Positively Arts is proud to announce Mark Alexander as the August Artist of the Month! Mark recently performed at the Leadership Henderson Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony and is preparing for his third Get Launched Vegas competition! Mark recently sat down with Positively Arts student intern Naomi C., who is currently a sophomore at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas.

What do you enjoy about Positively Arts?

MARK: I have been with Positively Arts for quite some time now. As a student, but also a performer, I love them as an organization because they are dedicated to helping kids like me express the passion for arts, education, and experiences in a safe and supportive place, without bullying or worry. My time here is enjoyed by sharing many of my own personal stories, hard work, kindness, and effort in the performing arts. Since I am an aspiring singer and actor this everyone at PA helps me feel supported.

Do you want to continue doing performing arts in the future?

MARK: Yes, performing arts, acting, and singing it's what I really love. Performing in front of others, learning a song, a topic, or script. Putting emotion on singing or acting. Creating a performance to connect with the audience. I've been doing this since I was 5 years old, and I can't believe how much I've grown, the one thing I can tell anyone is that with hard work and dedication you can pretty much do anything, and also have an open mind to learn and be respectful and kind to others.

How do you feel while performing?

MARK: I feel in the zone, extreme joy, and free. It's a feeling of expression that helps me release to others what I love to do.

Do you still get an anxious or nervous feeling when performing?

MARK: I wouldn't say I get nervous, I actually get extremely excited, and of course a little anxious to go out there and share with everyone what I love to do, but also hoping I can make the audience smile or feel the joy and connect with my performance.

Also, before I perform, I always try to think if I'm truly ready to show the best of my talent with others, and focus on all the hard work that made me get to the stage and moment.

It also depends on the performance, the type of challenge, and even the audience. Each performance is different for me, so I try to learn also who I am performing towards, for example if it's the National Anthem in a sports arena there are ways to present yourself and stand out but also respecting this great Nation, our flag, and the men and women who fight and fought for our country. On a talent show with judges, I try to get really excited about the audience and make them feel my song, or even acting when you are in front of so many and you have to remember script, action, and stance. I would say being nervous is not the right feeling for me while performing, for me it’s all about being prepared ahead of time which makes me study and focus on how I am going to perform to deliver my best on each performance.

After performing, how do you feel?

MARK: Every time I perform I end my performance with pride and a big smile. Because even if I know I messed something up a little (every performer that I know is self critical about their talent at times), I am still happy that I had the opportunity to stand in front of others and share what I love. When I get off the stage after thanking everyone, I take a deep breath and hug those who support me, including my peers, mentors, teachers, parents, everyone really that traveled to see me. One of the things I tend to do is think after each performance what I can do better, and learn from each performance, and this helps me become better and train for the next one.

Did you have any experience with arts before joining positively arts?

MARK: Yes. I’ve been doing this since I was 5 years old. Local school talent shows, sports arenas for the NBA, Baseball, and others. I was actually the youngest singer to perform for the NBA Summer League here locally at 7 years old when I did, and then returned to do a halftime show at the age of 9. To support local charities, churches, and events here in Las Vegas. By joining the organization Positively Arts, I was able to meet others that had the same interests as me, and also shared some stories, trained with incredible mentors, and performed in new venues that have helped me get inspired and continue this journey.

What inspired you to get into performing arts?

MARK: Some of my biggest inspirations came from watching successful artists perform classic songs and how they make you feel, also enjoying hit TV shows or musicals, and experiencing the joy that comes from this form of art and all the creativity. A form of expression that makes me feel free. The possibility of achieving these goals in the future excites me and helps me think of ways to be a great actor and singer. A big inspiration for me was witnessing the power of performances like Hamilton. Observing the effort of talented individuals on stage, working together to create a masterpiece makes me desire to be a part of such productions someday. Singing and acting are important in my life, and I firmly believe that with hard work and dedication, I can realize my dreams, and I can’t thank those who support me enough.

Is there anything that you think is challenging but you are able to face it?

