Spotlight on Tatiana Tipton

Tatiana Tipton quickly ran from TECO Theater’s backstage through the Straz Center halls to Ferguson Hall’s backstage.

She had just performed in the Patel Conservatory’s end of summer music concert, and had just a few minutes to change costumes and go on stage in the summer’s Popular Dance Intensive Showcase.

Such is life for this eighth grader from Williams Middle School. Between academics, dance, theater and music classes, rehearsals and performances, her schedule is a complex balancing act. And that’s the way she likes it.

“I love performing on stage and becoming another character. I’m always wanting to do more,” said Tatiana, who will be performing in the Conservatory’s fall productions of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Jr., and The Nutcracker.

Tatiana began taking dance classes at the Patel Conservatory when she was about three years old. She took classes elsewhere for a while until her mom, Jeanette, realized she was developing some bad habits and brought her back to the Conservatory.

“Within a year of being back at the Conservatory, I saw a difference in her ballet technique and ability,” said Jeanette.

That was the first year Tatiana performed in The Nutcracker.

“I was so surprised when I got a role as a Party Girl. It was so much fun to be in a role that required me to act and dance, and part of what got me into acting,...the whole experience of the beautiful sets and costumes, it was amazing,” said Tatiana.

The following summer, she jumped into musical theater with the Conservatory’s production of The Little Mermaid, Jr.

“The Little Mermaid was a whole new experience. Watching the design and building of the sets and the costumes, and seeing it all come together, I thought it was the coolest thing. I just wanted to do everything.”

She has since performed in several Conservatory theater productions, and added voice and acting classes to her already busy dance schedule. She’s currently enrolled in several dance, theater and music classes, as well as private voice and flute lessons at the Conservatory. She’s working towards a theater certification and hopes to one day perform on Broadway.

“Being able to take singing, acting and dance is a great experience. I like putting in the work. I like to challenge myself,” she said.

Jeanette appreciates that Tatiana can get all of her performing arts training under one roof with such a professional staff.

“Every show they produce, whether it’s musical theater or dance, is so amazing that it’s hard to believe sometimes that the kids are just students and not professional performers,” said Jeanette.

“I like that she has the ability to dabble in everything. I see how much it has made her blossom as an individual. I think it’s made her more well-rounded and much more self-confident.”

In addition to Tatiana’s busy performance schedule, she plays flute in her school band and maintains almost excellent grades in Williams’ challenging IB program.

“I try very hard to stick to my schedule. I work to get a lot done on the weekends, I can’t get too sidetracked by my phone or TV. I’ve always been pretty much a straight A student, and I try to keep that up,” said Tatiana.

Whether memorizing scripts, practicing flute, or working on dance choreography, Tatiana feels most at home at the Conservatory.

“I enjoy coming here so much. All the teachers here are great. It’s like family,” she said.

Don’t miss Tatiana and a cast of more the 30 students in the musical version of the popular television show, SchoolhouseRock Live!, Jr., Nov. 5 through 8, 2015 in TECO Theater.


For tickets or more information, click here or call 813.229.7827.

Free audition prep workshop Sept. 3

The Patel Conservatory, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, offers acting classes for students from preschool through adult.

Auditions are right around the corner for the Conservatory's 2015/2016 theater productions School House Rock Live! Jr.. (Grades 2 - 8) and Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids (Grades 2 - 4).

To help students get ready, the Conservatory is offering a free audition prep workshop.

Audition Prep Workshop
Grades 2 to 12
Thurs., Sept. 3, 2015
5 to 7 p.m.
Parent workshop from 5 to 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Whether you're a beginning or experienced actor, auditions can be intimidating. But if you’re prepared, it’s a lot easier and can be a lot of fun. Every audition offers a chance to perform, learn, gain experience and connect with other actors.

For young actors who'd like to sharpen their audition skills, this free audition prep workshop will help students in grades two through 12 learn how to prepare for an audition and what to expect.

