Performing Arts Insights: Mandy Gonzalez & Community Theater
I’m from Los Angeles, California, and I remember there was a performing arts group that I worked with that my grandma found from “LA Weekly” magazine or whatever. It was called “Rock Theater,” and we would sing rock music and theater music. It was my training ground because I was with other students, other young people, that loved what I loved. I was no longer this oddball. I could express myself and sing “Annie” at the top of my lungs and feel like other people would sing along and know the words.
Why am I sharing this part of my life with you today? I think it’s important to have a safe place in your community where you can go to truly express yourself and find acceptance. Theater is that for so many people. I know it was definitely that place for me.
Inspiration Found in Communities
I recently saw “Hercules” at the Public Theater as part of the Public Works program. The musical had professional actors. I had friends that were in it. But, then, the production also had actors from the local community who had never been on a stage before. They had to do their pieces. They had to make this production together.
It was so inspiring. They had people of all ages in it.
I think about it, and I remember myself as a young person. I think about how incredible it would have been to have shared a stage with professionals at a young age and just watch them and learn from them. Although I think it’s so important that Broadway is one stop and one place where incredible theater happens, never forget that amazing theater experiences can happen all over.
It’s important. It’s why I believe it’s important when I do a concert. It’s one of the things that I love because some people who attend say, “I could never make it to New York, but here you are singing this for me.”
Online Performing Arts Education
While pursuing a performing arts education and after, it’s important that you give back to your community. As far as you go, it’s important to look back and also take some people with you. Don’t ever forget where you came from wherever you go in life. Don’t ever forget that the more you give back to your community, the more your community continues to thrive and give back to everyone.