MARK: Right now, I feel like I can work hard to face any challenge. I guess if I had to pick one, I would be finding the right song for example, to match my age, and range so that I can showcase the most powerful of performances. When it comes to acting, I absolutely love learning and memorizing things so, it comes more naturally to me rather than challenging, but if the script is large, then it’s also not forgetting the parts, or the cues for your specific role.

What's the best advice someone gave you for performing arts?

MARK: Best advice has to be that no matter how hard you work, try to always have the most fun and learn from the opportunities that come your way.

What are your short term goals for acting?

MARK: For acting, I’d like to continue doing musicals, I had a blast doing Matilda The Musical with Majestic Repertory Theatre, and recently The Callback Musical with Positively Arts. I am also seeking to be part of television shows, Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu series in the near future. I recently did a visit to Universal Hollywood and was super excited to see the studios there.

What is your favorite song to perform? 

MARK: Right now it has to be, Billie Eilish - Lovely. I performed this for the first time in GET LAUNCHED VEGAS 2022, and as a First Runner up for the competition, I can tell you it wasn’t easy to get there being surrounded by so many amazing talented people, so you had to pick songs that challenged you the most to show the best of your talent. This song delivers so many ranges from lows to highs and pitch variations, and timing that make the song difficult and rewarding at the same time, if you are able to do it. I was so proud and even cried a bit in joy after finishing the number for performing it with such good results.

Who is your favorite artist?

​MARK: Favorite, I actually have three: Frank Sinatra, Luis Miguel, and Michael Buble. Those are my absolute top favorite artists, and I love the classics and music that takes you back in time. They all represent and have sung from the Great American Songbook, I highly recommend you listen to their music, it’s timeless.

Positively Arts is proud to announce Pula as July Artist of the Month! Pula started with Positively Arts this past spring in our Artists' Clubhouse! Pula recently sat down with Positively Arts student intern Naomi C., who is currently a sophomore at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas.

Positively Arts is proud to announce Nyomi as the May Artist of the Month! Nyomi has been a part of the Positively Arts family for nearly a year and recently starred in Positively Arts' original musical, The Callback, as well as celebrating her birthday at the beginning of the month.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday!!

Nyomi sat down with Positively Arts student intern Naomi C., who is currently a freshman at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas.

What inspired you to pursue the arts?

NYOMI: What inspired me is that I just really enjoy performing & I like what Positively Arts stands for.
 
What are some of your long-term goals?

NYOMI: Some of my goals are to go into a singing competition and win it. I also really want to become a professional recording artist.
 
Do you want to continue performing in the future?

NYOMI: I absolutely do!
 
What do you enjoy about Positively Arts?

NYOMI: I really enjoy that it is a safe place, there is no judgment there and that its full of positive energy and people.
 
Is there a performance with Positively Arts that stands out to you? And why?

NYOMI: The one that stands out to me the most is Get Launched because that was my first performance with Positively Arts.
 
What is the best advice someone has given you in performing?

NYOMI: The best thing someone has told me is to not overthink my performance. Once you overthink it i feel as if that makes more room for error.  
 
What inspired you to start doing what you do?

NYOMI: I just love to sing
 
What's your favorite part about performing?

NYOMI: My favorite part is the feeling you get after you finish performing and everyone is just cheering for you.
 
What is something you learned from Positively Arts that is going to help you in the future?

NYOMI: Always be yourself!
 
What do you feel while performing?

NYOMI: I feel happiness and it surprisingly calms me.
 
Were you nervous or scared the first time you performed?

NYOMI: Not at all, I was excited! I still get the same feeling.

Positively Arts is proud to announce Crystal as the April Student of the Month! Crystal has been a part of the Positively Arts family for nearly four years and has recently been selected as the Co-Chair for 2023-24 Positively Leaders Steering Committee. To learn more about Positively Leaders, please visit positivelyarts.org/positively-leaders! Crystal sat down with Positively Arts student intern Naomi C., who is currently a freshman at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas.

How did you get into the performing arts and learn about Positively Arts?

