This is one in a series of interviews with actors in Beal secondary school’s “West Side Story.”
For Riff – Henry Firmston, click HERE
For Bernardo – Skylar Knight, click HERE
Name: Cosette Pin
Age: 18
“West Side Story” character: Anybodys
1) How did you discover the Beal Musical Theatre program?
Beal Musical Theatre has an excellent reputation throughout London. In fact, I believe it would be hard not to hear about it if you are involved in youth theatre in any capacity in the city.
I would say the first time I really discovered the program was when I was 14.
I had recently been involved in the Grand Theatre’s High School Project, “Anything Goes,” and quite a few of my friends told me they were going to be in Beal’s production of “Phantom of the Opera;” naturally, I went to support. I have to admit, it was probably the best high school performance I have ever seen.
At that point it was always the plan to audition for the program. I only left it until now so that I could complete my SHSM in technical theatre at St. Thomas Aquinas.
2) What personal skills do you bring to your character?
There are a lot of parallels between this particular character and myself, so I bring a lot of my own personal experience into my characterization.
For instance, I grew up with four brothers, all of whom I love dearly, but being the only girl in a house full of rowdy boys and also being the middle child perpetuates a constant need to prove yourself in every circumstance; sports, academics, music, etc.
I believe that need drives Anybodys as a character, so sharing that allows me to connect with the character on an emotional level and really put myself in her mind-space.
Although, a perk of living with four brothers is that I have an inadvertent knack for stage combat, which DEFINITELY comes in handy for this particular show and role.
3) What has been the toughest challenge, personal or acting, that you’ve faced during the rehearsals of this production?
One of the hardest things for me in this production has been the level of physicality required.
There are so many intense dance and combat sequences, and even our set requires control and concentration to move on.
Of the musical theatre trifecta, dance has always been my weakest, so this was a huge challenge for me.
This show is also particularly difficult because of the dark subject matter it deals with. Personally, I find it hard to stay positive and to avoid becoming emotionally drained.
You learn to find things to make your everyday life lighter to compensate. Naturally, I binge-watched the entire first season of “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” while cuddling my cat.
She was unimpressed.
4) Name the three songs that got the most listens on your playlist in the past 4 weeks.
I am not embarrassed to admit that I am an acapella junkie, so most of my playlist over the past four weeks consists of acapella music.
“Libertango” – Swingle Singers
“Run to You” – Pentatonix
The final performance for Pitch Perfect
5) Five years ago did you ever imagine that you would be on stage performing in front of thousands of people? Do you think you’ll still be performing five years in the future?
When I was 10 years old I made up my mind that I would have a life in the theatre, and since then have continued performing and working on production for numerous theatre companies in London.
So performing in front of thousands of people is certainly something that I have constantly imagined and have already been fortunate enough to experience.
I would love to still be performing in five years, but my focus has recently shifted more toward theatre production, for which I will be attending university in the fall.
From each pair below pick one.
a) Instagram or Snapchat
Snapchat- To be completely honest, I do not have an Instagram account!
b) New York or Hollywood
New York- I adore the city.
My mom grew up in New York, so we often go there, and every time I fall in love with it a little more.
Also, on a bit of a geeky side note, I could spend the rest of my life in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, particularly the Ancient Greece exhibit.
c) Singing or Dancing
Singing- I think that dance and movement is a beautiful and expressive art form and I am incredibly impressed by anyone who can dance without looking like a flailing penguin.
That being said, I am not one of those people.
d) Math class or English class
English Class- English class has always been interesting to me because I love the connection formed by literature.
I feel as if I am having a conversation with an author thousands of years in the past, and that’s just cool!
e) Jets or Sharks
Sharks- The Jets are jerks!
I feel as if the Sharks became a gang out of necessity, whereas the Jets are just angst filled teenagers with nothing better to do. I also just appreciate the culture and the passion of the Sharks.
Beal secondary school’s “West Side Story.”
May 6-9, 2015
Performance begins at 7:30pm
Running time: 2h15m
Tickets in advance are $15, at the door $20
All performances take place at Beal Secondary School, 525 Dundas Street, London, On.
Click this link for tickets.
This post is kindly sponsored by Budweiser Gardens Broadway in London series. The best of Broadway – right here in London!
What did you think?
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