Each Monday between now and the opening of Sister Act! we will highlight one of the seniors who will be taking the stage on March 26th through the 29th (7pm, 7pm, 7pm, and 2pm). This week we will be highlighting Jailyn Hall who will be portraying Sister Mary Robert in the upcoming production of Sister Act! and is the daughter of Travis and Jessica Hall.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS, and what characters/roles did you play?
I have participated in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, White Christmas, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Oklahoma and Six as a member of the ensemble. I then played the role of Mush in Newsies, and now playing Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act.
What was your favorite musical and why?
White Christmas and Newsies have been my favorite musicals. White Christmas was a small cast and a fun group of kids, while I loved all the dancing in Newsies.
What scene in Sister Act is your favorite and why? (This does not have to be a scene you are in)
My favorite scenes are always the group dances. I love being on stage with everyone and enjoying the moment.
What are three things being in the musical has taught you, and how have you learned these?
- Musicals have taught me to enjoy every moment. A musical is something that you work so hard for for three months straight, and then it is over in a weekend. So it has taught me not to wish anything away.
- Musicals have also given me confidence. Starting my musical career, I was scared about being on stage, afraid to embarrass myself, but now it is senior year, and I have gained confidence.
- Musicals have also taught me to step outside of my comfort zone. It has pushed me to try things I never thought I would.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
- A piece of advice I would give is to know that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, so you have to be all in and know what you are getting into.
- Another piece of advice I would give is to be willing to learn. There are a lot of little details involved in musicals, so you have to be prepared to be given corrections and be open for feedback.
What qualities do you see exemplified in the adults who help put on this show that you will take with you as you leave NCHS, and how do they demonstrate these qualities?
The adults who help with the musical show a lot of dedication and care, that’s something I will take with me. They put in so much time and effort, often using their own free time to make sure everything gets done. A lot of what they do happens behind the scenes, but it’s what makes the show happen. It’s clear how much they care about the students and the success of the musical.
What about Sister Act is different from other musicals you have been in?
What makes Sister Act different from other musicals I’ve been in is that this year I am a senior. Being a senior means stepping into a leadership role and knowing that others are looking up to you. This experience has made me more aware of my actions because I know I am setting an example for the underclassmen. I want to make sure I am always doing the right thing and being someone others can rely on, which has made this musical feel more meaningful and different from the rest.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
I will miss the people the most. They’re the ones I spend so much of my time with, and I’ve been in musicals with some of them for over four years. By the end of each show, we really become like a family, and it’s going to be hard not being involved in musicals without these friends.
