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"Up In Lights creates such an imaginative, innovative, creative, fun, and professional environment. They not only teach the skills to put on an outstanding, first rate show, but they also teach the skills to take one's performance to a whole new, deeper and more meaningful level. Up In Lights even got me involved in other aspects of the theatre giving me a whole, well rounded experience. I have learned new ways in which I can develop my character to the fullest and bring my own original perspective and creativity into my performance. I never realized that I could become so invested in my role. I certainly felt more prepared for future productions and musical theatre opportunities after my experiences with Up In Lights.
My strengths and weaknesses definitely became apparent and in recognizing these, I'm able to focus on different aspects of my performing which I hadn't thought of before. My experience in the production, "High School Musical" was an all around spectacular experience, and each performance gave me a unique rush which I'd never experienced before. I hope to continue to utilize the skills which I gained from Up In Lights in any performance opportunity, and remain an active member in the organization.
I think Up In Lights is an incredibly progressive organization and I'm very impressed at the success of not only their productions but also their offered classes. In the future, I imagine the classes to increase in variety and size and I see the whole organization increasing greatly to reach those even beyond out immediate community." Allison Drenkow, High School Musical
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"I have preformed with different companies outside of Up in Lights. UIL tops everything I have done though because you get the feeling that, from the moment you walk in, you are part of a huge understanding family. You don't get there everywhere, but the first time I walked in for All Shook Up (my first show there) it was awkward for all of two minutes before I started making long-term friends.
Britni is very open about what she expects in her shows. She allows anyone to comment or throw a suggestion out which I believed this privilege has made her cast(s) very open-minded and easy for them to ask questions. Also, Britni was my first director to make her cast do a "Character analysis". It is a great way to not only develop our character but a fun chance to make up incredible crazy story lines with friends. I have passed this idea on to other shows I have done and I feel like it has made the shows better.
I have definitely tested angles of my performing that I never knew I had. From transforming into a troll (Little Women) and playing around with character voices. I also have never done partner dancing until All Shook Up and it tested my strength in trusting the people around me. I feel with every show I do, I gain more confidence. UIL gives you the opportunity to test your abilities, and there is always someone there to help you conquer a bump in the road if you are stumped. I have become a better dancer, actor, performer, etc., since joining this company. I feel like I have learned a lot of self-commitment within UIL. I never knew that I could push myself to become a little bit better at each show.
I have had friends and family say that UIL shows are just as good as the shows they see at places like the Buell and that they can tell that we all have great chemistry and we all 100% enjoy performing, that it shows."
Stevie-Elle Hedgespeth, All Shook Up, Little Women 2008-Present
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"Before UIL, I was in a homeschool drama class. When I performed with UIL, I noticed it was so much more professional. The audition process was actually a search for talent instead of just making sure they had someone to cover the part. :) I learned that most great plays and musicals are made by actually working hard and everyone working together; by learning that, it'll help me when I direct to make sure that my cast is working together instead of on their own.
I never knew I was capable of doing dances with lifts in them. I also had no idea that I could learn an entire dance routine in an evening! :) I was only able to be in High School Musical, and I loved it! It seemed that the cast really caught on to the HSM motto "We're All In This Together" and acted together as a family. My goal right now is to use what I've learned with UIL and apply it to the play I'll be directing, as well as whatever else I decide to do in the future." Mandie Vigil, High School Musical, 2007 |
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"UIL is much more like a family than anywhere else I have ever performed. I loved Grease. The pink lades and the T-Birds and everyone else really seemed like the characters in the show, we were not just cast as friends and acted that way, we actually became a tight-knit group like the show portrayed." Claire Pepperd, Grease, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 2003-Present |
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I had performed tons of places before UIL. But, performing with Up in Lights was different, because it is an atmosphere of learning first. There are many new and young performers who are just starting to learn the craft. Gaining more confidence came over the whole year, in other shows, culminating in one my best performances to date (Little Women). I've only done one show with Up in Lights, Little Women, and I had a BLAST!!!! It's one of my favorite shows, so just being involved was an absolute kick in the pants. I was told that I have never sounded better vocally than when I was playing Aunt March. Being a singer first and foremost (and an actor second), this meant a lot to me!
Just keep doing what you're doing! The fact that you are bringing great musical theatre experiences to kids and teens is AWESOME! Ft. Collins kids have La de da... and Longmont kids have Jesters. It's so important for these kids to have theatre experience outside of school shows. It looks so much better on the resume, and is also a foot in the door to more theaters once they are out of high school. Everything you are teaching them is so vital, ESPECIALLY if they are going to major in music or theatre in college. Angela Johnson, Little Women |
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"I had been preforming for most of my life when I first worked with UIL! I was amazed by how much passion was put into what we were doing. I was always so excited to see what people would think of next! Each and every rehearsal allowed us all, individually, to be truly a part of the creative process. I learned that you can go outside the boundaries of what you think is in your character and really explore parts of your craft that you never knew existed. There are so many things that I never would have thought I could do! I found an entire other side of performing that I never realized I was interested in. I feel like I never would have come as far as I have if not for the time I spent with UIL!
I learned a lot about my personality and how I function in a theater setting. Now, when I find myself in a situation where I am under pressure I can look back at my time with UIL, and I am able to function through it. UIL has not only tought me great career skills but a great life skills as well. Each show has brought so many wonderful memories. I have truly been there for good times and bad. But I keep coming back because regardless we always find a way through it together. Although, I was the lead in FOOTLOOSE, So it was probably my Fav. I have had a hand in almost every UIL show!
I am currently in rehearsals for my 2nd tour as a Lead Singer/Dancer for Holland America Cruise Lines and I have started to realize that I would like to shift my focus to directing and choreographing. UIL has been so much a part of my life and career as a performer. I just want to see a new generation of performer and theatre lover benefit from what UIL has to offer. I wish them all the luck and hope to be able to work with them again." Cole Emarine, Grease, Seven Brides, Footloose, 2001-Present |
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“Performing with Up In Lights I found a new level of intensity and Dedication. I learned new dance moves, stunts, and Techniques for singing while dancing. I learned that hard work pays off and to put on a good show it requires teamwork, trust, energy, and sacrifice.
Performing with Up In Lights increased my confidence in myself and in my abilities. Everyone was given their moment to shine, and this showed that Britni believed strongly in all of us, and consequently led us believe in ourselves.
When you are involved in a production, you discover your strengths and weaknesses, your limits, your breaking points, and also your ability to push the limits, improve on your weaknesses and take your talent to a whole new level.
I hope that Up In Lights continues to give people knowledge, opportunity, and experience and a place in which to express themselves and live their dreams.
My experience with UIL was being a part of a community of young performers who reached inside themselves and pulled out talent beyond what they knew previously and collectively pooled that talent to entertain and inspire audiences.”
Shelley Bolesta, Rockin’ Summer Nights, 2001 |
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