Author: Jeilianne Vazquez

By Jeilianne Vazquez

It’s APO Big/Little Week at GTA! APO stands for Alpha Psi Omega, which is the National Theatre Honor Society, and GTA’s chapter is the Alpha Beta Kappa Cast. APO’s philanthropy is Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which helps men, women, and children across the country receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling, and emergency financial assistance. Learn more at AlphaPsiOmega.org.

For Big/Little Week, GTA student Bigs have been leaving secret gifts and notes for their Littles to get them excited for the reveal today! Everyone enjoys the process (especially me!), and I have reached out to several Bigs who want to leave a message for their Littles and tell us why they love being a part of APO!

Why do you love APO?

Anna Nowosielski: APO is a wonderful community, it’s helped me feel closer to people within GTA and it’s so fun to be a part of events!
Emily Starace: I love APO because it is a really amazing community of people who share the same interests. We all strive to be the best that we can be and hype each other up!
Sarah Kay: I love APO for a few reasons, but the first reason that comes to mind is the fact that it’s an organization that has been encouraging theatrical excellence for almost 100 years. To be a part of something that so many actors have taken part in before me is an honor.
Jeilianne Vazquez: APO is a great organization with a beautiful community of people!

 
 
 
 
 

Who is your Little and how excited are you about the reveal?

Anna Nowosielski: My Little is the amazing Maddie Watts! I’m so, so excited for the reveal! Ever since I joined APO I’ve been so excited to get a Little and I couldn’t be happier with the one I got!
Emily Starace: My Little is the amazingly talented and brilliant Paris Aguilar! I am super excited for reveal!! I already love her so much and I cannot wait to continue to grow our friendship as Big and Little.
Sarah Kay: My Little is Joshua Daugherty! He actually won’t be at the reveal as far as I know, so I’m a little bummed. He casually mentioned it and I had to hide my disappointment so he wouldn’t know that I’m his Big. Haha.
Jeilianne Vazquez: I have the honor of having two Littles! My twins are Michelle Stover and Brianna Gutierrez! These are two beautiful and talented ladies and I’m so excited to be their Big and for the reveal!

 
 
 
 

If your Little is reading this, what message would you like to share?

Anna Nowosielski: I know you’re going to do incredible things, because you’re already killing it. I don’t know you super well, but just from getting to know you this past semester, your kindness and your humor is truly wonderful, I can’t wait to watch you grow in this program!
Emily Starace: Paris, if you are reading this, know that you have my whole heart and I adore you!! You are so sweet and truly a light to everyone you encounter. I am so honored to be your Big! I LOVE YOU!!
Sarah Kay: I am so, so proud to be your Big! I genuinely believe that you will have a big and important impact on theatre, whether it be in writing, directing, acting, or whatever else you choose to do. I haven’t seen you fail in the theatre. Everything you touch is filled with individuality and truth. I have never met anyone so filled with a lust for understanding of the world and how theatre impacts and reflects it. You will do great things.
Jeilianne Vazquez: Michelle, just know I’ve always noticed you! I remember seeing you and thinking, “Whose that pretty, shy girl with the cute glasses and curls?” You reminded me of me, HEHE! I can’t wait to get to know you more and I’m so excited! Brianna, you wonderful being! You are so talented and I loved the time we spent together during Living Out! I’m so happy to be your Big!

Why should future students consider joining APO?

Anna Nowosielski: The biggest part of APO for me is the sense of community and leadership opportunities it can provide! And now that we’re able to do in person events again, it’s gonna be even more exciting!
Emily Starace: Future students should consider joining APO because it is 1) A TON OF FUN and 2) a really good chance to form bonds with people in the program that you wouldn’t already have. It really is a welcoming community of people and I love knowing and existing with all of these amazing artists.
Sarah Kay: APO is such a fun thing to be a part of. Between cabarets and philanthropy events, there are always ways to pitch in to help the community here.
Jeilianne Vazquez: APO is a great way to bond with your fellow GTA peers and there are so many opportunities! I cannot wait to see what we do this year!

