Artist of the Month Eva Renwick (9) experienced many firsts this year, from performing the lead role in “Little Shops of Horror” to dancing on the small group contemporary team. Renwick is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly switches between pointe work, singing and acting.
In February, Renwick was cast as the lead character, Audrey, in the school’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
“When I was cast as the lead, that was a cool experience to be able to explore,” Renwick said.
Sandra Geminiani — Introduction to Professional Theatre, Intermediate Professional Theatre, English 10 and AVID 10 teacher — got to know Renwick this year through the play and her participation in the Introduction to Professional Theatre course.
“[Renwick] worked so hard at her character, developing those deep emotions of her character, understanding who her character was,” Geminiani said. “Not only that, but she has a British accent, and she had to put on a Brooklyn, New York accent. She really worked hard at maintaining that and giving a really believable performance.”
Though acting was never front and center in Renwick’s creative mind, a leap of faith led her to find a new passion.
“I never thought that theatre would be my thing, but I love to sing, so that’s why I auditioned for the role,” Renwick said
Renwick loved to sing “ever since [she] was little.”
“Ever since I was little, I’ve loved to sing,” Renwick said. “I think everyone did when they were younger. As I got older, I was able to realize that this is something I like to do, and I would always audition for the school talent shows in elementary school.”
From elementary school plays, to our schools theatre production, Renwick has continued to improve and practice.
“Her voice is insane,” Geminiani said. “It has to be heard to be believed, especially with the fact that she hasn’t really had proper vocal training. She can sing like a professional.”
Before Renwick moved to San Diego, she lived in Yorkshire, England and danced competitively.
“I … started dancing when I was two, and when I turned seven, I moved here,” Renwick said. “[At the Royal Academy of Dance] I started with ballet, jazz, lyrical and I started pointe a couple of years ago.”
Renwick continues to participate in the Royal Academy of Dance outside of the school’s dance team.
“It’s an intense ballet program where we take yearly exams,” Renwick said. “I have hours of dance [practice] every single week, but we just had the Nutcracker and I played Clara.”
Renwick’s passion for dance stems from a “long line of women dancers” in her family.
“[That’s where] my passion for dance sparked and has only grown from there,” Renwick said. “I have a very motivated family, they all work really hard and are very passionate … So I think that’s an inspiration for me.”
With the support of her family, Renwick has been able to perform for our school’s dance team along with the Royal Academy of Dance.
“[I’m] really proud of being in large and small for the [schools] dance team this year,” Renwick said. “… I think being able to have a community [at school] with a bunch of people who share the same passion for dance is a great opportunity for me.”
While auditioning for her first-ever production, a competitive dance team and taking singing lessons, Renwick also faced self-doubt.
“I think a lot of times I get in my head about a lot of things, and being able to trust my own judgement and not to feel embarrassed of putting myself out there, I think that’s a big thing I’ve kind of overcome, by doing things like the school musical and trying out for the dance team,” Renwick said.
Renwick encompasses all aspects of performance.
“Eva is a true triple threat, and I think those are rare,” Geminiani said. “To be a true triple threat, someone who can sing, dance and act is a very rare thing and Eva is one of those.”
