Senior Kayla Hedgren, or West Side Story’s Maria, has been participating in theatre for the last seven years. Hedgren isn’t closed when it comes to talking about her passion.

“From the day I joined my sister, Jordan, in Christian Youth Theatre seven years ago, I just fell in love with it,” Hedgren said.

Hedgren’s mom majored in music and is now an instructor at the Salvation Army youth group.

“I learn a lot from my mom. She teaches me things in acting, but she’s also a huge encouragement for me,” Hedgren said.

According to Hedgren, there are so many enjoyable things about theatre.

“The adrenaline I get before a show, having all eyes on me and the ability to be someone else for a few hours are my favorite things about acting,” Hedgren said.

Hedgren loves comic roles.

“Comedic roles are most fun because you get to make people laugh, and it makes me feel good when people are laughing at something I did and knowing I might have been able to make someone’s day,” Hedgren said.

Theatre has given Hedgren confidence, taught her to take pride in who she is and to work hard for things she wants, but just like sports and other hobbies, theatre can be stressful.

“Some people can get catty about roles instead of being encouraging and positive,” Hedgren said.

This young actress learned to look past it and ignore the drama, which helped her overcome many theatre obstacles.

“I act to give God glory and that helps me to remember I shouldn’t care what other people think or say,” Hedgren said.

Catty co-stars aren’t the only thing that disappoint Hedgren.

“My biggest difficulty in theatre is when I don’t do well on an audition, and knowing I could have done so much better,” Hedgren said.

There are many things to do in order to prepare for an audition. Hedgren researches the musical to get a better understanding of the characters, practices the songs and if its out on film, she will buy the movie and repeat character’s lines.

Last spring for the school musical, Hedgren played the lead role in West Side Story as Maria. Although she was nervous before her performance, her personal ways of getting over her nerves helped get rid of her stage fright.

“I drank a lot of water and tea for my voice and prayed in order to overcome my nerves before the show, but playing Maria was the biggest high of my lifetime. It’s my greatest achievement in theatre,” Hedgren said.

Hedgren has been in 14 plays and musicals total including West Side Story, but her favorite performances are Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Robin Hood, Les Miserables, Cinderella and High School Musical.

Hedgren doesn’t plan on majoring in theatre, but she wants to continue acting in college.

“I will definitely participate in college. I really want to try directing because its different and sounds fun. I could never imagine my life without acting,” Hedgren said.

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