By Jeilianne Vazquez

“We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community–and this nation.” –César Chávez

Today is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, a month honoring and celebrating Hispanic/Latino cultural and historical impact. We end this month’s celebration by getting to know BA Theatre major Nickolas Gonzalez and BA Theatre and Dance major Brianna Gutierrez. GTA audiences may remember Nicko from last year’s GTA New Play Festival, in the short plays Sex Eyes (Daniel), Little Bonnie Blue-Bell (Benny Harper), and Asking for a Friend (Ryan). Audiences will remember Brianna from New Play Festival shorts Sex Eyes (Jailine), The Séance Respond Squad (Sasha), The Cryptic Case of Howard Hart (Mrs. Hart), as well as 2019’s Pippin, and most recently Living Out (Sandra).

What is your current major? What do you hope to do after graduation?

Nicko: I am currently majoring in BA Theatre. My hope after I graduate is to work with theatre in some aspect. I have always had a dream of working professionally whether that is National Tours, Off-Broadway or Broadway but recently I have delivered a new dream. I want to teach theatre to students. I was inspired by my old high school theatre teacher that theatre is more than the recognition or the applause for less than a minute. Theatre changes life and has changed mine for the better. My goal in life is to spread the power of theatre.

Brianna: I am currently a double major pursuing my BA in Dance and Theater. After school, I plan on working on cruise lines, then a few national tours, and then head to Broadway to either choreograph and or be a part of some amazing ensembles.

What does being Hispanic/Latino mean to you?

Nicko: Being Puerto Rican and Cuban gives me a sense of purpose and understanding who I am.

Brianna: For me, being Afro-Latina is very important to me. I lived with my grandparents for a while in some beautiful Latin American countries that are my home and neglect the fact that my family is Latina/o just because of the darkness of my skin is something I did for a long time but do not anymore because I am proud of where I come from and always will be.

How has your family and their culture impacted you? Any unique family traditions?

Nicko: I always love hearing new stories from my parents and other relatives on how I got here. The stories never get old! I think the way we live our everyday lives is so different from everyone else. Simple things like greeting everyone in the room with a kiss and making sure the people we care about are okay. Also my family is extremely close. Sometimes a little too close and I’m like, okay now let’s wait a minute. But I also love it at the same time. Some traditions my family conducts are getting together for the holidays, calling each other close to everyday and sleeping in the same room on Christmas Eve. There are so many more!

Brianna: I think it has really shaped my determination, work ethic, and my music taste as a performer and choreographer. I feel as though my family was not always blessed to not have to struggle. I grew up watching my grandparents work hard, my parents work even harder, and I feel as though within my industry I have to work even harder than my white counterparts because they can be seen playing any role while I am put into a box that I have to fight to escape.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage month? What does it mean to you?

Nicko: In a month like this I think about my grandparents coming to this country to give my parents a better life. My parents spend their lives making my life better and the kindness continues for generations. I spend this time reflecting and celebrating who I am.

Brianna: For me, I enjoy learning more about my own culture but also other countries’ cultures. My family is only from 2 out of so many Latin American countries so this month is a time to reflect, learn, and embrace others and myself. I honestly am glad we have the month because I learn something new every year but I truly wish that we were allowed to be proud of our culture everyday and that it may not define who we are as individual people but our community and traditions overall.

How does your family feel about theatre?

Nicko: When I first joined the theatre my family was okay. I have two brothers and ever since they were born have always had a ball in their hands. So my parents thought I would be the same, but (hehe) no. I really enjoy watching the people I care about play sports. I can be a strong fan but nothing else. My first show was Footloose and I played the Reverend (Father of Ariel). After the performance my mom was hollering because my dad and two brothers were crying during scenes. After I heard that I was like, wow. That’s the moment they knew I had a passion for theatre.