Participants will work through the audition process, requirements and expectations, and discover how to exit the audition with their head held high.

Topics will include selecting material, memorization, creating resumes, slating, headshots and much more. Students will participate in lecture as well as coaching to gain knowledge and understanding of how to be successful and confident in auditions.

The workshops includes a separate seminar for parents to learn how to support and aid their student through the process.

The workshop is free, but RSVP is required. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Audrey at audrey.siegler@strazcenter.org.

Who keeps track of all those props in Shrek?

From a spraying skunk to a buck with horns that are torn off by Fiona, the prop masters for the Patel Conservatory’s production of Shrek the Musical have certainly had their work cut out for them. The many little details that went into this show have helped make it such a huge success.

Avery Coonts, a summer theater intern, shares his experience working on the show…

"As I pass the half-way mark in my internship here at the Patel Conservatory, I am amazed at the amount of work that has been done in such a short amount of time. It has been an awesome experience with all the challenges one might expect from the theater.

During this summer’s production of Shrek the Musical, fellow intern Collin and I took on the challenge of prop mastering the show. Although some of the props were rented from a local theater, most had to be built.

Some people may think the job of the prop master is generally easy, but it can become difficult when you have to match the design styles of the props that were rented. Every prop should have some cohesive sense. They must all look and feel as if they come from the same place and time.

Many hours were spent in the workshop creating rats, a stuffed goose, a fire, a big head and much more. Collin and I were also tasked with prepping dragon and creating the special effects for the puppet. A healthy amount of dry ice and CO2 were used to bring the big girl to life.

The big joke that has circulated around theater has been that prop masters put hours of work into a prop that is seen for maybe five seconds on stage. However, we do all this work for the audience and the performers involved in the production.

Overall this experience as one of the prop masters for Shrek has been amazing. I would really like to thank Suzanne Livesay, Brian Frey, Scott Daniel and Josh Young for their constant support of our work.”

Shrek the Musical continues through this weekend. For tickets, click here.

Spotlight on Christian Meany as Shrek

For Christian Meany, the best part about being an actor is the opportunity to become someone new and different with every show.

“I get to completely change who I am every time, to be someone else and do something new,” said Christian.

That’s more true than ever with the current character he’s playing.

Christian takes on the larger than life and ever so green role of Shrek in Patel Conservatory Theater’s production of Shrek the Musical.

“When I was a kid, I saw Shrek, and now I’m getting to be Shrek,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite shows that I’ve ever done. It’s really high energy. You can do whatever you want with  your character.”

Christian, 15, of Valrico, played Donkey in Shrek the Musical with Music Showcase in Brandon. A student at Tampa Catholic High School, he’s performed with Music Showcase since he was eight years old, including as Horton in Seussical the Musical Jr., Aladdin in Aladdin Jr., Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. and as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof Jr. He also sings with his church choir.

Christian in Fiddler on the Roof

This will be his first show with the Patel Conservatory. He had seen a couple of shows here in the past and enjoyed them. So when looking for new opportunities this summer, he decided to audition for Shrek. He was surprised when he found out he’d been cast as the lead.

“There’s a lot of talented kids here."

Certainly a script like Shrek helps cast members bond pretty quickly. From have a burping contest with Fiona to sharing jokes with Donkey, "I've really gotten to know everyone," he said.

In addition to the light-hearted humor, Christian said director Suzanne Livesay has helped the cast delve deeper into their characters for the more tender moments.

"I definitely think it’s going to be a really good show. It has a lot of emotion, unlike the movie, but it’s still really funny.”

Don’t miss Christian as everyone’s favorite ogre in Shrek The Musical, July 16-26, 2015 at the Patel Conservatory’s TECO Theater.

Mamma Mia cast visits Shrek students

The cast of Mamma Mia!, front row, with students in PCT's Shrek the Musical

Special thanks to the cast of Mamma Mia! for visiting our students this week.

