Acting comes naturally for sisters Abby & Savannah Springer. Epic Kids recently chatted with the duo to hear more about their performances.
Abby Springer
Age: 14
School: Heritage Academy
Most recently seen as Sharpay Evans in Disney’s High School Musical JR. at Desert Foothills Theater
What was your first stage performance?
My first musical was Shrek at Limelight Performing Arts in Gilbert. I was 8 and played the role of Goldilocks. I had been taking a musical theater class when I found out about the audition and knew I wanted to try! Since then, I’ve been in shows pretty much continually––except when everything was shut down.
Do you ever get nervous performing? How do you handle it?
I actually don’t get nervous when I’m performing, but I get really nervous during the audition process. I always get a terrible stomachache. I don’t have a great way to handle it––I just take deep breaths and power through and try to do my best! I’ve done a lot of auditions, so I’m getting better at getting through it despite the crazy nerves!
What do you enjoy about performing?
I really love making people laugh! I’ve also made really good friendships with other cast members. I also love learning to take on new roles. My most recent role was Sharpay Evans in High School Musical. It was hard for me! It required me to be extra big and goofy on stage and was completely out of my comfort zone.
What’s the most challenging thing about acting on stage?
The most challenging thing for me is not breaking character, especially when I have friends in the audience! There were a couple of times during High School Musical when I did break character, but I figured out a way to make it work with my role. Sharpay smiles a lot, but then she makes a face that makes it clear she’s being snotty or sarcastic. I used that to my advantage and worked it into the character.
What advice would you give to another kid who wants to perform on stage?
My best advice is to be respectful with directors and other cast members. Directors talk to one another, so you want to make sure you have a reputation for being respectful so they’ll want to cast you!
What are your future goals?
I’m not entirely sure! I plan on going to college in the Northwest. I do dream of an on-camera acting career. I have so many different interests, it’s hard to narrow it down at this point and figure out my goals beyond acting.
Savannah Springer
Age: 12
School: Stapley Jr. High
Most recently seen as Junie B. in Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to Schools at Limelight Performing Arts.
What was your first stage performance?
My first performance was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Limelight Performing Arts in Gilbert. I was 6 years old and was part of the children’s choir. My older sister had done a show a few months earlier and I really wanted to be on stage with her, so my mom let us both audition for Joseph.
Do you ever get nervous performing? How do you handle it?
Junie B. is my first lead role and I’ve definitely been more nervous with this show than in the past. To handle my nerves, I do a lot of voice workouts and tongue twisters, I go over my lines a million times and I remind myself that I’ve worked hard and am going to do a great job.
What do you enjoy about performing?
My favorite part is getting laughs! I love being able to finally deliver what I’ve worked so hard on. I also love spending time with the cast and making friends. Some of my best friends are in theater and it’s so much fun when we do shows together.
What’s the most challenging thing about acting on stage?
The most challenging thing for me is managing my stress. I get worried that I’m going to forget lines or that I’ll rush my lines and won’t do a good job. When I’m in the ensemble, the biggest challenge is finding a way to create the character and making sure I’m adding to the story and not taking away from it.
What advice would you give to another kid who wants to perform on stage?
Don’t get stressed out when you know that you’ve practiced and are ready. Don’t get nervous when there’s a big crowd. They are all there to see you do what you do best.
What are your future goals?
My goals are to work hard in theater and to play big roles! I really hope to continue doing this as an adult. Even if it’s not my main job, I hope to continue acting because I find so much joy in it.
