From singing songs in the car with friends to performing on stage, WCHS senior Penelope Levy steals the spotlight whenever she performs. Known for her performances in WCHS musicals “Matilda,” “Mamma Mia” and “Spongebob,” Levy has found her place at WCHS on the stage.
“My first play was in the fifth grade and then from there, I began doing musicals,” Levy said. “I started participating in Cabin John’s musical as ‘young Anna’ in “Frozen.” The next year, I joined Young Artists of America (YAA).”
After finding her passion for performing, Levy started taking acting and voice lessons at the age of 11, which turned out to be just the beginning to her performing career. She has participated in many on-stage productions both in and out of school, most notably in the WCHS productions and in the annual Blast performance.
“I spend 12.5 hours a week during the musical, but including YAA I [spend] 21 hours a week [on acting and performing],” Levy said.
By spending so much time with other students during the musical and Blast, Levy has made many close friends. From the long rehearsal times, to the after-show Silver Diner runs, castmates are able to grow close with one another and watch each other grow in more than just in school or in sports.
“I remember being a freshman, not knowing how to navigate the structure and all of the traditions of the WCHS productions,” WCHS junior Bailey Shabat said. “These past couple of days [in preparation for this year’s musical], Penelope among others have been very helpful towards other underclassmen or new performers that need some support leading up to tech week.”
Aside from the musical, WCHS also puts on Blast every year to showcase students’ talents in the performing arts department. This production is entirely choreographed and composed by students. Since her freshman year, Levy has performed countless numbers in Blast and even took on leadership positions as early as her sophomore year as middle school liaison, vocal captain and vocal coach.
“Similar to the musical, I have participated in Blast all four years of high school,” Levy said. “I was a lead in Voices of a generation (VOAG) number ‘Accidentally in Love’ my freshman year, joined leadership in sophomore year, and have been in more and more numbers as I progressed!”
Levy’s leadership role in this has grown every year. More than just a vocal coach, Levy is a strong pillar that many students depend on to encourage them through strenuous performances. From helping run students through vocal exercises and warm ups, to giving them a good luck smile before performing, Levy is a friendly face in the WCHS theatre community.
“Penelope is both one of my closest friends and biggest role models,” Shabat said. “I love being able to perform alongside her talent onstage, while also having fun and joking backstage.”
In addition to her flawless performances, Levy is known for the positivity she spreads backstage. She can create a roar of laughter but also know when it is time to be serious, especially around the time of tech week.
“My favorite part about participating in WCHS events is making friends and finding fun in the little things,” Levy said. “I have built a strong community of friends in the arts bubble at WCHS and love to watch them succeed and grow.”
The hard work that Levy has put into each production and performance is apparent, not just by the roles she plays, but also the way she can professionally handle all the engagements she takes part in. Her willingness to take on challenging characters and roles is just one quality that many cast members admire about her.
“I have admired Penelope’s talent and passion for performing since I met her,” Shabat said. “She is both an inspiration for my own journey in theater, alongside somebody I can always look up to and ask for help.”