The cast of our Patel Conservatory Theater production of Shrek the Musical got to participate in a Q & A with members of the cast of Mamma Mia!, running this week at the Straz Center in Carol Morsani Hall.

Cast members chatted about everything from the business of acting (getting an agent vs. not getting an agent) to bloopers from the show (sneezing at inappropriate moments, and a high heel breaking on stage).

While their stories and backgrounds varied, they all agreed that training is important to becoming a successful performer.

“Focus on your weaknesses,” said Danny Lopez. “If you’re a singer, take some acting classes. If you’re a dancer, take some voice lessons. You have to try to balance them equally.”

In addition to musical theater training, many in the cast have had classical theater training.

“Classics like Ibsen, Shaw or Shakespeare are more challenging and will help you build a different set of skills,” said Beth Ann Wipprecht.

Regardless of your training or background, hard work is the key to success, they said.

Going on lots of auditions, making connections and being nice to others helps lead to jobs, which lead to more jobs.

Eric Presnall shared his story of how, for three years, he flew to New York again and again and kept auditioning for his favorite musical American Idiot. He finally got cast in the tour in the ensemble and as the understudy for his favorite character Tunny.

A fond memory for him, he said, was when he finally got the chance to go on as Tunny. There was a moment in the show when he saw his own reflection in his sunglasses with the audience behind him, and he thought, “Dreams do come true.”

Featured Camps of the Month: Showstoppers and Showstoppers, Jr.

This month, we highlight our Patel Conservatory Theater intensive, Showstoppers and, new this year, Showstoppers, Jr.

Showstoppers is a musical revue of popular Broadway favorites performed by advanced level theater students in our summer theater intensive of the same name. It’s been so well received the past couple of years that we’ve added even more fun to this summer’s line-up.

Due to the popularity of Showstoppers, we added Showstoppers, Jr. This two week camp for students in grades five through eight allows younger students to work on their vocal and musical theater skills. There is no audition required for this level.

Directed by Matt Belopavlovich, Showstoppers Jr. gives students the opportunity to hone their solo and ensemble skills through rehearsal and performance of songs from popular musicals including 42nd Street, High School Musical and Fame.

In addition, this year’s Showstoppers revue promises to be just as exciting as ever!

“We’re going even bigger this year with the show, including an eight-piece orchestra,” said Showstoppers director Scott Daniel.

“A major difference this year is that we’ve gone from a two-week intensive to three weeks to expand the show. That extra week gives us more time to put together a full 90-minute production.”

Daniel, in his second year of directing this production, brings a wealth of musical theater experience to the show. He has performed in national tours of Cirque Dreams and Footloose, and regional credits include The Wiz, Spring Awakening, Bright Lights Big City and many more. He's also performed with Royal Caribbean International and Holland America cruise lines.

In the intensive, advanced level students in grades seven through college will spend three weeks in rehearsals, which culminate in multiple performances which have traditionally sold out.

This year’s performance, Showstoppers: Words and Music, pays tribute to great American composers such as Andrew Lloyd Weber, Stephen Sondheim and Kander and Ebb. With selections from Chicago, Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Phantom of the Opera, and many more, it’s sure to be truly showstopping!

Registration is still available to participate in the Showstoppers, Jr. camp. To register, click here or call 813.222.1002.

For tickets to Showstoppers: Words and Music, click here.

Spotlight on Kayda and Thia Sandefur

Kayda and Thia Sandefur could certainly pass for twins. With similar short, bob haircuts and only a year and a half age difference, the two sisters from St. Petersburg are often seen together on Patel Conservatory stages in our theater productions.

In their first Conservatory show, they were even double cast in the same role as Alice in Alice and Wonderland, Jr. Since then, they each have played a variety of roles in our theater productions year after year, including Once Upon a Mattress, A Little Princess and Oklahoma!

