Addison Trail freshman pursues dream of acting on Broadway

Pictured is Addison Trail freshman Lea Staller, who recently auditioned for and was accepted into the “WERK WITH BWAY Beetlejuice Intensive” in New York. During the five-day program, Staller worked with several leading actors and directors from the Broadway musical “Beetlejuice,” as well as other industry leaders. She also took classes that focused on audition technique, vocal technique, marking music, headshot tips, how to build an audition book and more.

Left: Sophia Anne Caruso (front row, center), who stars as Lydia Deetz in the Broadway musical "Beetlejuice," poses with “WERK WITH BWAY Beetlejuice Intensive” participants. The intensive took place from Dec. 26 to 30 in New York, and Addison Trail freshman Lea Staller (pictured to the right of Caruso) was selected for the program. Only 40 people nationwide were accepted. Photo provided by WERK WITH BWAY. Right: Staller gets ready to watch a performance of "Beetlejuice" during her trip.

Addison Trail freshman Lea Staller first performed on stage when she was in fourth grade – and she has been hooked ever since. In seventh grade, Staller realized she wants to pursue a career as an actor in New York.

This past December, Staller participated in a workshop to help develop her skills and achieve her dream. She auditioned for and was accepted into the “WERK WITH BWAY Beetlejuice Intensive,” which took place from Dec. 26 to 30 at Studios 353 in New York. The process involved submitting a performance video, a résumé and a headshot.

“I didn’t really believe it at first,” Staller said of being selected. “I wasn’t expecting it, because I’m so young and only 40 people nationwide are accepted into the program.”

During the five-day intensive, Staller worked with several leading actors and directors from the Broadway musical “Beetlejuice,” as well as other industry leaders. She also took classes that focused on audition technique, vocal technique, marking music, headshot tips, how to build an audition book and more.

“It helped a lot with how to do a proper audition and what to bring to an audition,” Staller said. “It also was super cool to meet the actors from the show. They treated us like colleagues and taught us the skills to succeed and told us the truth about the business.”

Staller and her mother, Katherine Klimt-Staller, went to New York this past August and saw a few shows, including “Beetlejuice.” So when Katherine saw the “WERK WITH BWAY Beetlejuice Intensive” on Facebook, she and Staller got to work with the audition process. Staller said this was her third trip to New York, and she hopes to attend college on the East Coast. She also is involved in Addison Trail Theatre and has participated in the two productions that have taken place so far during her high school career. She is in Addison Trail’s Honors Choir as well and takes voice lessons outside of school as part of that class.

“I just love performing,” Staller said. “Taking on a role and getting to become that character is really cool. I enjoy partnering with the director and getting his or her guidance and then working cooperatively with other people to create the character and the show.”