Brianna: My family is supportive but I promise it was not always like that. It took a lot of convincing before seeing that I could do this long term. After seeing me in Pippin my freshman year, I will never forget my mom just holding me and saying “I see it now.” She has never wanted me to struggle or have to work hard for things in life but after seeing how much work I have put in to be here and that the passion and love I have for theater is unmatched my whole family came around. I am so excited because for 9 to 5 my grandmother is flying in from Belize to see me perform in a musical for the first time and I am very excited. I lost my grandfather a few months ago and he never got to see me perform and so having her here is just something I hope can make them proud.

 

What do you love about theatre?

Nicko: I was so lost on what to do in the world but theatre gave me a purpose. I love the way theatre brings people together. Theatre has a goal, but while working towards it you develop new skills, learn new things and form memories to last you forever. At the end you broadcast your hard work to an audience. That audience can be impacted by that production for the rest of their lives. Theatre changes lives and tells stories that need to be told.

Brianna: I love getting to show that if I can do it, you can too. I grew up seeing people like Debbie Allen, Ariana Debose, and so many more women of color get their chance to shine on Broadway. I feel like I want to be that for some little girl. Theater has helped me get through some really dark times but to get here I have had to work super hard. Unfortunately, being a woman of color has worked against me more times than not but my talent and work ethic gets me in the door. Which I want to show, that us women of color can create a seat at the table. Even though we may be consistently uninvited we can for sure show that our work ethic and drive is unmatched. We can change hearts, tell stories, and change the world if we want to through theater.

What is something you want people to know about you?

Nicko: At this moment in my life I am allowing myself to be a student and trying not to plan my future. I have overwhelmed myself in the past trying to determine every moment of my life. Now I am going to allow myself to be a student and become a better artist.

Brianna:I want people to know that being black does not mean that we as individuals are just that. There are many of us with different cultural backgrounds and I encourage those who do not know to look into it. I am grateful that my family has a lot of records to trace back my lineage but I think knowing the truth in where you come from only makes you want to live life to the fullest and embrace the culture, the traditions, and the loves that others might have been discriminated against and/or beaten for.

Five years from now, where do you hope to be?

Nicko: In 5 years I hope to have graduated from Brenau with a BA in Theatre and hopefully working at a school teaching.

Brianna: Not in Georgia. I am just kidding, I honestly want to be working on a Broadway National Tour and be looking to move to NYC. I want to take the next 3 to 5 years to travel while performing because I have not gotten to explore the world in awhile and I just want to do what I love while getting to explore and navigate through different cities and countries.

By Jeilianne Vazquez

Happy October 1st! The official fall month, in my opinion! October is a great month to start off the fall festivities. Though times can be stressful, and we have those midterms approaching, fall has something about it that makes all things clear. Simple and festive! Some things I like to do around the fall time are binge Gilmore Girls, bring out my sweaters, go to a pumpkin patch, go hiking, and anything pumpkin spice (no shame)!

I asked senior BFA Musical Theatre major Allie Hill and sophomore BFA Theatre Design & Technology major Peyton Wehunt some of their favorite things about fall and their traditions!

What do you love to do for the fall season?

 Allie Hill: Around fall time, there are a few things I absolutely love to do! If there is a record store, a thrift store, and a small coffee shop, I’m there! A perfect fall day to me would be going to the city with my friends, having brunch, and spending all day walking around outside, talking, laughing, and drinking anything pumpkin-flavored. (Basic, I know, but I can’t help myself). I love to go on picnics, photo shoots, and long walks at the park during fall. Any time I can be in nature and surrounded by good music and good people is a perfect day to me.

 

 

 

Peyton Wehunt: Spend time outdoors! I work in a zipline park and seeing the leaves fall while out on the trails and courses makes me so happy! At work, we have a really big net trampoline way up in the air. We love to rake all the leaves in the middle of the net and take turns jumping into them!

 

 

 

 

Do you have any fall traditions?

Allie Hill: My roommates, Grace Deedrick, Abby Hand, and I have a tradition of decorating the minute it hits September 1st. We always say that we can’t control much in life, but we can control when we decorate for the holidays! We also like to take silly, spooky pictures together, and decorate cookies. When we have the time, we like to watch scary movies together, too! If the school year allows me to make it home for a weekend, I love to paint and/or carve pumpkins with my mom and go antiquing with her and my dad!

