Kai
Kai is a Performing Arts scholar who has been given the eponymous role of Romeo in this year’s production. He has been involved in all the productions and school events since opening and is currently studying for his Drama ALevel.
What have you discovered about confidence, leadership, or responsibility through this experience?
I think the thing about confidence when doing a performance such as this is, some people love performing their whole lives, but there are going to be so many people that hate the thought of doing this. You have to push past that first initial hating and force yourself to go ‘full out’ – otherwise, you’ll never actually realize how much you actually love it. Personally, I used to hate the thought of doing ‘silly’ stuff on stage, but I forced myself to do it and found that I loved it. And I think that’s just a really important thing. You have to go against your instinct to be embarrassed. It’s never as bad as you fear. It’s just you have to make yourself do it or else you’ll never know you love it.
What is one word that describes how performing makes you feel, and why?
One word? I’d have to say it’s surreal. When you’re really ‘in’ there, you don’t think about anything else. It doesn’t feel like real life anymore, and you don’t worry about what you have to do afterward. You really don’t worry while you’re actually on stage and just in the flow and everything’s going well. It feels like you’re just in the moment, in the script, in the story with everyone else on stage and It is honestly one of the best feelings of my life.
How has being part of productions shaped your experience at RSJ overall?
Well, I think being part of the production is a massive highlight of being within the RSJ community. Because the cast ranges from Year 10 to Year 13, it’s a chance to actually just collaborate with the younger kids that you might not normally talk to. It gives you the chance to work together in this ‘new world’ the script creates and build connections that you wouldn’t otherwise make. And I just think that’s so important.
Aili
Aili is a year 9 performer who took part in the productions last year as a chorus member, and who this year has been given a principal role. As part of her scholarship project, Aili planned and promoted the special community performance of the Senior Production for Kashiwa residents happening on Saturday the 14th of March.
What first inspired you to audition or get involved in this play?
I think a major factor was one of the seniors. She is now in Year 12, the other Juliet. I saw her singing and doing drama, not in the school production but at the winter showcase, and I felt like there was some kind of magic. I was just so obsessed with drama from that moment. I was thinking that if I could join that world, it was going to be a very good thing. So, that was the factor I was inspired by.
How has being part of this cast or crew pushed you outside your comfort zone?
There were a lot of new challenges. For example, I had to sing a three or four-minute song in front of a few hundred people. Also, performing a monologue was a new experience for me. At first, I was so nervous because it was obviously out of my comfort zone, but after today’s rehearsal, I feel that I have grown and improved. I feel like I can extend my ability more than through other things, so I think it has really pushed me.
Darius
Darius is a Y12 pupil and has never before taken part in a school production. For his first role, he will be beginning and closing the show as Prince Escalus.
What is something you learned about yourself early in the process that you did not expect?
I think for a while, I’ve been keen to start performing, but I never pushed myself to go through with it. Realizing that by trying the production and being part of the rehearsals, I really enjoy being on stage. I love being able to be a different character than I usually am in daily life. Getting into a character is something I find really enjoyable.
Before joining the production, how did you feel about performing or being on stage?
I get really nervous on stage. I’ve been on stage a couple of times for music or interviews and things like that, and I get very nervous. But I’ve realized that on stage, you don’t have to care about what other people think. You go into character and you do your job well. As long as you enjoy the process, it takes the edge off a bit and it’s not as nerve-racking.
What would you say to a pupil who is thinking about joining drama but feels nervous?
Honestly, no one can tell you whether you should join or not; that’s something you have to figure out for yourself. I recommend you go to a rehearsal, maybe just attend and see how things work. If you feel like production is for you, give it a go. At the end of the day, it’s not something that’s final. If you want to pull back or you feel it’s a bit too uncomfortable, you can always do that. The environment is catered around you, so if it’s a bit too much, you can always step away.
