Hailey Anderson – NEWSIES Senior Spotlight

What is your name? Hailey Anderson

What is your cast role or crew position in Disney’s NEWSIES? Alberta (Newsie)

What is your favorite Disney’s NEWSIES quote, song or scene — and why? “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground. You can do this.” This is my favorite quote because it shows positivity and provides me with the strength I need to believe in myself to know I am capable of anything I set my mind toward.

How many Gibson Southern Theatre productions (including Disney’s NEWSIES) have you been a part of while in high school? I will have been in 11 productions by graduation time.

What is your favorite role, act, or show that you have been a part of in high school? Playing Alberta in Newsies

Do you have a favorite story from your time spent in theatre? I love hearing the same goofy jokes Bledsoe tells us every year. Everytime we took a tour of the theatre department, he talked about how we had to move the costume room to a bigger space. He then said it was literally “bursting at the seams.” HAHA

What are your plans after high school? I am committed to attend school at Indiana University. I received direct admit into the School of Education. My plan is to attend IU in the fall for Elementary Education.

What words of advice do you have for those thinking about joining Gibson Southern Theatre? If you’re thinking about it, don’t think twice just do it. Trust me. Joining Gibson Southern Theatre was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. This group is a family, and will always be there when you need a helping hand. I promise you, it will be one of the best decisions of your life.

Do you have anything else to add? To all my fellow cast mates: Never lose sight of who you are. Never let anyone tell you theatre is nothing and will become nothing. Never let someone make a decision for you. Be you. Stand up for what you believe. Leave every single breath up on that stage and don’t take any of it for granted because trust me it will be over before you know it, and soon it will be too late to start new. I will forever keep you guys in my heart because you guys are my second family and deserve the world. Gibson Southern Theatre… it’s been fun.