 

 

 

 

Peyton Wehunt: In the fall, my parents and I always go down to Orlando and spend a few days at Disney World! It’s the one time of year that all our work and school schedules line up, so we can spend some quality time together. It was actually on one of these trips many years back that I learned about the Disney College Program. While working at Disney, my love for theatre and creating was reignited and is what made me transfer to GTA!

 

 

 

 

What is a fall must-have?

Allie Hill: A fall must-have to me is a good pair of platform boots or combat boots! I love how browns and burgundys and blacks look on me, so those are usually my favorite colors to wear. I think having a staple button-down to layer with, and your favorite leather jacket can make any fall outfit elevated! Oh, and also, an iced pumpkin spice dirty chai, because duh.

Peyton Wehunt: I think everyone needs a good group of friends who are willing to do fall activities with them! Last year, my friends and I had a ghost photo shoot outside and had an incredible time doing it! I’m really looking forward to carving pumpkins and making those little ghost sugar cookies with my favorite people this year!

 

 

 

 

This is your sign to relax and enjoy the cool breeze! Take a walk, get that fall-themed drink, and enjoy the fall because it will be gone before you know it. (I highly encourage you to meet up with some friends and take some cute ghost photos!) Tag us @gainesvilletheatrealliance so we can join in all the fall fun!

“Autumn leaves don’t fall; they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” – Delia Owens

By Jeilianne Vazquez

COVID-19 is the worst. Last week, due to COVID, the opening weekend of Living Out was canceled. We had to reschedule the opening night and now are only able to perform four performances. GTA students have become pretty good at making the best of difficult situations, however, and Living Out is a show that no one should miss.

A big thing I’ve noticed on campus as a student is how confused we all are about how we approach coming back fully on campus. Masks are not required, but should we wear them? I’m vaccinated, so I’m good…right? I’m going to hang out with my friends…is that okay?

I am no doctor, and I am not certified to tell you how to live your life. But I’ve put together a few suggestions to help you continue to stay healthy this fall!

WASH YOUR HANDS

As an ex-employee of Chick-Fil-A (shout out and thank you for supporting GTA!), I am used to washing my hands a thousand times a day. You don’t need to do that, but I recommend washing your hands every time you enter a new building, before and after a class, and maybe after shaking hands with some new, just to name a few. (Of course, you should also wash them after you use the restroom…I hope I don’t have to tell you that!)

ALWAYS HAVE HAND SANITIZER

I have a bottle of hand sanitizer that I keep in my car to always have on hand. They are always nice to have and very convenient!

 

GET GOOD SLEEP

This is a piece of advice that I need to take myself. Getting quality sleep on a regular basis strengthens your immune system. Sleep is good for you in general, so I’m telling you (and myself) to get some sleep!

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

I feel like a mom telling you to do this, but take your vitamins, honey! Make sure you are taking vitamin C and vitamin D3 daily.

 

STAY AWAY AND STAY HOME

If you are sick (or even starting to feel sick), stay home. Also, be sure to tell your friends that you are feeling under the weather, so they know to stay away from you. And get some rest!

Stay healthy and stay safe. This semester is going by so fast! Let’s make it to the end as healthy as we can!

 

 

 

 

 

By Jeilianne Vazquez

Hispanic Heritage Month is a period from September 15-October 15 recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanics to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. It’s a month of celebration, remembering those who came before us, and recognizing the people who influence us now.

GTA has several students of Hispanic heritage that grace us with their hard work and dedication. I and two of my beautiful friends, Ethan and Marcello, share what being Hispanic (and this month) means to us.

What is your current major and what do you plan to do with your degree?

Jeilianne Vazquez: I am a junior BA Theatre major. I have interests in theatre, film, playwriting, and marketing. I love all four with a passion, so I think, for now, I will continue doing what I love and putting myself out there. Letting God open the doors. 

