Student Spotlight: Madysen Simanonis

Madysen Simanonis is a junior pursuing a BMA in Lyric Theatre. Most recently, she worked for The Walt Disney Company in entertainment at Walt Disney World (Orlando, FL). Some previous roles include Sheila in A Chorus Line (2020), Ali in Mamma Mia! (2018), and Louise in LTI’s production of Crazy for You (2019). Trying her hand at another side of theatre, Mady is currently directing the Illini Student Musical Showcase that opens on November 6th. We had the opportunity to interview her about this experience.
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What first captivated you about being on the stage?
It must have been the energy. There is some sort of energy and feeling that you get when you create these real life moments on stage with all these passionate people. There’s a special kind of person that can create something truly special that I have not experienced in any other art form.

Can you recall one of your first formative artistic experiences?
My first show that I was in was Oliver, I was an orphan. I forgot the words at my audition and I cried after. I got into the show anyway and I remember stealing Faegen’s box and I felt so special because I got to run across the stage holding a box.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
It would have to be my dad. I grew up sitting behind his feet while he would sing during the kid’s church service. I wanted to be next to him even though I was terrified to sing,  and for so long he has been someone who pushes me and inspires me to be more than I ever imagined.

What keeps you engaged and committed to this industry?
I think theatre is a great outlet to express myself although it is so hard physically, emotionally and mentally. It is something I have done all my life and I can’t imagine not being able to go to rehearsal every night—it’s very therapeutic. 

What draws you to the creative side of the arts?
Theatre— there is something about performing in live theatre that gives you a rush. Being on the creative side of things, actually creating these moments, is something that is so special. To be surrounded by so much talent and intelligence is so special.

How has your time with Lyric Theater prepared you for your experiences today?
So much about this program has helped me transform into the performer I am today. I had no idea what to expect because it was so new. My classical training has improved my singing and musicianship skills. I was always like “classical training, yeah sure, whatever.” Now having done it, I can’t imagine going into this career without that training.

What is your favorite LTI memory?
When I was in ‘Crazy for You’ (LTI, 2019), [a cast mate] and I liked to make up songs. We were always super goofy backstage. We wrote an entire song for our friend who was playing Lank with full verses. It was such a goofy moment that I could only experience with theatre people.
 
How did you first get involved with ISM?
I was first involved my first semester of freshman year when I auditioned for Mamma Mia and performed as Ali.

What made you decide to switch focus to directing after performing in ISM shows?
I never had an interest in directing prior to ISM, but last semester they were talking about show proposals and I saw who was proposing, and thought I would give it a shot. Over the summer I do a lot of tech at theatres by me, and I just want to make my way around the theatre world. I think it’s very important to be knowledgeable about all sides of theatre and I think it will take me far in my performances and lead the way to new opportunities.

How did the ISM team adapt for Covid times?
There was a lot of discussion about safety contracts and how we would approach the RSO office when proposing our show. We are wearing masks, staying socially distanced, and there are three separate casts made up of 10 people that don’t come into contact. That way we can keep contact tracing simpler and keep our numbers smaller. We had to go through a lot to get funding and be approved. I feel so fortunate to go to UIUC because we have so many systems in place to keep us safe. It is one of the reasons that we are able to create live theatre this semester, so I feel very fortunate to be a part of that.

What has the rehearsal process been like?
It has been very challenging because there are three different rooms that I have to bounce around to. I wish I could be three people, but I love a challenge and it has kept me on my toes. It has made me really “be there” when I am at rehearsal.

How do you prepare for a day in rehearsal?
The way I prepare now is different from the start of the rehearsal process. In the beginning I would make sure that I had all of my notes, my laptop, speakers, etc. There was a lot of communicating with Lindsay and Sarah, the vocal director and the choreographer. It was very important to relay information to them because they were in one rehearsal and I was bouncing around. I have a performance background, so I want rehearsal to be efficient. I don’t like to waste time.

What is your favorite moment in the show?
This is so hard because I have so many favorite moments. One of my favorites is Ex-Wives. To see six talented and powerful women on stage at once feels so good. It is not something that would have happened even ten years ago, so that is really special to me. A lot of my friends are up there too, so it is really fun to see them shine.

Are there any fun hidden gems to look out for?
There are some really nice human moments that I have tried to include. Over all, the show goes about this story line of different things that happen in life— times when you are shoving it to the man, falling in love, finding your passion. I tried to include those moments of humanity. 

What was one of the biggest challenges for you personally in this role?
I am friends and peers with people [in the cast]. I have worked with them as a performer prior to this show, so I am walking this line between being a leader and being a friend. I feel so fortunate that all of them trusted me in my directorial debut.

Talk about a moment that felt especially gratifying during this process.
Our performance for the RSO office outside of the State Farm Center felt super gratifying. To see our performers perform for the first time for an audience was special, and [as a performer] I understand that feeling. It was really fun to see that moment happen live.

What did you discover about yourself or about the industry during this process?
I learned that [the industry] is challenging all over. As hard as it is to memorize and perfect a performance, it is equally hard to create said performance. It is exciting in a different way.

How can people watch the show?
People can watch the show on Saturday November 7th via Zoom, it will be live streamed. There will also be a video available after the show.

Closing thoughts:
I am so proud to be a part of the LTI program and a part of Illini Student Musicals. I am fortunate to be involved in so much live theatre. This would not have been possible without the university, the faculty and staff at LTI, and the ISM staff who have gone to so many meetings, worked and fought so hard, and communicated with people who were not originally on board with the idea. It is a big role to be directing that and I feel so lucky.