Eislin Tolley – NEWSIES Senior Spotlight

What is your name?  Eislin Tolley

What is your cast role or crew position in Disney’s NEWSIES?  I am one of the Newsies, JoJo

What is your favorite Disney’s NEWSIES quote, song or scene — and why?  My favorite Newsies song would have to be World Will Know, because it is an incredibly moving song that tells the story of the horrible circumstances child laborers experienced during the late 1800s. I believe that us Newsies all love this song because the choreography has a lot of intricate pieces to it as well as it just pumps everyone up, displays our camaraderie for each other, and showcases why we are striking and rebelling!!

How many Gibson Southern Theatre productions (including Disney’s NEWSIES) have you been a part of while in high school? I have been a part of 10 GSTD productions

What is your favorite role, act, or show that you have been a part of in high school?  My favorite show that I have been a part of at GSTD was Sister Act. I loved Sister Act because it was when I truly felt we were a family and I knew my place in the family. Everyone was so helpful because I had also just had a foot surgery about two weeks before we started and had to miss a few rehearsals and couldn’t dance as well at first due to my foot surgery. I felt the true sisterhood and I loved every aspect of that show from our flashy costumes, to the silly lines, and all the nun puns!

Do you have a favorite story from your time spent in theatre?  One of my favorite memories from GSTD is when during Sister Act, we did not have a sound effect for a crash during the chase scene, so Logan improvised and just said, “Crash, crash crash crash!!!!!!!” in such a funny voice over the whole auditorium.

What are your plans after high school?  I plan to attend USI to further my academic career and become a sonographer (ultrasound technician).

What words of advice do you have for those thinking about joining Gibson Southern Theatre? Definitely join GSTD!!!!!!!! We are a family and will welcome you with open arms. Someone has always got your back and we love, take care, and watch out for each other. I strongly encourage everyone to try participating in a show, whether it be on stage as a performer, or behind the scenes as a crew member. I have done both, and can honestly say that you appreciate theatre as a whole much more if you have seen it from all aspects.