Ethan Baez: I am a junior theatre major pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in the program, and I’d like to use my degree to either perform professionally or teach high school.

Marcello Valencia: I am a BA Theatre major with a minor in entrepreneurship. I plan to pursue a career as an actor, but I’m also very interested in the business side of theatre and how it operates.

What does being Hispanic mean to you?

Jeilianne Vazquez: Being Hispanic means being unapologetically myself. I love being Puerto Rican. It is a beautiful culture and people. It’s the connection with our family and roots that make it all so wonderful. 

Ethan Baez: Being Hispanic means being proud! Growing up, I quickly learned that culture and family is something to be proud of, so I was always excited to learn new things concerning my Venezuelan heritage.

Marcello Valencia: Being Hispanic to me means having a rich culture full of love and passion. I have such fond memories of watching my dad cook and play his favorite salsa station on the TV while he made empanadas. The aroma that would fill the home was amazing and I always felt so special to be a part of a culture that was so centered around celebrating life and cherishing all the gifts we are given. Both of my grandparents came from a very poor rural part of Puerto Rico and I’m so fortunate to have parents and grandparents who were willing to work day in and day out for the chance to better their families. At the end of the day being Hispanic to me has truly shown me the importance of family and the endless possibilities I’m able to achieve.

How has your family and their culture impacted you? Any unique family traditions?

Jeilianne Vazquez: My family taught me to love music, dancing, food, and being a Latina in general. I listened to Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, Gloria Stefan, Jon Secada, Jesus Adrian Romero, and DLG. Whenever I was told I didn’t sound or look Latina enough, my mother would always remind me to be proud or quote her, “haters gonna hate.” My mother taught me a lot about Puerto Rican culture, and I loved hearing stories about her experience living in Puerto Rico and moving to Buffalo, New York. My father taught me bachata, salsa, and merengue! We would play music and dance in the kitchen. He taught me the proper steps and how to move my body. The downside is that I feel awkward dancing with anyone else because my dad has been my dance partner for 20 years now. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

I remember traditions of Three Kings Day, celebrating the Kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus, Coquito and having it for every holiday, playing dominoes, and singing happy birthday to someone very, very early in the morning.

Ethan Baez: Going off the idea of being excited to learn new things about my culture, it was very easy to get close with my father in that he would be the one to teach me about the things that made our family unique. It was through him that I learned about arepas, Oscar DeLeon, how to dance bachata, he connected me to other Hispanic people, and he was instrumental in teaching me what it means to be Hispanic. As far as tradition goes, the only one that comes to mind is eating 12 grapes every hour in the 12 hours before new years. You make a wish with each grape for how you want the year to go, and eating the grapes is a means of obtaining good luck and prosperity for the new year.

Marcello Valencia: When my siblings and I were really young my parents made the decision to move to Georgia from New York. It wasn’t easy, to say the least, because for over a year my mom raised me and my two siblings while working all on her own. My Dad had to stay in New York and continue to work with Amtrak in order to receive the retirement benefits that he was entitled to after being with the company for so many years. I remember watching my mom not only work as hard as she could to provide for my siblings, but then come home to cook us dinner and make sure we were adjusting to the big move. I honestly don’t remember missing my dad because we knew he was working hard and he flew down to visit us as much as he could. Seeing their work ethic and drive to be the best parents was always an inspiration for me and really pushed me to become self-sufficient financially and allow me to pursue higher education without being a financial burden for them.

One of the biggest traditions we have as a family is we have game tournaments in where we either play dominoes or bingo and each round has X amount of prize money and the final has a pretty big jackpot that brings out the competitive side of everyone. To me, it’s one of those things that no matter how bad of a day we are having everyone leaves happier than we started. 

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage month? What does it mean to you?

Jeilianne Vazquez: I celebrate by being in touch with my family and just being all-around proud of who I am! Though learning more about Latin culture can be any day of the year, Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to learn about other Latin cultures. It’s such a beautiful community. 

