Addison Trail sophomore cast in new comedy series, ‘Act of Faith’

Addison Trail sophomore Lea Staller (pictured at left in the car) films a scene in the upcoming series "Act of Faith."

Addison Trail sophomore Lea Staller is going from the stage to the silver screen, as she is set to perform in the new series “Act of Faith.”

According to https://www.backstage.com/casting/act-of-faith-381763/, “Act of Faith” is a mockumentary-style comedy about a group of employees in the administrative office of a religious youth theatre organization. The story centers on an employee named Ollie Trask – a closeted gay man with a passion for theatre education, who fears that coming out could mean losing his job and being ostracized by his community. When Trask and his coworkers are given the opportunity to start a new branch of their youth theatre program, the small-minded members of their community seek to expose Trask and destroy what his team is trying to build. Trask learns he isn’t alone, and he and his friends begin to emerge from their shells and show the world who they truly are.

“The theme and message of this story is how much people can accomplish when they come together and support one another,” Staller said.

Staller portrays aspiring singer/songwriter Fiona Gleason, whose talent is overlooked by the theatre program.

“I was thrilled to get the part, as this is my first professional production,” Staller said. “It’s so exciting and fun to be part of something like this, and gaining film experience broadens my acting skills.”

Staller said what makes “Act of Faith” unique is the sitcom incorporates aspects of theatre such as music and dance. She added it has been an amazing opportunity to learn and try different techniques. The series was created by Kyle Reid Hass, Jeremy Swanton and Dana Norris. It’s being filmed in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and will be released later this year.

Staller first performed on stage when she was in fourth grade, and she has been hooked ever since. Last year, Staller was accepted into the “WERK WITH BWAY Beetlejuice Intensive,” a five-day program where she 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 and how to build an audition book.

Staller also will take the stage on March 12 and 13 at Addison Trail as “Grandma” in the school’s musical, “The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version.” The performances will be streamed online at no cost at 7 p.m. each day, and free tickets can be accessed at https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/12624.

Staller previously considered pursuing a career as an actor in New York, but she now plans to study astrophysics. However, Staller will always have a passion for acting, and she plans to stay involved with theatre in the future.

“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.”