I met Andrew his Sophomore year at HHS and lets just say he was a hand full. He always works hard, but also likes to play hard….during rehearsal. He has always been fun to work with and is eager to improve. He always asks how he’s doing and wants notes at rehearsal, I got into the habit of making things up just to appease him sometimes. Anyway, it been amazing working him these past three years in three musicals and three plays.
1. What inspired your journey into the Arts?
As a kid, I never really knew what I really enjoyed most, or with just enjoying too many things. I played basketball, soccer, baseball, and many other athletics. But at a young age, my parents suggested that I try doing musicals. So, I did one, and instantly became enamored with the arts. Coming into Homestead, I was a shy little freshman who was nervous about basically everything. So, I have to give all my thanks to Jo Gray for literally FORCING me to partake in Annie Get Your Gun. Since then, my journey in life has contained a manifold of acting and singing experiences.
2. Who is your Character and how have you created that personality? What has been the biggest challenge you have come across in your character so far?
My character is Roger Hopewell, a lyricist from New York. When crafting Roger, I struggled with finding the right balance of “flamboyancy,” obviously trying to be humorous, but not offensive.
3. What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?
I have had basically everything happen to me on stage, from having the sound board catch fire in the middle of a show, to having to chase a dog that ran into the audience when it was supposed to be on stage. As I look back, one of the funnier moments during a performance would have to be during Pippin, when I never really left the stage, and had to pee in a bucket that Meri Bobber prepped for me on side stage. The worst was probably during a musical in 7th grade, when my pants fell off in the middle of the big ballad.
4. If you had a chance to work with anyone of your choosing, who would it be?. Denzel Washington. Many people consider me the modern day version of him.
5. What are you most proud of and what dreams or goals would you like to fulfill?
I am most proud of the growth I have seen in myself as a singer and as an actor, and I hope to continue that growth as I progress into the future.
6. What do you want to do After High School? Do you have any dreams or hopes for the Future? Do you know where you are going to school?
I will be majoring in Musical Theatre at Indiana University.
7. Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why [dead celebrities included]? And what tasty treat would you prepare?
Bruce Lee, Steve Jobs, and Mr. Rodgers. Couldn’t ask for a better dynamic. I probably wouldn’t prepare anything, rather just call Toppers and have them deliver.
8. What is your favorite genre of music? Why?
I like music that is lyrically complex. Waka Flocka Flame, anyone?
9. Have you read any plays lately? What are your favorite?
Having the chance to read plays in my AP Literature course this year was delightful. Death of a Salesman, King Lear, and The Tempest were among my favorites.
10. Tell us 5 interesting and unknown facts about yourself!
a. I have never seen West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, and many other famous musicals.
b. The first song I recall learning all the words to via the radio was Kryptonite by Lifehouse. (Shortly following would be Drop It Like It’s Hot by Snoop Dogg)
c. The first time I had Taco Bell was two years ago.
d. I like storms. A lot.
e. I used to be deathly intimidated by Ms. Figg. Now, the deathly portion is gone, but intimidation is still present.
Act Out 