CRYSTAL: Growing up, my house was always filled with music. My siblings and I absolutely loved to put on little ‘shows’ for our parents and no matter how cheesy it sounds, we always used to sing while doing chores because we all loved the movie ‘Annie’. Being able to sing and act for the rest of my life and make it a career in the future was my biggest dream as a child, however I was always the shyest person in every room and had absolutely no idea if that dream would even be possible. I’ve been in and out of singing groups, but about 4 years ago I was introduced to Positively Arts by a friend and she explained how their program works and what they do. I thought it was an amazing program and so I joined them and I saw it as an opportunity to help get me out of my comfort zone as well as being one step closer to making my dream a reality.

What do you enjoy about Positively Arts?

CRYSTAL: I love how Positively Arts has become like a second home and family to me. I am so grateful to be working with all the kids, and I love being around them because they have the biggest hearts and I can always count on them to make me smile.

What was your first Project with Positively Arts? 

CRYSTAL: My first performance was for Get Launched at ESports Area where I sang ‘Girl on Fire’ with my close friend Megan Wallace. 

What do you enjoy about performing? 

CRYSTAL: I love being able to interact with the audience as well as putting my emotions into songs so I can connect with the audience and make them feel something as well. 

How has PA helped you out?

CRYSTAL: I was a very shy person until I came to Positively Arts. Positively Arts helped me become more outgoing and step out of my comfort zone. I feel like Positively Arts is a very loving and caring environment. 

Do you like performing as a group or individually? 

CRYSTAL: At Positively Arts, I haven't performed in a group when it comes to singing. I feel like performing with a group is less nerve wracking because you have all your friends with you on stage who you know you can always count on, however I like all the opportunities I get being able to perform individually because that’s something I’ve never been good at doing and I love all the chances I get to be able to become better at it.

Is there a benefit to learning presentation skills? 

CRYSTAL: It forces you to get out of your comfort zone and makes you become more sociable. Having these skills will make you feel less frightened and nervous for anytime you have to do something yourself.

Do you have a process before going onstage? 

CRYSTAL: I still get nervous and shake a little bit. I picture myself somewhere else. I don't focus on the present moment. I think about something happy and it doesn’t make me feel stressed out. It makes me feel relaxed. 

Is there a performance with PA that stands out to you? And why? 

CRYSTAL: My first performance with Positively Arts at the Get Launched. It stood out to me because I had just come from a different singing group and didn’t know what the people from Positively Arts were like or how the audience was going to react when she would sing. It was nerve wracking because I was scared to sing by myself and that is why I sang with Megan. After the first performance I realized how supportive everyone was and it made me feel welcomed. 

What are your artistic plans in the future?

CRYSTAL: I wanted to try to be a recording artist and see how far that takes me in life as well as a model and actor on the side as well. 

What do you want to do with Positively Leaders? 

CRYSTAL: I want this to become an ongoing program and for our teens to start becoming more involved in giving back to the community and start gaining some real world knowledge that will help them throughout their lives. I’m excited to kick off the inaugural class and to see what doors this program could open for Positively Arts students in the future.
 
What is the best advice someone has given you in performing?

CRYSTAL: As simple as this advice sounds, the best advice someone has given me is to ‘Just have fun’. I always keep that in mind no matter what auditions or performances I go to because I know that I will always get nervous, but that doesn’t stop me from doing what I love to do. If you truly love something and that something for me is singing, then always remember why you started doing it. Because it was fun! 
    
What inspired you to start doing what you do?

CRYSTAL: My first performance opportunity inspired me to start bringing my singing career to life because when I was younger, I was offered to perform at a festival, however I backed out from performing on stage right before I was supposed to go on because I was scared of being judged by the audience. Ever since then, I’ve just looked back on that day and realized how far I’ve come and I keep pushing everyday to become better and better.

