Testimonials!

1. Name – Beth Grosky

2. Age – 24

3. At what age did you know you wanted to act? / How did you get involved in acting?

It may sound cliché, but I came out of the womb singing- LITERALLY! Everyone says that, but I really did. I have been performing since I learned how to talk and walk. Entertaining people was my strong suit. Truly- I was born to entertain! I wore out the video tape of Annie and watched it over and over again until I memorized the entire movie and could play every part by myself. At family dinners, I made my little sister get down on her hands and knees and said, “You be Sandy and I’LL be Annie!” By the time I was in first grade, I performed in my first show at Lake Forest Children’s Theatre and never looked back. I wasn’t always the star. I played plenty of ensemble roles which helped me learn that I wasn’t always going to get what I wanted and had to work hard for it. When I did get to play lead roles, I took the opportunity in the palm of my hands and ran with it. Being on stage was life for me.

4. How old were you when you began taking classes with Children’s Theatre Company (CTC)?

7 years old

5. How many classes/ performances and for how long were you with the company?

I performed in over 10 musicals with LFCT for 5+ years.

6. Do you have any memories or performances that stick out in your mind while you were with CTC?

Every performance left amazing memories, but Peter Pan was a special show to me because I was in a cast with some of my best friends still to this day. I played the title role and loved every second. Another one that sticks out is The Music Man where I got to perform with my sister who was not nearly as into theatre as I was but still wanted to be a part of the magic. We had a lot of fun.

7. How many performances have you been to date? / Which was your favorite?

To this date? Too many to count! I would say over 15 performances. My favorite would have to be RENT during my senior year at Highland Park High School. I had worked so hard on myself as a performer from not making any shows during my freshman year to landing a lead (I played Joanne) during my senior year. It was a very special time for me, being my last musical ever in high school, doing what I love with the people I loved most. We were all going through incredibly stressful and exciting times approaching our graduation and college decisions, and we really created a family feel during that show, just as the characters do in that tight knit group of friends in RENT. Not to mention being able to work so closely with my teachers/mentors, and now friends, Sheri Owens, Scott Shallenbarger, Tim Conway and Terry Shulman of the HPHS Fine Arts Dept.- it was, and I think always will be, the best theatrical experience of my life. It was really, really special to all of us involved, and to the community.

8. How has acting at a young age impacted your life? (social, education, career, etc..)

Being a part of CTC from a young age, and being a part of theatre in general, made me who I am as a person. Theatre teaches you how to collaborate with your peers, work as a team, up your self-confidence and challenge you. I grew up as a very social person, but theatre allowed me to learn when to hold back in certain situations, and really helped me evaluate my surroundings. It made me more aware. Educationally, theatre allowed me to be a leader in group projects and a follower when I needed guidance from my peers. Actors learn to take direction very quickly, so I was always very attentive and responsive as a student in both small and large classroom settings. My career truly reflects how acting impacted my life from a young age. My passion for the arts is instantly noticed when my eyes light up about a topic related to theatre. Because of my training, I am an active listener, a quick thinker, and a dynamic force in the workplace.

9. What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell your younger self that you know now about acting?

Take risks.

10. Would you recommend Children’s Theatre Company to aspiring young actors and why or why not? 

If you love to sing, act and dance, CTC is the place for you. It’s a home away from home. Sure, it will challenge you beyond belief, and you won’t always get what you want, but you’ll become a better person for it. With every experience, both on and off the stage, you will grow.