Jessilyn Hall daughter of Travis and Jessica Hall will perform the role of Tessie in the NCHS Musical production of White Christmas on December 16-19th.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS and what characters/roles did you play?
Throughout my musical career I took part in Mary Poppins, Cinderella (Dancer), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Asher’s Wife), and White Christmas (Tessie).
What was your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical thus far was Cinderella. As a freshman in the musical, I danced and participated in minor roles. I enjoyed being a part of the cast and having fun with those around me. As freshmen a couple of us were assigned to set props as the show went on. Even though this may seem like a minor job, I loved being able to help in any way possible.
What scene in White Christmas is your favorite and why?
My favorite scene in White Christmas is the finale. When the whole cast comes together for one final song a feeling of joy and accomplishment runs through your body. We always strive to have big endings and as the show comes to a close there is no better way to finish.
What are three things being in the musical have taught you? and how have you learned these?
One thing musical has taught me is to “roll with the punches.” As a freshman, looking forward, the four years of high school that I had in mind did not go as planned. But the show must go on. Even if that means you wait a year. The directors did everything in their power to give us an opportunity to perform and I greatly appreciate that. Another thing musical has taught me is that you can find friendships in people you wouldn’t expect. Musicals bring students from different friend groups, grades and backgrounds together as one big family. A third thing musical has taught me is how to manage time. Between practices and homework, you must manage your time in order to get everything accomplished.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
A piece of advice that I would give to anyone interested in doing musicals is to have patience and have fun. Practices are long and hot but they are necessary in order to perform shows like we do. Along with hours of practicing every week, you must remember to have fun in order to perform at your best. Every part is essential to bring the whole show together.
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?
Everybody that helps in the musical is dedicated and sacrifices their time to be with us. All of the directors have children that they rarely get to spend time with. Set construction and costume workers volunteer time out if their day to help as well. Without the determination to get things accomplished and push us to do our best, musicals would not be possible.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
Although I will miss the pre show jitters and the feeling you get when the curtain opens for the first time, the thing I will miss the most is the friendships I have made along the way. Throughout the last four years I have had friends come and go but the memories we made will last a lifetime. Our backstage conversations, “Pow Wows” in the hallway and nicknames for each other always reminds me why I am a part of this big musical family.
