Mishelle Padilla.
Many of you might mistake me for Hispanic because of my last name, but in truth it's actually pronounced Pah-dil-yah. A double “l” in Filipino language automatically turns into a “liya” sound. And yes I am a Filipino if that didn’t give it away! The big 1-8 is due for me this Monday on October 12th. I am excited tot urn 18 and am looking forward to it! I am currently a senior at Whitney Young High School, graduating class of 2010. I am taking both honors and college classes this year so you know the saying, “Senior year is a blow off year”… well that definitely does not apply to me. But asides the hard obstacles that I have to endure this year, I enjoy going to school to see my friends and learn interesting topics in different subjects. Once I finish with high school, I am eagerly looking forward to get accepted to one of North America's prominent universities, whichever college that may be waiting for me. There I will pursue nursing program, and be a certified nurse in the end. My motto in life is "live, laugh, and love." With the academic goal that I have set forth before me, it will be of no fulfillment if I do not acquire each of these main points in my life.
(picture coming soon)
Aronzo from King College Prep
My name is Aronzo. I am 17 years old and a junior at King College Prep High School. When I was a 6th grader at Sutherland Elementary School, I had heard that my school was doing a musical. A director from the Beverly Arts Center was coming to do a program and, although I wasn’t so sure, I decided to try. I was one of the most silent students in Sutherland, never said a word unless spoken to and plus…I was shy in front of people most of the time “anti-social” to put it at that. “But Ronnie, you have a wonderful voice” my Mother said to me. Well I have been singing since I was 1 ½ years old…basically songs from “Barney & Friends”. I loved singing Christmas Carols all through the house so I thought, “Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad!” During the audition process, we had to get in front of every one and sing a song. My hands started to feel clammy and my heart starting beating, but I kept my cool. When it was my turn, I took my time going up on to the stage thinking if I ever should have done this. So I looked at all my classmates who all seemed to be very anxious to hear me since I was I was so silent. I song “If I only had a Brain” from “The Wizard of Oz” they loved it! I felt so relieved and proud after sharing my voice to every one. We did “The Wiz in Oz” a mixture of the “The Wiz” and the “Wizard of Oz” I got the role as the Tin Man and felt so proud that I had what it took in the director to do this role. My brother on the other hand was a Flying Monkey and decided after the show ended that he’ll just stick to paper than the stage. After the show I had a certain interest for Musical Theatre, you got to express yourself through singing and acting and dancing which were now my favorite things to do! I decided not to stop there… the Theater program was coming back again, we did “Cinderella” that year and I was the Prince, and right before my 8th grade graduation, we did “Grease” and I played “Danny Zuko.” My Mom and Dad have been very supportive of me all these years. One night my Dad came home and told me that the director from the school wanted to be in “Fame” thatthey were doing at the Beverly Arts Center, this would be way different this would be a production in an actual theater full of seats and lights! I agreed and got the role as “Tyrone Jackson” in Fame. Who would have know that I would be staying at the Beverly arts Center for 3 more years Musical Theater opportunities and so far I’ve been cast as Aladdin, Charlie Bucket, a nerd named Troy, and even a 10 year old boy waiting for Santa Claus. I figured out around the age of 15 that I should start getting paid for acting and singing on stage but didn’t know where to go. One of my classmates recommended a place called Gallery so I had to check it out. Coincidentally, my High School drama teacher Mr. Zavanut was saying that Gallery 37’s ASM program was having auditions for “Godspell” and that they would get paid a total of $540!!!! My parents said go for it and I went for it…I GOT IN!!!! Not surprisingly, the Vocal Arts Program at Gallery 37 has changed me as a musical theater actor and as a person too. I have made plenty of good friends. I also call it my second home because I can’t stay away from it. Though at first I was overwhelmed by how professional the program is, I have to say it has been at this point in time the best place of my performing career and I hope for many more fantastic years that the thrilling sensation performing has to offer me! Thank You Gallery 37! Thank You!