“It’s good being close in age, we’re supportive of each other,” said Kayda, 14. “If someone gets a bigger role, we don’t get mad...whether you’re ensemble, or a lead, you should be honored just to be in the cast.”

“We’ve both had leads, and we’ve both been in ensemble, we’re just supportive of each other,” agreed Thia, 15.

Kayda, left, and This in Alice in Wonderland, Jr.
in 2011. Photo by Soho Images.

Although they look alike and perform in the same shows, and share inside jokes and sometimes finish each other’s sentences, the girls are each finding their own path at the Conservatory.

In Alice and Wonderland, Jr., “the director worked with the girls to bring out each of their strengths,” said mom Kelli Sandefur.

Working with different directors, choreographers and instructors over the past five years has inspired them to branch out beyond theater classes and into vocal and dance classes and private voice lessons.

This summer, Kayda will focus on voice, participating in the Conservatory’s Voice Intensive, and Thia will focus on dance in the Junior Intensive.

Kayda is looking forward to working with vocal instructor Kavan Gillespie. “He pushes you to go outside of your comfort area. You never feel nervous when it comes time for the performance because he gives you so much to prepare. You feel like you have everything you need to give your best performance.”

Thia took an interest in dance last summer when she got a chance to work with dance instructor Kelly King in Hairspray.

On the Edge,  April 2015. Photo by Soho Images.

“She made sure I did everything very sharp. It was the most intense dancing I’ve ever done,” said Thia.

That sold Thia and her sister on taking hip hop during the school year with Miss Kelly. Though they’ve picked up some dance along the way through theater experiences, neither had ever taken formal dance classes.

“At the beginning of the year, we were nervous. But by the end of year, your confidence is so built up,” said Thia.

Last year, she didn’t even know the Conservatory had a third floor. This year, she’ll spend two weeks in our third floor dance studios as she works on dance skills in the Junior Intensive.

"I want to improve in jazz so I can take Just for Kicks next year."

Ultimately, the two girls are striving for those triple threat skills that will land them professional jobs.

“From auditions to callbacks, the Patel Conservatory has prepared them for what it’s really like in the professional world. When they go to other auditions, they don’t have the unknown fear factor,” said Kelli.

The girls recently had roles as extras in the films Five Doctors and Dolphin Tale 2.

“Improv, dance, singing, drama, you don’t have to go to different places to meet all those needs,” said Thia.

“There are so many different avenues all within one building,” said Kayda. “Patel has really given us everything we need.”

For more information about dance, music and theater camps and classes, call 813.222.1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

Featured camp of the month: Musical Theater

This month, we highlight our most popular camp, Musical Theater.

Does your child love to act out different characters, sing along to their favorite shows and dance their hearts out around the living room?

Harness that energy and budding love of the arts in one of the Patel Conservatory's musical theater camps!

In our musical theater camps, students explore music, dance and theater in one fun-filled week that lets them use their imaginations and explore the performing arts. They’ll enjoy drama-based games and activities, improvisation and scene work geared toward their age levels.

At the end of the week, they'll show off new skills in a showcase for friends and family.

Offered multiple weeks throughout the summer, with different themes each week, they’ll want to come back again and again!

Full day Musical Theater camps are offered for 2^nd through 8^th graders, and half day Mini Musical Theater camps are offered for preschoolers through Kindergartners.

Musical Theater Camp (Grades 2-8)

Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$345 per week
Weeks offered:
July 20-24

July 27-31
August 10-14

Mini Musical Theater (PreK-Gr. 1)
Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$245 per week

Weeks offered:
June 8-12

June 15-19
July 13-17
July 20-24
August 3-7

To register, click here, or call 813.222.1002.

Congratulations to this year's Broadway Star of the Future winners!

Congratulations to Kylie Heyman and Kamari Saxon who won the Straz Center’s 2015 Broadway Star of the Future Award!

The two were recently recognized with the award at the Florida State Thespian Festival.

Now in its fifth year, the Straz Center gives the Broadway Star of the Future Award to one male actor and one female actor in recognition of their outstanding performance in a musical theater production.