Positively Arts is proud to announce Noemi Elena as the November Student of the Month! Noemi excelled during last month’s Get Launched Vegas competition and fundraising challenge, raising nearly $2,000 to provide opportunities for local youth to participate in arts enrichment and leadership programs through Positively Arts. She is an excellent student and never gives up when challenges come. We are glad that Noemi is part of our team and we will always be by her side all the way. We hope to have her in more incredible performance opportunities that she would enjoy being in! We appreciate her for all the amazing acts and hard work she has put into our team. Noemi does an amazing job performing and getting along with everyone around her. She is always eager to learn new skills and has excellent participation while practicing. Noemi Elena sat down with Positively Arts student intern Naomi C., who is currently a freshman at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas.

Noemi, it is an honor being able to hear all about your experiences. What inspired you to get into performing arts?

NOEMI: When I was little, I had a best friend, but she sadly had to move away to LA. She moved away with her family because she was a child actor. Her name is Kingston Foster. We would hang out everyday, and I was so interested in what she did! Kingston would always tell me about all the movies and shows she was in. She was in Fuller House (S6:E2), American Horror Story, Breaking Bad, and Disney Channels' ‘Zombies’. It made me want to do what she did, and that’s what started it all. I remember being in the car and talking to my mom, saying “Hey mom I wanna be like Kingston when I grow up.” and she said “Well Noemi, you need a lot of training for it.” And so it began! Voice lessons, JR MTI shows at my local children's theater, and then along came Positively Arts!

How you do feel while performing?

NOEMI: When I first get up onstage, I think of it as a performance. No matter if a question is asked or I go straight into it. Once 30 seconds or so has passed, at this point I would most likely close my eyes. Closing my eyes is like my body’s trigger to reset. Mrs. Pilita taught us all the importance of resetting and how much it can improve and affect your state of mind and your everyday performance. After I’ve reset onstage, I feel a sort of comfort. Almost like i’m in my own room, singing to myself. This helps me release my nerves, and I do it almost every time I perform. I don’t necessarily do it voluntarily either, it just kind of happens. I’ve been inspired by leaders all around me that resetting is important and a good skill to have on hand.

Do you still get an anxious or nervous feeling when performing?

NOEMI: All the time! I just want everyone to know that it’s okay to be nervous. Not too long ago I remember feeling super anxious during the Get Launched Vegas finale, I was almost in tears. I remember saying things like “I can’t do this” and “I never get nervous, why do I feel like this?” I was trying to sike myself out. Then I got upstage and performed my song and I did awesome. I realized I was hyping it up for it to me just fine. So I always like to tell my friends, whenever they get nervous, that it is ok to feel that way. It’s okay to sike yourself out. But at the end of the day, the world isn’t going to end, making mistakes is ok, and nobody is going to judge you if you get nervous. We are all human and feelings always come out. It happens to the best of us.

How do you feel after performing?

NOEMI: Not long ago I went to a leadership workshop where a very wise man named Scott Lang (not Ant-Man) spoke to me. He was talking about how the choir people or singers are more sensitive to criticism, and judgment. Because other majors don’t use their bodies. We as singers use our vocal chords and our voice and our body. While others use instruments, machinery, music programs, or other forms of entertainment to perform. I learned a lot from this workshop!! Normally, after I perform. I feel relieved, but I also feel proud of myself. It’s not every day you feel proud of yourself, so it’s a good feeling to have, and I love feeling it. Every performance I am in, I anticipate doing a good job so that I can have a sense of pride, and it’s always fun to see my friends smile when they are proud of themselves too.

What do you enjoy about Positively Arts?

NOEMI: I enjoy all the opportunities that Pilita gives us to perform, she’s truly creative and comes up with fun things that everyone loves participating in! All the different classes there are to choose from, it’s overwhelmingly amazing! The people, the teachers, the knowledge, you never know how much you can retain from these classes. I’m so grateful for my scholarship and that I can take advantage of it so that I can experience every single one of these cherishable opportunities. I have made so many friends during my time here at PA and it is in my plan to keep going so that I can meet even more kind and loving people!!

Did you have any experience performing before joining PA?

