Interview with Berry Ayers

11/27/12 – Audio Interview Everyone in Berry Ayers family sang; his preacher grandfather sang to the congregation, his mother was a soloist in several professional gospel groups and aunt had a record deal. When Berry was 2 Mom and Aunt taught him and his six…

Interview with David Brunetti

11-20-12 – Audio Interview David Brunetti’s musical ability came easily and naturally. He was only 5 when the church gave his family a piano and he immediately sat down and began to “pick out songs.” Despite his obvious musical talent David “wanted to be Al…

Interview with Preston Boyd

10/16/12 – Interview Like Austin and Sheilah, Preston Boyd found his life path very early when his first grade teacher asked him to narrate the class play because he “had such a good voice.” He did and was hooked; having discovered not only that he…

Interview with Sheilah Rae

10/9/12 –Interview with Sheilah Rae Like Austin Sheilah Rae also found her life path very young, when at 5 she saw her first musical. During the performance of “South Pacific” Sheilah told her mother that she was “going to do that.” Sheilah’s parents believed that…

Interview with Mary Testa

The next 3 interviewees have all won awards for their work in theater, film and TV. They are honored and respected by their colleagues but two of them are virtually unknown outside of their profession. They have all struggled with and overcome significant obstacles, in…

Interview with Kate Seipert

8-28-12 – Interview Eight year old Kate Seipert was making her exit in her 4H club’s annual show when she spontaneously made a face that caused the audience to break up with laughter. That moment in the spotlight was suspended in time for little Kate…

Interview with Maren Bush

8-7-12 – Interview Maren Bush fell in love with the musical Annie at age 4 or 5. She made her parents play the cast album over and over “until it wouldn’t play anymore.” In an attempt to create “well rounded adults” Maren’s parents encouraged their…

Interview with Rick Kerby

7-31-12 – Interview Actor, dancer, singer, director choreographer Rick Kerby says “his life has been one big wave, which he’s ridden wherever it took him.” Opportunities did seem to pop up in front of him but Rick was always ready – listen to the charming…

Interview with Kaylene McCaw

7-24-12 – Interview Kaylene McCaw is a theater person who was encouraged from a very young age to pursue her interest in performing. Coming from a family who taught her that “life is about personal success, finding your bliss and becoming a better person,” Kaylene…