Kylie Heyman

Kylie, 17, of St. Petersburg, was recognized for her performance as Reno in Anything Goes. A student at Shorecrest Preparatory School, she has appeared as Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Liesel Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, among others. She has previously studied voice with Rachael Marino at the Patel Conservatory and taken part in the Broadway Theatre Project.

Kamari Saxon

Kamari, of Jacksonville, was recognized for his performance as Flick in Violet. A student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, he has appeared in Extravaganza, Growing Up, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Star Fish Circus as an aerialist, and others.

As recipients of the Broadway Star of the Future Award, Kylie and Kamari will travel to New York City this summer to represent the state of Florida and the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in the National High School Musical Theater Awards.

Congratulations to these rising Broadway stars!

From Fiddler to Broadway Bound, adult student Carol Byrd enjoys new challenges

Whether taking dance or theater classes, there’s a feeling that Carol Byrd gets when she comes to the Patel Conservatory.

“When you walk in to the Conservatory, you’re just happy,” said Carol. “Everyone is always so encouraging.”

Prior to starting classes at the Conservatory, she’d done some theater in college, but hadn’t performed in many years. She’d always wanted to try tap.

“As an adult, you become a mom and have a family, and you get away from doing the things you love to do, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue.”

She began taking tap classes in 2007 and has since taken ballet and jazz and enjoyed a host of performance experiences. She’s been in numerous open dance showcases, the annual Spotlight Awards for four years, and had an ensemble role in the Conservatory’s theater production of Kiss Me, Kate. She performed in the recent open dance intensive Winter Fantasy, and is currently a cast member in Fiddler on the Roof, on stage in April.

With each performance opportunity comes a new challenge. While the rehearsal process for Fiddler on the Roof has been demanding, for Carol, it’s also extremely rewarding.

“It’s a lot of work, there’s a lot we have to learn in a short amount of time. It takes you out of your comfort zone, which is scary, but exhilarating,” she said.

In addition to pushing herself artistically, with every experience she enjoys meeting new people.

“Of course, with each show, the cast bonds and you get close to people.”

In Winter Fantasy, she and other participants spent one week learning and polishing choreography and musical theater pieces to perform in a show at the end of the week.

“It was one of the best weeks of my life. It was intense…you dance every night for two to three hours. You have to pick up the choreography quickly, but, you find you can actually do it. It’s amazing how the show comes together in just a week,” said Carol.

While performing on Straz Center stages may have become second nature to her, no matter how many times she performs, it’s always a thrill.

“It’s a great feeling every time the audience claps at the end. It’s just amazing,” she said. “I have mad love for the place.”

In fact, she’s already planning her next show after Fiddler on the Roof. She intends on signing up for the open dance intensive in May, Broadway Bound.

We look forward to seeing Carol in Fiddler on the Roof and many more shows to come!

Fiddler on the Roof runs April 16 through April 26, 2015. For tickets, click here.

The open dance intensive, Broadway Bound, will be May 4 through May 9, with the performance on May 9, 2015. For more information, click here or call 813.222.1002.

Free audition prep workshops in April

Do your kids want to perform in our Patel Conservatory summer theater shows like Aladdin Jr. and Shrek the Musical?

The Conservatory will hold auditions for these shows in May and all experience levels are welcome.

Whether you're a beginning or experienced actor, auditions can be intimidating. But if you’re prepared, it’s a lot easier and can be a lot of fun. Every audition offers a chance to perform, learn, gain experience and connect with other actors.

For young actors who'd like to sharpen their audition skills, we're offering two free audition prep workshops to help students in grades two through college learn how to prepare for an audition and what to expect.

In the Conservatory’s audition workshops, actors will learn how to prepare, build and execute a professional theatrical audition from the ground up. Participants will work through the audition process, requirements and expectations, and discover how to exit the audition with their head held high.