Ethan Baez: I celebrate Hispanic heritage month by being Hispanic, I think that’s all I need to do. I’m in a constant state of being proud of who I am, so I’m already in the habit of appreciating the Hispanic qualities that make me who I am. Growing up, my dad and I would go to the occasional party to meet with friends and enjoy each other’s Hispanic company, but even back then it was more to celebrate friendship more than it was to celebrate being Hispanic.

Marcello Valencia: I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by giving thanks to those who came before and dreamed of a better life. I know I wouldn’t be anywhere without them and I’m forever in their debt.

What is something you want people to know about you?

Jeilianne Vazquez: I am a passionate person! I love hard! That sometimes intimidates people, or they use it to their advantage. (Be kind). 

Another thing I want people to know is that my experience as a Latina is valid even though English is my first language. I am still learning Spanish, and I learn every day. Don’t ever let anyone tell you how Latinx you are; only you decide that. 

Ethan Baez: My favorite color is orange! For the past ten years I’ve left the house every day with at least one orange thing on me, whether in clothing or accessories. I know this because in August of 2011 I decided to make orange an every day part of my life considering how much I love the color.

Marcello Valencia: I’m a people person! I love getting to know people and listening to their stories. I also want to see the world and do every possible thing I can regardless of the risk or how crazy it seems. My main goal in life is to be able to say I followed my heart regardless of the outcome. We have one life to live and I’m going to do whatever it takes to live to the fullest.

How does your family feel about theatre?

Jeilianne Vazquez: My father is a film actor and minored in theatre in college. My family has always been involved with the arts. When I first told them I wanted to major in theatre, they were concerned at first. They wanted me to be sure this was what I absolutely wanted. Since then, they have never stopped supporting me! 

Ethan Baez: My family loves theatre! I think they love seeing me on stage more, but I’ve never had to struggle with them to support me in my endeavors concerning theatre and I’ve always been extremely grateful for that, considering that isn’t the case for a lot of my peers.

Marcello Valencia: They honestly are really supportive of me. I have been a part of theatre since middle school and I can’t ever recall a time they didn’t approve of it. I think their main concern was if I was going to pursue higher education. Like all parents, they want the best for their kids and they know life doesn’t always go the way we want it to and by having a college degree it gives them peace of mind that I have the ability to pursue other things if push comes to shove. 

What do you love about theatre?

Jeilianne Vazquez: When I was a child, I was very shy. As I got more comfortable with the people around me, I got loud, happy, and goofy. A lot of people found me weird. When I did that on a stage, I was accepted and told I had a great presence. So I decided theatre was my safe place. Theatre is an art that can never die. I take everything I learn in theatre wherever I go. Storytelling is my favorite thing, and I get to do that in theatre with my performance and writing. 

Ethan Baez: I love that theatre is fun more than anything else; it’s profound and it’s bigger than ourselves, yes, but before all that I’ve always maintained that the purpose of theatre is fun, regardless how you participate it.

Marcello Valencia: I love its heart and the ability it has to transport you to another world, experience things you could have never dreamed of, or feel things you’ve never felt and make you leave the theatre with a completely new perspective. 

Five years from now, where do you hope to be?

Jeilianne Vazquez: I don’t know exactly where I’m going to end up. I can see myself in different cities, and I like the idea of traveling for work. But I do eventually want to settle down. (We’ll figure it out.) I love acting for theatre and TV and film, playwriting, screenwriting, and theatre marketing. There are many opportunities right now, and I’m excited to go out there and find them. 

Ethan Baez: I hope to be in Washington D.C. with a job in theatre, whatever that means. A lot can happen in a year alone, so to think of what my life is like five years from now is almost unfathomable when I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do for the rest of this week.

Marcello Valencia: I would love to see myself still within the realm of theatre and able to financially support myself. While I would prefer to be a performer, I know things happen and life doesn’t always go to plan, but as long as I can still be a part of the theatre world regardless of what my role is, I’ll be fine.

 

“Your individuality is important, but so is belonging. Recognize the parts of your culture that have shaped your past, and the parts you want to carry with you into the future.” – Sol Peralta