Wheaton High School

Silver Spring, MD

Reported by: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

March 29, 2012

What a day to be back at Wheaton High School in D.C. with a great bunch of kids and devoted teachers! Determined and passionate, their performance of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR is sure to be a showstopper. With their newly uncovered talents, they understand how to tell this incredible story. As you can see, Ally and Roshaun claim that their confidence has grown tenfold! The rewards or musical theater just keep on coming.
Meet ROSHAUN from Wheaton High School



Grade: 10 Favorite food: Mashed potatoes and beefsteak Favorite band or singer: Allstar Weekend, Rihanna, Beyonce, Drake Favorite sport: Track and Field What’s interesting about you and your family? All the members in my family are Jamaicans. We are also religious people. What do you want to be when you grow up? Pediatrician/actor Role in show: Storyteller and Villager Favorite part of the musical’s story: When Asaka promises to provide Ti Moune with whatever she needs by singing "Mama Will Provide." Hardest part of being in the show: Learning my lines and knowing my cues. What do you think your family will say when they see the show? They will be blown away by the performance and say that the show is awesome!! If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? I would express my gratitude t o our drama director.  She has worked with us well, has confidence in us, and she helped us to transform our weaknesses into strengths.
Meet ALLY from Wheaton High School
Grade: 10th Favorite subject: Science (AP Bio) Favorite food: Potatoes, french fries, mashed and buttered Favorite band or singer: I love all music. I am a music junkie! What’s interesting about you and your family? We are severely mixed and have a HUGE family…like HUGE! What do you want to be when you grow up? A therapist that dances on the side, then open up my own creative arts center. Role in show: Asaka Is this your first musical? First time as an actress, have stage managed Favorite part of the musical’s story: “Rain” and when Papa Ge and Ti Moune are negotiating her soul. Favorite part of rehearsal: Every time we dance, I LOVE to dance. Hardest part of being in the show: Learning to breathe and sing and dance at the same time. Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, the arts reward your brain and stimulate it.
*Read about the "Make A Musical" Team's first visit to Wheaton High School*
“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.