By Nupur Apte, Mira Nayak, and Penny Nunes
In everyone’s life there is one person who lights up each room they enter, simply by just walking in and smiling. In this case, a particular person lights up the whole stage when she walks through the curtain. Drawing dozens of eyesto her as she remains in character no matter what,hat person is the wonderful and passionate Jillian Mendelson, who never stops working. Constantly practicing her lines and choreography, never giving up despite how draining it is, Jillian has been in 30 shows across her whole life, two being at Westmont thus far. She plans to continue expressing her passion for theater throughout her senior year. Only a sophomore, Jillian has shown her dedication to theater through each performance, and her incredible acting has not gone unnoticed. Anyone who has seen her perform, singing wise or acting wise, knows that she has a natural gift and something special inside her that allows for each show to be that much better, just by her being in it.
Here is a look into Jillian’s inside experience and her plans for the future.
When did you start acting? When did you start singing?
I started acting when I was four. After seeing a children’s production of “Willy Wonka” my brother decided he wanted to take part in one, but I wasn’t quite old enough yet and joined once I could. I’ve been singing since I can remember. My parents started taking me to music classes at the ripe age of two weeks old. My dad is a local children’s musician and I performed alongside him at libraries and events for many years. My love of music has since blossomed, and I now sing in musicals, for fun, and at the occasional event.
Is theater something you want to pursue as a career?
Theater is definitely something I have considered pursuing as a career. I love the art of acting in general, so I’ve also thought about screen acting and other ways that I could incorporate this into my life. Even if I don’t end up having a career in it, It definitely will be a part of me in some way.
What’s the hardest part of theater?
For me, the hardest part of theater is letting go. Sometimes, you have to be ok with embarrassing yourself, and sometimes that can be a challenge. You really have to not worry about what others think and try and put your best foot forward on any given day.
What’s your favorite part of theater?
My favorite part of theater is the creative freedom it comes with. Well there is always a script, being able to figure out a character and shape it into something original is really neat.
During a show, approximately how many hours do you spend preparing (rehearsal, at home, etc)?
We typically rehearse for six days a week, for about two months. Outside of rehearsals, I spend some time on my own memorizing lines and figuring out my character. During a show day/week we come in an hour and a half before start time to get warmed up and ready altogether, and I always prioritize health and rest during the week of performances.
What’s your favorite play or musical you’ve done?
I think two of my favorites would have to be “School of Rock” at Palo Alto Players in 2022 and “Seussical” at CMTSJ in 2024. These shows are stand outs due to how amazing the casts were and how much I loved the productions themselves.
Who inspires you as an artist?
I have a lot of inspirations. In general, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift will always be huge inspirations in terms of dedication, passion, and the way they both build a strong community around them. As for the theater world, I would say I have had a few directors and choreographers in my personal life that have inspired me greatly.
Do you have any preshow rituals?
Honestly, I don’t have any superstitions or warm ups that I consistently do before shows, but I would definitely say listening to music to get myself energized is something I do a lot of the time. Also… going to the bathroom right before a show starts is a must.
Where’s the coolest place you’ve performed a show or sung before?
The theater company CMT San Jose’s shows take place at the Montgomery theater which is beautiful, and their annual galas take place at the civic center which has been one of my favorite places to perform!
What’s your biggest goal as an artist?
My biggest goal is to always keep working on improving. I know there will always be ways I can get better and I never want to settle.
