High School Drama: Franklin Road Academy's MICAH FRIZZELL

The calendar is fast approaching commencement season all over the country and seniors in high school theater programs are preparing for their final shows on their familiar stomping grounds - like Nashville's Franklin Road Academy senior Micah Frizzell. As he prepares to open tonight in director/educator Ross Bolen's musical update of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (he plays Don John), he's already looking ahead to next fall when he enrolls at Syracuse University as part of their group of 24 incoming freshmen for the BFA Musical Theater program.

Just as with most other high school seniors hoping to further their education while pursuing their passion, it's been a long road for Micah: 17 auditions, seven cities, 2 unified auditions (Syracuse auditioned more than 600 hopefuls, somehow managing to cut the number to 24)!

Yet somehow, even with tonight's opening of Much Ado, his regular coursework and, well, life in general, Micah (who has great taste in musical theatre) found time to answer some questions for us - even if it did come down to a late-night session after he got home from a long day at FRA.

Get to know Micah Frizzell in our latest High School Drama:

What is your theatrical goal in life? My theatrical goal is to affect someone, or hopefully multiple people, through my storytelling. I've always loved stories, and grew up watching fantastical accounts of evil queens, brave knights, beautiful princesses, curious hobbits, and young wizards, which has greatly impacted my life to this day. There's just something mesmerizing about a story well told; there's something about spectating the human condition in fictional circumstances that really evokes passion from its audience. It's a temporary escape from the hindrances of reality into a world filled with its own circumstances. There have been many instances - especially in the world of Theatre - where I've been changed by a show well done. I had to shift my perspective on reality and how some aspect(s) of the world works based on a message conveyed in a beautiful performance. I hope to be a part of a project someday where I'm able to spark a new feeling out of people, shifting their perspective, which goes with them for the rest of their lives. I want to make the world a warmer, happier place, and I believe storytelling can help achieve this goal.

If you could play any role in any show - what would you choose? If I could play any role in a show? Hmmm, good question. One of my favorite shows in the history of theatre is Les Misérables. I just think the story is beautifully written; I find the music to be gorgeous and poetic; and I greatly appreciate the humbling, selfless message it portrays to its audience. Even though I've been in a high school production of Les Misérables, I would love to be in an equity production as either Marius and/or Jean Valjean. That would be a dream come true.

What's been your best theatrical experience to date? The best theatrical experience to date was playing Marius in my high school production of Les Mis. I just love the show so much and playing the role was an incredible opportunity. Plus, singing in a semi-operatic manner is probably one of my favorite ways to utilize my voice, so that's a definite plus!

Who are your favorite actors? My biggest inspiration in the industry is the legendary Jennifer Hudson. Her vocals are unparalleled in my opinion, and she's always encouraged me to reach for my dreams despite the many obstacles life throws at you. She's helped me realize that no matter where you come from, or what you've gone through, you can achieve your dreams as long as you stay true to yourself. Also, Dreamgirls is my all-time favorite movie and the entire cast does an absolutely stellar job in portraying such an iconic story. It just can't be beat!

What show that you've never seen would you most like to see live, onstage? I've always wanted to see The Light in the Piazza. I just love the soundtrack and the beautiful, romantic plot it underscores. I can't help but listen to the 2005 Tony Awards performance on repeat over and over again. I'm surprised I'm not sick of it yet to be completely honest! Seeing that show live and onstage would definitely be an experience I'd never forget.