Topics will include selecting material, memorization, creating resumes, slating, headshots and much more. Students will participate in lecture as well as coaching to gain knowledge and understanding of how to be successful and confident in auditions.

The workshops include a separate seminar for parents to learn how to support and aid their student through the process.

Audition Prep Workshop

Grades 2 to 6

Sat., April 25, 2015

12 to 2 p.m.

Parent workshop from 1 to 2 p.m.

 This workshop is geared towards students interested in auditioning for Aladdin Jr.

Audition Prep Workshop

Grade 7 to College

Wed., April 22, 2015

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Parent workshop from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

 This workshop is geared towards students interested in auditioning for Shrek, Romeo & Juliet and Showstoppers.

The workshops are free, but RSVP is required. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Audrey at audrey.siegler@strazcenter.org.

Extended camp hours available

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is pleased to offer extended camp hours before and after  some of our most popular performing arts camps this year!

Many of our Conservatory summer camps, including our popular Musical Theater Camp, are offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year, we’ve added our Pre- and Post- camps to give families the flexibility of extended hours.

Before and after camp, students enjoy age-appropriate arts and crafts, movies, activities and theater games.

Pre- and post- camps are offered Monday through Friday from Jun. 8 through Aug. 14, 2015.

Pre-camps are offered from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Post-camps are offered from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Pre- and post-camps are $25 per week each, or $40 when added together during the same week.

The Patel Conservatory offers more than 50 summer camps and classes in dance, music and theater. For more information, visit patelconservatory.org, or call 813.222.1002.

Three times the cuteness in Winnie the Pooh Kids!

Antony, Gian and Stefan

Like little ducklings, the Simonetti boys file in to the Patel Conservatory every week, either with their little guitar cases slung over their shoulders, or ready to sing and dance. The 7-year-old triplets, Antony, Gian and Stefan, have been coming to the Conservatory for two years. They started with guitar lessons, and later added musical theater.

This weekend, the boys make their stage debut in Patel Conservatory Theater’s Winnie the Pooh Kids.

“They’re very excited about it,” said mom Sherri Simonetti.

The boys have watched the show on TV for years, they have Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals on their beds, and even have had breakfast with their favorite Pooh characters during their trip to Disney World.

Now they get to help bring one of their favorite Disney shows to life as they play a family of possums in the Hundred Acre Wood.

“The songs are my most favorite part about being on stage,” said Gian.

As part of a cast of more than 30 second through fourth graders, Gian, Antony and Stefan are learning more than the songs and choreography.

“They can carry a tune, they have good voices, but I also want them to build confidence, and getting on stage by yourself is a pretty brave thing to do when you’re seven years old,” said Sherri.

Whether practicing guitar or singing in a show, Sherri sees the boys building lifelong skills through the arts.

“There’s a balance in life between intellect and art and one feeds the other,” she said. “Music is important...it feeds different parts of the brain and different parts of the soul. It makes for a more well-rounded person.”

But as far as the boys are concerned, they’re just having fun.

“We like to do musical theater, music, acting...because it’s fun,” said Antony.

Check out the three possums and their furry friends in Winnie the Pooh Kids, Feb. 26 through Mar. 1, 2015 at the Patel Conservatory.

For tickets or more info, click here.

Broadway revival of The King and I features former student Jon Viktor Corpuz

Congratulations to Patel Conservatory theater alumnus Jon Viktor Corpuz who landed a lead role in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King & I.

Directed by Tony-award winning Bartlett Sher, and starring five-time Tony Award nominee Kelli O'Hara and Academy Award nominee Ken Watanabe, the show opens next month at the Lincoln Center Theater in New York City. Corpuz plays Prince Chulalongkorn, the eldest son of the King and heir to the throne.

Corpuz, 18, developed a love for the theater right here at the Conservatory as a student in our summer program. He is currently a professional actor in New York City and attends the Professional Performing Arts School. He was recently accepted on full scholarship to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music.

