Imagine sweaty palms, trembling nervously for hours, and stuttering over ever spoken word. You’d never imagine that Christy Reyes is about to perform on stage. However, once the lights are glimmering and the spotlights are on her, all of her nervous anxieties disappear into the character she embodies. For Reyes, this is her reality; this is what she wants to do for the rest of her life.
Reyes is a freshman at UIC and began her theatre career in high school. During her sophomore year in high school, she joined the cast of “Chicago” at her school.
“Once I stepped foot on that stage for our very first rehearsal, I just knew that I was in for an experience that would change my life,” Reyes said.
“It was after our first show [of “Chicago”], and hearing the applause from the audience, when I fell in love” Reyes said. “I had a sort of adrenaline rush, I didn’t want to leave the stage.”
Soon after Reyes joined a program at a local youth theatre, Teatro Americano,to gain experience not only in acting but also behind the scenes.
For two summers, Reyes and sixteen other participants built the set, directed the shows, acted in the shows, and even wrote an original script.
“It was an amazing experience being able to see theatre from a more behind-the-scenes perspective as well as being a lead in the shows. It made me appreciate the theatre so much more,” Reyes said.
“For me, I didn’t become a theatre major because I’m a die hard fan of Broadway shows and playwrights, or that I drink coffee and smoke cigarettes while reading Shakespeare,” Reyes said. “I became a theatre major because I am absolutely in love with the art of acting-being able to express and recreate emotions and adapt into anybody, with no limits. I love pushing my limits, playing with every little tweak in my voice, going from one extreme to another.”
After endless hours of touring schools, Reyes felt at home after taking a tour at UIC. After being at small schools her whole life, Reyes felt at home with the small program here. She knew she wanted to be a part of the developing program,
“It isn’t a huge program, but it’s developing. I know its potential, and I’m so excited to be a part of the development,” Reyes explains.
“I’ve always been part of a tight-knit ensemble…with every theatre group I’ve worked with, and that’s exactly how it is at UIC. I really love how much time is devoted to theatre in this program. Nothing is rushed, everyone shares the same passion, but at the same time everyone has such different vivid personalities which make ensemble work such an incredible experience.”
Reyes feels confident that the UIC theatre program, along with her drive and determination, will make her a successful actress. But what really makes her a success as an actress is her passion for the art.
“Obviously, I’d love to be in movies, lighting up the silver screen…but, even if I’m just acting on stage 5 nights a week at the local theatre, I’d be perfectly fine because I’d be doing what I love.”