The graduates of the Teen Intensive experiences are our family here at the Playhouse, and we’re sad to see them go!
As they move on to new things, whether that be far away universities, gap years, or even schools only minutes away, we are excited to see them grow and experience more of what life has to offer.
This year, there are five seniors in the Teen Intensive, and we asked them to answer five questions:
- What is their favorite Playhouse memory?
- What is your favorite role you’ve had at the Playhouse?
- What’s next? College, gap year, etc…
- How have you changed in your time at the Playhouse?
- What advice do you have for incoming teens?
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Our first senior is Kyleigh Grimsbo, who is playing DJ in Much Ado About Nothing.
Favorite Playhouse memory – My favorite Playhouse memory is when I was in my first show, Legally Blonde: The Musical. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, which made it both a really enjoyable experience and a treasured memory.
Favorite role you’ve had at the Playhouse – My favorite role I’ve ever had was Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet.
What’s next? – In the fall, I will be pursuing my Associate of the Arts degree at Lake Superior College, and in the spring, I will be auditioning at the Chicago Unifieds to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in fine arts.
How have you changed in your time at the Playhouse? – I’ve become more sure of myself. I’m more confident in who I am, and as a result, I’ve become more of a people person, which has been a huge benefit in my everyday life.
Advice for incoming teens? – My advice for incoming teens is to be kind. I know it’s easy to shun the new kid, to laugh at that mean joke, and to stay silent in the face of injustice, but I can guarantee that at the end of the day, kindness will persist. You’ll never know when someone needs to hear some words of encouragement, see a smile, or receive a hug. I know it sounds corny, but be the change you want to see.
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Our next senior is Tiffany Willie, who plays an Andrews Sister, Thetis, and is part of the Greek
Chorus in Xanadu JR.
Favorite Playhouse memory – Probably during Dr. Dolittle when I would play card games with my “card game buddy”, Greyson (last seen in Singing in the Rain Jr.), whenever I wasn’t on stage.
Favorite role you’ve had at the Playhouse – Definitely the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet last summer. I loved exploring her character, and getting to show such a range of emotions with her (joy, anger, heartbreak…). I also loved getting to poke Romeo with a fan during one scene.
What’s next? – Gap year first, and then I plan to go to college for music education (I want to be a choir teacher) with a minor in theatre!
How have you changed in your time at the Playhouse? – I’ve definitely become more outgoing and confident in myself and my abilities! I’m definitely still just as passionate about theatre as when I first started with the Playhouse though, if not even more so!
Advice for incoming teens? – Just take a deep breath and smile. Everyone is super friendly and willing to welcome you into our little Playhouse family. Even if you know zero people coming into your first show (like me), everyone will be friendly and welcoming. Not only that, you should always be just as friendly and welcoming!
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Another one of our lovely seniors is Grace Walker, who is part of the Greek Chorus in Xanadu JR.
Favorite Playhouse memory – My favorite Playhouse memory is painting Maria’s bed for West Side Story during one of our weekend tech days last summer.
Favorite role you’ve had at the Playhouse – My favorite role at the Playhouse was definitely my first role as Teresita, one of the ensemble Shark girls, in West Side Story last year.
What’s next? – Next year I am going to be studying Earth Sciences at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
How have you changed in your time at the Playhouse? – I’ve learned so much over the two summers that I’ve done the Teen Intensive, and I’ve become much more confident in myself.
Advice for incoming teens? – Don’t worry about how much you can or can’t already do. You’re here to learn and you are always welcome, so just be open to learning new things and be yourself.
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Our second to last senior is Kelly Killorin, who plays Kira in Xanadu JR.
Favorite Playhouse memory – There are so so many amazing memories I have, but I guess if I have to choose one, I’d have to say getting to be in the ensemble for Mamma Mia!, the show to open the NorShor, was super special. Getting to experience being a part of the NorShor’s grand opening night was amazing!
Favorite role you’ve had at the Playhouse – This is another hard one, but I think my favorite role I’ve had would probably have to be Roxie in Chicago when we did it in the Teen Intensive in 2016!
What’s next? – This fall, I will be attending Northwestern University in Chicago and majoring in theatre. So, hopefully, you see me one day singing, acting and dancing on Broadway or the big screen!
How have you changed in your time at the Playhouse? – I came to the Playhouse at 8-years-old very outgoing and enthusiastic about being on stage, and that hasn’t changed. But everything I have learned about theatre, from acting to working backstage is thanks to the Playhouse, and over the years, I have grown so much as a performer and a person.
Advice for incoming teens? – My advice for incoming teens and, honestly anybody wanting to get involved in theatre, is to be true to yourself and be bold. Everybody here is so supportive, accepting, and encouraging, so don’t be afraid or nervous. You will find the most fun, welcoming group of people here!
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Our last senior is Copper Petermier, who plays Sonny in Xanadu JR.
Favorite Playhouse memory – I think my favorite Playhouse memory was at the closing of Chicago three years ago. The cast of Chicago had a castmate named Ezra Prickett, and at the end of the final show, we dumped all of our hair gel, hair spray, and everything else in his hair. In a span of a few seconds, Ezra’s hair was as solid as concrete.
Favorite role you’ve had at the Playhouse – My favorite role I’ve had is Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
What’s next? -Next year, I will be going to Webster University’s conservatory to study acting and attain an Acting BFA, and hopefully go on to grad school from there.
How have you changed in your time at the Playhouse? – The Playhouse has really shaped who I am. It has given me experience on top of the roles I’ve performed in my high school plays and given me the rawest form of experience that I needed. The Playhouse has helped me shape myself into a functioning performer.
Advice for incoming teens? – Learn. You’re not here because you know all your stuff. Learn and improve yourself. Find your flaws and your imperfections, love them, and help improve them.
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NOW COME SEE THES SHOWS!
- Much Ado About Nothing: August 8, 10, 15 & 17
- Xanadu JR: August 9, 11, 16 & 18
- Where: The Playhouse Family Theatre at the Depot (506 W. Michigan St., Duluth MN 55802)
- Showtimes: Thursday – Saturday @ 7:00pm, Sundays @ 2pm
- Tickets:
- Standard: $17
- Youth: $15
- Purchase: www.duluthplayhouse.org/family-theatre // 218.733.7555 // In-person at the NorShor Theatre Box Office (211 E. Superior St., Duluth MN 55802)