible rhythm. I have gotten better recently (especially since “Millie”) but I still have a long ways to go!
 |
| Summer as a Step Sister in Spotlight's 2010 production of "Into the Woods" |
“Into the Woods”! I could be in that show forever! The music is genius and the whole show is simply amazing. Maybe it’s my favorite because it has the least dancing? Just kidding!!! Although If I did it again I would want to do the Jr. Show! The 2nd act is much too depressing!
Anything else you want to say?
Thank you Spotlight for being so amazing!!!! I can’t imagine my life without all my Spotlight friends I can’t wait for the next show!!
