Entertainment is one of the toughest industries to break into: the uncertainty, the competition and the pressure make show business an intimidating career path for prospective stars. But despite the obstacles, aspiring stars Lily Roth, Sara Chapin and Samantha Hakim have already made their start.
Drawn to acting from a young age, Roth, junior, and Chapin, senior, are up-and-coming actresses. Roth hopes to pursue a career in film, inspired by the opportunities it provides and the accessibility of the medium, while Chapin is a stage actress with Broadway ambitions. Hakim, senior, is a multi-genre singer/songwriter who released her first EP, “Locked You Out,” on iTunes on Oct 28, 2011.
The performers discovered their love for the arts at a young age.
“I realized that this is what I love and I wouldn’t happy with anything else,” Chapin said.
Chapin made her professional debut at the Keegan Theatre in 2011 as an understudy in the world premiere of “National Pastime,” and has performed in the Keegan production of Spring Awakening and Marshall’s award-nominated production of The Importance of Being Earnest. She developed a love of stage theatre from the more “intimate” connection it provides between actors and the audience, particularly when combined with musical theatre.
“There’s something very special about acting through music,” Chapin said. “I was taught, when too emotional to speak, sing. When too emotional to sing, dance.”
Roth also made her start in theatre, but recently became interested in film due to the medium’s broader audience appeal.
“Film reaches so many more viewers,” Roth said. “If you have a message to convey or want say something about the world, you can do that much more easily though film.”
Hakim has expanded her musical skill through classes at Berklee School of Music and a rigorous tour schecule. This year, she has been nominated for two New Music Awards titles: Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best New Top 40 Artist.
However, the demands of entertainment have forced certain sacrifices: Hakim’s busy schedule has forced her to attend high school through the online academy.
“You give up so much to pursue your dream when everything is so unsure,” Hakim wrote.
The performers hope to major in their respective art fields in college, with Roth and Chapin double-majoring in order to supplement their acting abilities.
Chapin hopes to pursue political science, with an eye towards preforming political satire. Roth is undecided on her second major.
For now all three continue to work on their own projects; Chapin is rehearsing for the Keegan production of Cabaret, Hakim’s released her latest single “Mark Me“ was released on Sept. 17, 2012, and Roth is acting in the school musical Legally Blonde.
“[Perfoming] has made me a more reflective person,” Roth said, “[I’m more aware] of the world around me, the people and me, and myself.”
2013-02-21