Student Spotlight: Steven Schmidt

With our Cats performance fast approaching we decided to spotlight musical theater and piano student Steven Schmidt. Steven is a dedicated student who gives 100% in rehearsals and lessons. He is one of the many talents at Garden Street!

What are all of the activities you do at Garden Street?

I take piano lessons with the music school. I’m in Musical Theater and I am currently in the production of Cats. For my role I occasionally take vocal lessons.

Who do you play in Cats?

My role in Cats is Old Deuteronomy. He is the old, wise, leader cat who looks out for all of the younger cats. He is like their president. He is respected and aged.

How long have you been at Garden Street?

Five years-I started taking piano lessons when I was 7 years old then I also started doing theater when I was 10.

What made you join the classes?

My mom’s side of the family have always been great musicians and piano players. I wanted to learn the skill so my mom signed me up for piano lessons. Because I was interested in acting I auditioned for the musical theater classes and I have been doing it ever since.

Who is your piano teacher?

My current piano teacher is Andrew. I like him because he teaches me good piano techniques but at the same time he is not extremely strict so I want to learn with him.

What is your favorite activity at Garden Street and why?

Can I say both? I love both music and acting. If you have perfected one it will help you with the other. All acting is better set to music.

What is the hardest part about Musical Theater?

The hardest part about Cats is being able to attend every rehearsal and learning all of the lines. I have a busy schedule but I always make time for the rehearsal because I know it is extremely important.

What advice would you give to kids looking to get into Theater?

If you want to get into theater or music you have to know that: one, it requires a lot of hard work and dedication and two, there is a lot of competition. But if you are truly devoted and passionate about it, you will succeed. If you really love it, go for it!

What are your favorite activities to do outside of Garden Street?

Outside of Garden Street I enjoy taking part of athletic activities (swimming, basketball, soccer, martial arts) and I also enjoy drawing and debating.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

First and foremost I see myself being a student in college. Throughout college I want to continue working in athletics and theater. But I know that wherever I go, I know that being a student at Garden Street will help me achieve my goals.

What is a fun fact about you?

I once did not sleep for two days in a row in order to work on a project. I had five midterm projects in school: Math, Science, English, History, and a Health project. I got an A on all of them.