LEAH SCIALLA

How long have you been a part of the musical productions at Central? Which performance was your favorite? What was your favorite role you have gotten to play?

I’ve been involved with Central’s musicals for the past four years. All four shows have been enjoyable for different reasons. Evita, the production I was involved in freshman year, got canceled because of COVID-19, thus never opening for public viewing. I discovered I had a soprano range my sophomore year during Some Enchanted Evening. Les Miserables, my junior year, was a year of redemption after Coronavirus had impacted the theater department for two years prior. This year, I have the opportunity to play the role of Cinderella, so I can confidently say that this has been my favorite so far. 

How do you prepare for a performance?

Consistent practice gives me the confidence I need to feel prepared for a performance.

What makes this group unique compared to the other clubs at Central? 

I’m lucky enough to be able to share the musical with other talented, kind hearted, and brilliant individuals who are passionate about their engagement in theater. My friends involved in theater are extremely accepting and kind in any interaction we share, as well as always willing to help whenever necessary. They’re also quite eclectic, making every rehearsal spent unpredictable and fun. 

What is your most memorable takeaway from this experience?

On a daily basis, I am influenced by the love and positivity that is shared by everyone in the crew, pit, and the cast. Importantly, I’ve maintained special connections with my teachers who are caring and aware of our needs. This sense of close knit community is what makes putting together the musical a genuinely magical experience. 

What other activities are you involved in at school (clubs, honors societies, sports, etc)?

The activities I am involved in at Hunterdon Central include Thespian Honors Society, Madrigals, Chorale, Fiddle Club, Tri-M Music Honors Society, Cabaret, National Honors Society, National Society of High School Scholars, and Science National Honors Society.

What do you enjoy about music at Hunterdon Central?

Music at Hunterdon Central has given me the space to explore and refine my passion for singing. I value Central’s music program, as its teachers recognize the need to always be learning and evolving for betterment of the program as a whole. I’ve gained knowledge from both peers and mentors who have the determination to make our performances as polished as possible.

How has Central’s music department affected your life?

Central’s music department has taught me the vast majority of what every performer needs in their performance tool box. Thespian Honors Society, Tri-M Music Honors Society, Chorale, Madrigals, and Fiddle Club are few of many music-related opportunities that Central offers to its students, and that I am happy to participate in. Women’s Choir and Advanced String Orchestra, which I am also involved with, are two of many curricular music classes which Hunterdon Central offers.

What activities do you participate in outside of school?

My main job right now is pet sitting for various neighbors. 

What do you enjoy about pet sitting?

Pet sitting gives me a sense of responsibility that is needed in any job. It also builds a level of trust between the neighbors that I live near and myself.

How has pet sitting affected your life?

For someone who is not able to work a multi-hour long shift at a store or restaurant alongside school, pet sitting provides flexibility to choose the hours that work best for me.

What do you do for fun?

I find it invaluable to spend time with family and friends for fun. I enjoy singing while my father accompanies me on the piano, as well as practicing my other instruments. I enjoy taking walks with my beloved dog, Milo, as well.

What is your favorite thing/thing you will miss most from Central?

My favorite activities which I will miss most from Central are the musicals. The effort, people, time, and love that went into putting together a fantastic show will always be special to me.

Name at least one thing you want to do before you graduate?

For Cabaret, I’d like to sing a classical German aria called, ¨Er, der Herrlichste von Allen,¨ by Robert Shumann. 

Plans after high school? College? Career?What are you looking forward to after high school?

I plan to major in vocal performance with a concentration in classical voice for college. I admire the art of opera, and I like singing it, too. I look forward to all of the musical endeavors that I hope to experience in my college years and beyond.

What is one way you have changed since freshman year?

I went from wanting to be a music major my freshman year, and following that I had a change of heart as I wanted to be a nursing major my sophomore year. After Les Misérables happened, I decided to apply to college as a vocal performance major. 

Pretend you are talking to your freshman self: what would you say to them?

I’d say to her, good luck and keep trying your best!

COLTON SHEAF

How long have you been a part of the musical productions at Central? Which performance was your favorite? What was your favorite role you have gotten to play?

I have been a part of the musical productions at Central since my Junior Year. Last year’s performance of Les Miserables will always have a special place in my heart as it was the first show I was in, but this year’s production of Cinderella has been one of the greatest experiences. My favorite role I’ve gotten to play was John Proctor in The Crucible. 

How do you prepare for a performance?

I start by looking at my script, reading it thoroughly and getting a feel for the character and the story. I then will see if there’s any movie adaptations and will watch other performances on YouTube to get more of a feel for the scene or show. In terms of show day or the days leading up to a show, I try to just rest up.

What makes this group unique compared to the other cubs at Central? 

The theater department at Central is different from other clubs and after school activities at Central because there are many different pieces and disciplines that come together to create one thing. For example, there are actors, directors, lighting, sound, costumes and it all comes together to create an extraordinary final product. 

What is your most memorable takeaway from this experience?

I’ve learned a lot of things from this experience. Most of all I’ve learned patience and work ethic. Being in the theater world is a very time demanding activity to be a part of but if you are dedicated and love what you are doing, it is the most fun and fulfilling experience. 

You are also on stage crew, how did being a part of both the performance and set up change your perspective?

I started on stage crew my junior year doing lighting for both the 11/12 and 9/10 plays. Stage crew was my first introduction to the theater world and is what pushed me to audition for the musical, along with my friends that I made through it. I am so grateful that I’ve been able to be a  part of both the performance and crew as it gives you a full perspective on how everything works and comes together both on stage and behind the scenes. 

What do you do for fun?

Songwriting takes up a good amount of my free time these days. I love taking storytelling and music and putting them together. 

What is your favorite thing/thing you will miss most from Central?

I will most miss my memories, experiences, and people that have come from Central. 

Name at least one thing you want to do before you graduate?

I want to release at least one of my songs before I graduate. 

Plans after high school? College? Career? What are you looking forward to after high school?

I am looking at going into either technical theater with a concentration in lighting design or a music degree such as songwriting for music technology. If I decide to study lighting design, my hope is to go to Rutgers. If I decide to study Music, I would be studying at Berklee College of Music. 

What is one way you have changed since freshman year?

My confidence and willingness to step out of my comfort zone has grown tremendously since freshman year. While my confidence has grown, I have always made it a point to stay humble and grounded. 

Pretend you are talking to your freshman self: what would you say to them?

Stick to doing what you love and work hard to meet your goals.