Interview: Ian Gray - Front and Center

Ian Gray is a 5th grade student at Arizona School for the Arts. He began formally acting at the age of 8, but was known as a toddler to take the stage any time he saw a microphone. His first role was as Fred, the smallest dwarf in a production of Snow White at Valley Youth Theatre. Since then, he's been in four additional VYT Productions, winning National Youth Awards for his performance as PJ in The Emperor's New Clothes and as Peter in Pinkalicious. Ian played Young Cain in Children of Eden at ASU Lyrical Opera Theater and was a workhouse boy/Fagin's boy in Oliver! at Greasepaint Theatre. Most recently he played Chris in the Brelby Theatre Company production A Quest for Claus. For the past 2 summers Ian has participated in the Broadway Artists Alliance summer intensive programs, where he is able to take acting, singing and dance classes from current Broadway performers. This experience has strengthened his desire to perform on Broadway, his ultimate goal. Ian has studied voice for three years already and participated in the Valley of the Sun National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2016, where he won second place in his age group for musical theatre.

In between his school work, rehearsals, voice lessons, swimming and Lego/Pokeman obsessions, Ian found time to talk with me.

JSB: Ian, you certainly have a lot of experience and ambition for such a young person. I hear you've always loved performing, since you were a toddler. Do you remember when you realized that it's what you want to do with your life?

IG: I was lucky to have an older brother who was in theatre. My brother, William Arends, started doing plays when he was about 10 years old. So I was able to go to plays from a young age. I loved watching plays and still do, but I wanted to be on the stage instead of in the audience. I was in my first play at 7 years old and immediately knew that I wanted to be an actor.

What was your favorite theatre experience, so far?

My favorite experience was playing the part of Young Cain in The Children of Eden. I loved being with all of the college students. They were so talented and taught me a lot. I only knew one person from a previous Valley Youth Theatre play, but by the end had a lot of great friends. Even though I was just a kid they treated me like a professional. I will always remember that. When I am an adult actor, I will be sure to be nice to all the kid actors.

Who are the actor/s that most inspire you?

I am inspired by Alex Brightman from School of Rock. He was a special guest at my BAA summer intensive last year. Mr. Brightman told us that anyone who says they are not scared when they go on stage is lying. He taught me to be confident in myself, but also that it is okay to feel nervous. I know if I ever get a Broadway role, I would be very nervous but also very excited.

Do you have dream roles - roles you would love to play some day?

So many, it is hard to choose. I would love to be the lead in Oliver! because 'Where is Love' is one of my favorite songs. I would also like to be in Newsies, because I love the music and dancing. I would choose the role of Crutchy, because he has an injured leg and I think it would be a challenge. I would also like to be the role of Billie, the Stylist, in School of Rock. I share his love of fashion and he is the only character who doesn't play an instrument.

You have a remarkably beautiful voice. What are some of your favorite songs to sing?

I mostly sing musical theatre. My favorite songs include 'Defying Gravity' (Wicked), 'Where is Love' (Oliver!), 'The World Will Know' (Newsies), and 'Quiet' (Matilda). I have been listening to the Hamiltonsoundtrack and love to sing along with 'Right Hand Man' and 'Yorktown.'

Can you describe what it feels like to sing songs you love to perform?

When I sing it feels like I go in another world where I become a different person. Through singing I am able to feel the emotions of the lyrics. Sometimes I am singing about things I know and sometimes not, but I am able to experience what the author of the song is describing.

Do you enjoy the competitive part of theatre?

Not really. I am not really a competitive person. While I am not competitive, I am very motivated. Trust me, I want to get the role, but I am happy for others when they get good opportunities. I am always pushing myself to be better in singing, acting and dance. I want to learn from as many people as possible.

What is your favorite part about the process of doing a production?

I like the staging of scenes the best. I like walking through the scenes with the director and figuring out what the character is doing and feeling. I am not afraid to take risks or do things that make me uncomfortable. As Peter in Pinkalicious I had to jump on a bed and stand on chairs on stage, which was a bit awkward at first. I also had to learn a tap routine, which I had never done before.

I understand you'll be auditioning for some things this spring, but your parents like to give you time to regroup, stay up on homework, hangout with friends. Enjoy the rest of our beautiful winter - I'm looking forward to seeing you onstage again, Ian. Thank you, again, for talking with me today.

Thank you for asking me all these questions - it was fun!