The Studio Rockford

Meet Gabe! Gabe has been doing theatre since elementary school, but became more fully committed around 7th grade. Throughout high school he stayed heavily involved in both school and outside productions, participating in musicals, plays, and improv shows. He auditioned for his school’s show choir and was one of ten students selected, was part of Concert Choir and Choraleers, Voices of Harlem, and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society throughout high school.

Beyond performance, he was involved in Harlem Drama Club as an ambassador and served as an ambassador for Harlem Music Boosters as well. He attended the Illinois Theatre Association’s TheatreFest all four years of high school and had the opportunity to audition during two of those years. He also had the chance to perform with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Foreigner.

When asked about a special Studio memory, Gabe said, “During my first Studio show, Grimm, Adam delivered his famous “moment in the middle” speech. It was the first time I had heard it, and I’ve carried it with me in everything I’ve done since. I’ve learned to embrace those “middle moments,” because even though things go by quickly, those are the moments that stay with you forever.”

Gabe plans on pursuing a degree in K–12 Music Education beginning at Rock Valley College.

Gabe’s favorite show with us was Shrek! He said, “It was such a fun experience where I got to showcase my vocals, spend time with some of my closest friends, and discover how much fun it is to play an outrageous character, one of the Three Little Pigs. I’d also like to give a shout out to the other two actors who played the pigs, Sawyer and TK, for making me feel welcome in the role and for all the fun we had together.”

He adds, “I am eternally grateful for all of the amazing staff and students at the Studio. I am so thankful for everything that I have learned, and everything that has brought me to where I am in life.”

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We can’t wait to hear from you!

Meet Dom!

When asked how he got connected to the Studio, Dom said, “I originally got connected to the Studio in kind of a funny way. I remember watching shows, seeing people who were my age and being amazed by their talent and skills. I never thought that someday it would be me up on stage. My Mom let me know one day that she had signed me up for an audition for Grimm, and I was really upset because I had no idea what to do. When I got to auditions I got sick and had to do a video audition, hoping that was my way out of it. But after auditions and my first show I had a blast and realized it was something I really loved to do, and I have done shows ever since. I don’t know how this is possible, but I have had even more fun every single show that I do.”

When asked about a special memory, Dom said, “Something I have always loved about the Studio is having friends everywhere you go. My first rehearsal ever, a group of people saved me a seat and acted like we had been friends forever, even though I had never met them. From then everyone has been so inclusive and truly cares about everyone else. I have met the coolest people and have made life-long friends. It really is like a family.”

Dom will be attending Concordia University Wisconsin and studying Interior Architecture and Design.

Dom’s favorite show with us was Girls of Summer (2024). He said, “that is when I became close with a lot of friends and it felt like the moment when I finally broke out of my shell. I loved all of my interactions on and off stage with so many wonderful people! It was so cool hearing other people talking about how much they loved the show and how I got to be a part of that.”

He adds, “I will forever be grateful for all of the wonderful friends I have made along the way. You truly are the best people and I am so glad that our paths have crossed! I am so grateful for all of the directors and teachers that I have had as well, you have helped me not only become a better performer but a better person as well. These years at the Studio have shaped me into the person I am and I will always be thankful.”

Swipe to see some advice from Dom ——>

Meet Remy! Remy got connected to the Studio through her school. She said, “My school always took field trips to see all the shows: Suessical, Honk, James, Peter Pan, and Little Mermaid. A lot of kids my age and older were involved with the Studio and they talked about how fun it was. When I heard that their next show was Lion King Jr., I knew I had to start too! During one of the Little Mermaid performances, I wrote a bunch of questions on a piece of paper and ten year-old me went straight up to Adam at the sound booth, getting all the answers. It’s a funny memory I look back on often!”

When asked to share a special memory, Remy said, “During Shrek, I was in a car accident that left me feeling shaken. When I returned to perform opening night, there was no shortage of hugs and well-wishes from the whole cast. Adam announced that I had returned and I received applause. It helped remind me how cherished I am in the Studio.”

When asked about her favorite show, Remy said, “My favorite show that I’ve been involved with was Lion King (2024). I was the lead of the show, Rafiki, and I had an absolute blast in a type of role that I’d never really been in before! It showed me what I was really capable of.”

Remy adds, “I’m very thankful for Sam Walsh and Ava Pearcy. They were both there for good days and they were there for bad days. They were there for laughs and for tears and for hugs and for rants. I will never forget the kindness these two have extended to me, nor is there any possible way I could repay it. They’ve shown me what it truly means to be a Christian and a good person.”

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Meet Marissa! Marissa started doing musicals at The Studio when she was 8 years old back in 2016.

She said, “My parents signed me up for the “Once Upon A Time” camp and from there I was hooked on theater! After doing many musicals I decided to start taking dance lessons because that was my favorite element of musical theater. I began dancing when I was 9 and started taking classes at the studio as soon as they started offering them! Since then, I’ve been taking classes at the Studio and have competed with my High School’s dance team.”

When asked to share a special memory, Marissa said, “The friends I have met through the studio have become like family! My favorite memories are being able to perform with the people I love most! Every show creates a plethora of hilarious and joyous memories that I will always cherish!”

In the fall, Marissa will be attending Saint Louis University and majoring in Aviation Flight Science and Aviation Management.

When asked about her favorite shows, she said, “My favorite show is tied between Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2016 because it was my first ever show and Into the Woods because it was a unique, challenging, and fulfilling experience!”

She says, “I will forever be thankful for The Studio because it gave me the confidence that I have today! I’ve learned to take chances, be spontaneous, and to try new things; all things I will take with me and use in my future!”

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Meet Brendan! Brendan’s first show with us was James and the Giant Peach back in 2017.

Brendan has done quite a number of shows with us over the years, but his favorite was Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2023)!

Brendan said that show “was my favorite because I got to spend the entire show with all of my friends on stage and off, also the show itself was just amazing and the whole cast came together to create something perfect!”

Brendan said he is “forever grateful for the Walshes for making my time at the studio fit effortlessly with running and supporting me and the group I do it with in both ventures. Even more grateful to the guys in that group who were with me throughout the entirety of high school during shows, running, and school. Sam Walsh, Evan White, Joel White.”

Brendan will be attending UIUC this fall to study advertising!

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We’ve still got some seniors to celebrate! Meet Alex! Alex has been performing with us since High School Musical back in 2022!

When asked to shared a special memory about his time at the Studio, Alex said, “More than a specific moment in particular, the Studio as a whole has really helped me shape my own beliefs about art and its purposes through its many musicals, classes, and recitals. At the studio, there are so many supportive individuals who want to help you on your path that there’s no way you won’t be exposed to new and exciting perspectives about your art, and it’s a safe space to find what works for you as an artist without excessive judgement. Through the studio, I’ve learned more about myself and how I want my art to be viewed than I ever would have without all the interaction it brought me.”

Alex said, “My favorite class with the studio has been voice with Adam - yes, we sing and I learn a lot, but we’ve spent hours at this point just yapping to each other about anything music related and obsessing over songs that we find cool. If there’s one thing I’ll take away from the studio, it’s all of the random things (vocally and generally) that I’ve learned from Adam.”

Alex will be attending Temple University, where he’ll be pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre!

Alex said, “I’ll never forget when I landed my first role at the studio. It was the first time I really felt like I could make it and put myself out there as an actor, and it was the perfect introductory experience with the perfect people into the career that I’m developing now. I’m so incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that The Studio Rockford has provided me.”

Swipe to see some advice from Alex -—>