Spotlight on Actor Shane Norys

Shane will be starring as Willy Wonka in Yorba Linda Spotlight's upcoming production at the Fullerton College Campus Theatre.

Shane Norys

How long have you been performing on stage?

I have been performing for about 5 years so since I was about 10. I have done about 20 on stage shows (musicals & plays) and about 5 concerts or dance shows.

What was your first show with Spotlight?

My first show at YL Spotlight was one of my favorites, "Into the Woods". I was 13 years old and I played Jack in, actually the young adult cast. That was very surprising because I was not old enough! That role will always be one of my favorites.

Why do you like performing in shows with Spotlight?
The reason I love performing with Spotlight is because, they don't pick favorites or are rude to certain performers. They are absolutely nice to each and every person in every cast they direct. They are very welcoming and loving. When I walked into the audition room for the first time I instantly felt like i was a part of the Spotlight family.

Shane as Jack in Into the Woods

What is your dream role? My dream role which has been the same my whole life is Peter Pan. I have a very strong connection to him and I have always wanted to portray him. Peter Pan is very adventurous and never wants to grow up which is just like me. I would also love to play Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast), Pinnochio (Shrek the Musical), Jack Kelly (Newsies). A female dream role I would love to be just for funzies would be Mary Poppins. She looks really fun and I would lover to perform as her!

Of the roles that you've played, which has been your favorite?
Of the roles I've played I would have to say Willy Wonka which is what I am doing right now. He is just so funny and sassy and that is just like me. I am playing him as a boy Mary Poppins which is really working out. I would love to play him again sometime in the future!

Shane as the Tinman

How has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer?
Spotlight has helped me grow because I have been so many types of characters and each one was different which made me realize my strengths and differences as an actor.

What do you like to do when you're not performing?
When I am not performing I like to go to Disneyland and take pictures of shows, characters, parades, and just all of Disneylands beautiful sites. I also like cooking, photography, and dancing day and night. 

What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer?
My strongest traits as a performer would probably be singing and dancing because I feel really comfortable when I am doing these things and I don't feel scared. My weakest would be acting. I really don't feel like I act everything correctly or do it correctly, I also get really stressed with memorizing lines, I should probably learn to not get stressed but for right now, I am okay.

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why?

I would probably choose Spotlight to produce Tarzan. Tarzan is a show I have been wanting to do forever. I feel like they could do it, the vocals & choreography would be amazing and I just think it would be such a good family show for all ages and it is Disney which makes it even better!

Shane as the Tinman in Wizard of Oz

Of Spotlight's past shows, which has been your favorite and why?

My favorite show with Spotlight is probably The Wizard of Oz. I played the Tinman and that has been one of my favorites as well. I created so many new friendships and it was just so much fun to be in that show. Even better we had National Touring sets and costumes! It was pure magic!

Anything else you want to say?
Last thing I want to say is just performing is a big part of my life and I can't wait to do more shows at YL Spotlight, it is probably my favorite company!