While audiences are used to watching actors tell a story on stage, the personal journeys of the performers bringing those characters to life often remain unheard. This month, seniors Allyson Jezyk and Sarah Ruebenson take to the Westmont Theatre Department’s stage as the leads in the Dolly Parton show, “9-5 the Musical.” In this classic and timeless story, three women stand up to their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical boss and take control of their dysfunctional office. With themes of feminism in the workplace, this story remains highly relevant today. Today, we have the opportunity to hear about the journeys of two incredible actresses that portray these resilient women.
Sarah Ruebenson
What is your favorite part about performing/theatre?
I like the confidence that it gives me. Just knowing that I spent so much time working on something and now I can share what I’ve done with other people, who enjoy it, gives me joy.
What is your favorite role?
The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods! In freshman year I stepped into a big role, but in sophomore year I was given a large role. There was a lot of emotional baggage that came with that role and I felt like I really started growing in the department. I also loved my castmates!
Do you plan to continue performing after highschool?
Hopefully. In terms of shows I’m not sure, it depends on college, my worldload, stuff like that. But, hopefully I will still be singing in churches and stuff like that.
What moment/experience changed your point of view about the arts?
Going way, wayyy back, my music teacher in elementary and middle school, Mrs. Aarons, once told me, “I think you should do musical theatre.” While I did mandatory spring concerts and sang at school, they weren’t really shows. She always supported me and she was the first person that inspired me to start musicals.
Tell me a bit about your recent directing project. How has your experience as a performer impacted you as a director?
I just directed a one act called “Just Girls Talking.” It was performed in the Northern California Theater Play Festival where we competed against 8 other schools and got 2nd place! We thought we wouldn’t have an opportunity to perform mainstage, but suddenly I was told “You’re going and you’re performing mainstage!” So we will be performing mainstage at the California State Thespian Festival in southern California in March.
Being a performer, you understand what the actors are going through. So when you’re a director, it becomes so much more of a collaborative effort rather than just, “I’m going to lead this, I’m taking control.” Because you know where they are coming from, you sympathize with them, and you want to ask them “How do you feel about this?” “How are you doing online?” “Do you think this would be helpful?” But you also have to take some responsibility and have a plan, but I think it is really helpful knowing where they come from.
What do you hope people take away from the arts?
That hard work pays off and it’s important that we get to tell these stories to hopefully make people feel seen and heard, and also just have fun. The journey of becoming a leader, in any department, but specifically the arts, is incredible and you should seize every opportunity you get. Always put your best foot forward and keep your chin up. Any leader will see that and see your potential. Even if you’re scared, you don’t think you’re good enough, just jump into it, and you’ll grow.