The music blasted, causing eight-year-old Keana’s heart to jump. She stared in wonder at the exotic colors and actors on stage. At the end of the play, Keana announced that she was going to act on Broadway. Prior to the performance, Keana thought she was too young to act professionally. Her view changed when she saw the children on Broadway. “The young actors made me feel that I could make it too,” she said. Her parents worried that Keana’s decision to be an actress was too risky. She decided to take the risk anyway. “I had to tell myself I wanted to do it that much,” said Keana.
Not knowing how or where to begin acting, Keana waited 3 years before acting in her first play. Her good friend, Emily, had a lot of experience acting at the community theater. Emily brought Keana to the theater just in time for the auditions for The King and I. Keana got a part playing one of the King’s children. Even though the role was small, Keana continued to work hard and improve her acting ability.
Her hard work paid off. When she began acting in her middle school theater program Keana received larger roles. Her first large role was Rose in Bye Bye Birdie. Keana was terrified to sing in front of an audience at first, having trouble singing at rehearsals. “I didn’t think I was a good singer, until I realized that the director wouldn’t have given me a role she didn’t think I could do,” Keana says. Singing on stage introduced Keana to another theatrical love: singing.
-Kirsten Yocke
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