Local Student Getting Ready for the Big Stage

Summit High School senior Melanie Porras is getting ready for her big debut this weekend.

Porras, 17, is the youngest cast member performing in the New Jersey Youth Theatre's performance of "RENT" beginning this weekend at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

"It's a good start for my first show outside of high school," Porras said.

Porras was one of several hundred young actors from across the state who auditioned for the show. She will be a member of the ensemble, including playing a support group member, a homeless person and one of the character's mothers. She also is the understudy for one of the main characters in the play.

Porras said she's loved the rigorous practice schedule. The group has been practicing every day including Saturdays for the past few month. She said she's been learning a lot from the other actors in the play, many of whom are in their early 20's. 

"There's just a really professional work ethic from all of them," Porras said.

You can watch online some of the performers commenting on the play and what it means to them.

Porras has been involved in drama since attending the Jefferson School. She will serve as the president of the drama club at Summit High School next year. Her dream is to attend the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and obtain her degree in musical theater.

Porras said performing in "RENT" is a dream of a lifetime because its one of her favorite shows.

Richard Eisenberg, one of the board of directors for the New Jersey Youth Theatre based in Westfield, said "RENT" is the type of play that the performers can connect with since it touches upon many issues affecting young people, including homelessness, relationships and substance abuse.

Eisenberg said audience members will be shocked at the caliber of the performance. He said many adults think that, because the performers are young, the quality of the performance may not be as high as that of a Broadway show. But Eisenberg said that's simply not true.

"It's really exciting to watch these talented performers on stage because you know you're watching the Broadway stars of tomorrow," Eisenberg said.

As for Porras, she said she's not nervous about her big debut this weekend.

"I love to [perform] so much," Porras said.

The New Jersey Youth Theatre will perform "RENT" at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark from July 16-25. For tickets call 1-888-GO-NJPAC (1-888-466-5722) or go to www.njpac.org. NJPAC is offering four pairs of front row center seats for only $15 per ticket. The seats will be made available via lottery prior to each performance. For details, click here.

The youth theatre will also perform "RENT" at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan from July 30-August 8. For tickets call 1-732-528-9211 or go to www.algonquinarts.org.