Finding courage with Alpine Theatre Project
I started with Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) after sixth grade, right when COVID hit. I wasn’t able to do theatre, and it broke my heart. However, when ATP announced that their summer camp would stay running, my mom signed me up right away. I can thank my mom, Jen Stein, for almost everything I do now. She helped me break out of my shell.
We rehearsed outside with masks and ended up performing in a baseball field. I had a couple of friends there, but other than that I was completely new to the whole company. I met Luke Walrath and Betsi Morrison, who automatically welcomed me with open arms. I also met Cole Pickert, one of my closest friends to this day.
I always knew I loved the aspect of performing, but I did not have the courage to do so in front of a large audience. However, ATP changed that for me. I grew in self-confidence, performance ability, and as a human being. I am always pushed to my best ability. I met some of my best friends at ATP, Kendall Dye, Daniel Cole, and my beautiful angel, Sophia Lonergan. Rest in peace my sweet girl.
I discovered who I was at ATP. I discovered what I want in my future, the people I want to be around, the career pathway I want to lead, and many important aspects to my life. I was taught that it’s okay to express yourself and let yourself go into the art of performing. I came out as queer at ATP and was instantly accepted. They provided a place of support for people like me who don’t always feel safe being out in their own school or other communities. They advocate for equality, and I find that admirable.
“We Will Rock You” was an absolute joy and healed a part of my heart that I didn’t know could be healed. Expressing yourself onstage while singing songs of one of the most iconic bands in the world is a 10/10 experience. Queen has been my favorite band since I was 8 years old. You can ask my dad, Gus Stein. I wasn’t aware of We Will Rock You until last year, when I had a feeling that our spring show might be that musical. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had onstage. Not only was it fun to sing, but the script was absolutely hilarious, and if you know me, you know how much I love being a comedic relief. And if you know me, you know how much I love playing a queer character! It warms my heart that I get to be a part of LGBTQ+ representation within musical theatre.
Getting to work with Tracy McDowell and Ross Bridgeman was the absolute best. Tracy did such a fantastic job putting on this show and I’m so excited to see what she does next here at ATP. Ross is super helpful when it comes to us learning our music or keeping tempo whilst onstage. Michael McCrary, flown in from Broadway, was an excellent choreographer who pushed us to be our best selves. I also get to learn from Rachel Burke and how she creates these wonderful worlds and puts them on our stage.
I created stronger relationships with my peers during this show, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Working with Scarlet Burke and Kenny Stone was my absolute favorite part of the process. These two are insanely talented. I mean… come on. Jaw dropping talent. Powerhouses of rock.
Audrey Hanley, Grayson Wood, Daniel Cole and Dylynne Cosand also killed it, per usual. I loved being able to be a part of Audrey and Dylynne’s senior show. I’ve actually been doing theatre with Dylynne since I was seven years old. What a full circle moment to watch her grow and then move to New York to pursue her dream.
After graduation, I hope to move to the Big Apple and get my BFA in musical theatre and my BA in theatre arts with a concentration in directing.
I love this cast with all my heart and I thank them for making this show an important part of my life. I thank ATP for changing me into the person I am today.
Kaylin Stein