Check out this Q and A with Corpuz as he chats about his time as a student here, being a lifelong learner and what it's like to be on Broadway!

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonviktorcorpuz.

Where are you from, and when did you study at the Patel Conservatory?

Born in Tampa, Fla. I studied acting and theater at Patel from ages 8 to10, around 2005-2007.

What classes did you take at the Conservatory?

A beginner on-camera acting class, a beginner musical theater class, and three productions. Humble beginnings!

What did you enjoy about taking classes at the Conservatory?

Patel is where the theater/performing bug concretely hit me. I grew up a shy child and Patel kind of thrust me out of my shell and helped me face my fears head on. At Patel, I was bewilderingly single-cast as the lead in the first musical I had ever been a part of (which was original material) in a cast of over 100 kids! The show was in Ferguson Hall. Pretty cool.

What are some favorite memories from your time there?

The memory that sticks out most to me was definitely landing the lead (Jacob) in the Community Arts Ensemble original musical, Animalopolis - which also happened to be my first-ever time performing in a musical. I really was not expecting getting that role in the SLIGHTEST. I remember crying at home to my parents after auditions thinking I wouldn't even be cast, much less land the lead.

I had joined the production late in the process and was competing against over 100 other kids. I was really not expecting it. But, I got it, and that experience was a transformative one for me. I think it was the first time I realized I could actually take this "performing thing" seriously and pursue it. What was crazy was the fact that it was full-length, full-on original material which was being tailored to the actors! In hindsight, I realize this is such a rarity at eight years old...The orchestra was all students, and my sister played the other lead. Pretty magical. Aside from that, I just remember having so much fun at Patel and making lots of childhood friends. Definitely some cool memories.

How has studying the performing arts been beneficial to you?

Studying performing has helped me not only develop a good skillset/foundation to become successful professionally, but it has also helped me just in life in general.

In theater, acting, music, you're constantly collaborating with others from all walks of life, which is such an invaluable skill to learn early on. You're constantly listening to others' ideas, which may be different from your own, and working with all types of people, but at the end of the day you're all creating something together. You never stop learning in life and you're always constantly growing and evolving. My experiences at Patel, among others, helped to lay the foundation for me to become and continue to be an avid learner.

Do you have any advice for students who want to study the performing arts?

Work hard, be you, be bold, and never let anyone tell you that you aren't capable of achieving something. If you really, truly love what you're doing, don't listen to the naysayers: they'll be coming out of the woodworks to congratulate you when you're successful in the future. I know that firsthand. Keep going, never stop. Do it for you above anything else! (This is as much a mantra for me as advice to anyone else.)

Always continue learning, always be inspired and do the work!

Any other comments?

Patel is more or less where it all started for me. Such a safe haven to let me express myself as an artsy and imaginative little boy. Don't know where I'd be today without those critical early experiences.

As for what it's like to be a lead in a Broadway show... 

It's awesome! As I said, I'm always learning, and this is, of course, no exception. Everyone here is so on top of their game and are all such intelligent, kind, and gracious human beings...I know it's very much an honor to be here, so I'm very aware of that always and am just trying to learn as much as I can.

There's also a ton of pressure because it's my Broadway debut, but also, I don't think this role has ever been interpreted in the way we're seeing my character in this particular production. Chulalongkorn was very influential and really a revolutionary in real-life-Siam. In this production, we're seeing him at the cusp of adulthood and on the verge of kingship, on top of having his world turned upside-down by Western cultures and philosophies and coming into his own as a person and developing his own morals. So it's a lot! Our director, Bart, has been so helpful, though, and has really helped me unearth and humanize this person.

A lot of what goes into a revival of a well-known, well-revived musical is "Why now?" I feel like this story is so timely with everything that's happening in the world today. The clashes of cultures, countries, religions - this story really speaks to that and examines the push and pull of those relationships.

I'm very honored and excited and am just learning from everyone around me everyday!