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 Anybodys – Cosette Pin, Click HERE.

Name: Skylar Knight
Age: 19
“West Side Story” character: Bernardo

1) How did you discover the Beal Musical Theatre program?
Well, my friends suggested the program to me in the first semester of 2014/2015.

Students from my classes of Grade 12 Drama, and Directors Craft were also interested in auditioning, and even more were already accepted into the program.

Luckily for me, they had a second audition in November to fill in the open spots available.

So I decided to audition, and I got in!

2) What personal skills do you bring to your character?
My character, Bernardo, is a strong, proud and cheeky young man.

I have a lot of experience and achievements in physical activities, such as; boxing, track&field, football etc., which helps in terms of the “look” for Bernardo. He is aesthetically built and always walks tall with his chin up. His attitude and short temper makes him a very intimidating, and dangerous person.

I feel like I could bring out these characteristics instinctively even though me and this particular character are very different in terms of personality.

3) What has been the toughest challenge, personal or acting, that you’ve faced during the rehearsals of this production?
Without a doubt, the toughest challenge I had to face in the show was balancing my personal life with the “BMT life.”

BMT is a very professional and serious program. Don’t get me wrong, I am having fun every single day I am here! Every single member in Beal Musical Theatre are genuine and kind people.

The cast, lighting crew, sound crew, hair & make up etc., they’re all passionate about the program, as am I.

I’m just saying, not a single day was wasted during this production! From the beginning, and till the end, and that’s how it should be.

4) Name the three songs that got the most listens on your playlist in the past 4 weeks.
Ed Sheeran- “I see fire”
Drake- “Hold on, we’re going home”
Above, Beyond, Richard Bedford- “Sun & Moon”

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?
I actually hadn’t even thought about acting until I switched to Beal Secondary last year.

I guess I just quickly grew a passion for it and loved the positive energy it brought to me. If the opportunities come to progress in acting, I will take them for sure.

From each pair below pick one.

a) Instagram or Snapchat
Instagram, I like my pictures to last longer then 10 seconds.

b) New York or Hollywood
Hollywood, I dislike the cold

c) Singing or Dancing
Singing, I’m not the best singer. However I enjoy doing it more often than dancing.

d) Math class or English class
Math class. I’m not very good but, I like the concept of math. Numbers are very interesting. I also like a challenge, and math never disappoints.

e) Jets or Sharks
Sharks, all the way.

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!