NOEMI: Yes! Oddly, I acted more often than I sang, but everyone at Positivley Arts taught me majority of things I know about performing and technique. I acted and did Jr MTI shows at Broadway Kids Academy and Seedling theater. I also had a vocal coach around the age of nine! Her name was Emelie Moutlon, and she taught me the basics of singing. Solfedge, diction, crescendo, rhythm, and we had a lot of fun during lessons. I love my current vocal coach who I’ve been with since 2020, and her name is Britni. I switched to her around 10 or 11. She helps me prepare for all my performances, and she teaches me all the cool techniques, skills, and hacks that I know today! I’ve had various experiences prior to Positively Arts!

What are some of your near-term goals?

NOEMI: My goal is to score a role and get a callback from a casting director so that I can get my foot in the door, and start off my professional acting career. I was signed by my agent in September of last year, and I’m so grateful for him. He’s helped me so much in finding auditions and I can’t wait to land something and take off so I can launch my future!

Do you want to continue performing in the future?

NOEMI: Of course I do! The arts are my passion and my safe space. Whether it’s singing, acting, playing an instrument, or dance! Even though I am not a professional at these yet, I hope that I can progress in my journey so that I can show everyone how great I am! I may not be the best, but I believe that if you manifest the best for yourself, you can achieve the impossible. Remember, confidence is key!

Are there any challenges that you have faced, but you were able to overcome?

NOEMI: Over the summer I had flat foot surgery. It was challenging mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was bullied at school, and felt like everyone was always staring at me! I eventually got over the sensitivity and all the unnecessary comments made by kids at school. I stayed strong and got through it. Singing was something that helped me! It always helps me feel better when I sing, if I’m in pain, sick, or having a bad day. Singing and Positivley Arts put a smile on my face during hard times.

Whats the best advice someones given you for performing arts?
​
NOEMI: Don't ever stop. If performing is your passion, the worst thing you can do for yourself is give up.

Congratulations, Noemi, on being student of the month!

​Izayah is a 9-year-old singer and actor who joined Positively Arts after a mock audition class for all kids who were trying out for Matilda the Musical with Super Summer Theatre. Izayah started preforming with Green Valley Baptist Church in 2018 for Children Choir Christmas Performance under the instruction of David Simpson. In June of 2019, he joined Seedling Theatre Company and was with them from June 2019 - January 2022 having many roles including Mowgli (Jr Jungle Book), Shrek (Jr Shrek) and Nigel (Jr Matilda). Knowing dance is a very important, he started taking dance classes in Oct 2021. Izayah will perform in my first musical Ballet this coming Christmas season. 

​You may recognize Ella from last year’s Get Launched Vegas or from her original song, but you might not know that this gifted artist is also devoted to service and family. Ella donated her time this summer to teach at our Whitney Ranch Page to Stage Summer Camp and has also been a wonderful consult to our Founder and CEO, Pilita Simpson, for several other programs. She was also just selected from a huge pool of candidates to join the first ever IAN Center Fellowship Program where Ella is working with a creative team to design and reimagine innovative learning spaces. During this program, she will also write and record her own song and music video, not only performing in it, but directing, filming, and editing the entire project! We are so proud of this young lady and her desire to give back and better the community around her is so inspiring! Make sure to support Ella in this year’s Get Launched Vegas - Live Audition Rounds Saturday, August 27th & Saturday, Sept. 10th at our new Positively Arts Playhouse Studio!

Meet Sriya!

Sriya Wint is April’s Student of the Month because she has challenged herself and continues to learn new skills without hesitation, all the while being a leader to her peers during camps and classes. In fact, Sriya was chosen to be one of the two students to interview Bill Medley and The Righteous Brothers because of her committed work ethic, kindness, and compassion for others. She is currently taking singing, dancing, and acting classes with Positively Arts, working on her dream of becoming a well-rounded performer who appreciates all aspects of the performing arts world. 
 
Despite her full performing arts training schedule, she is also maintaining high academic grades as well, using her time management skills wisely. Sriya has been taking piano since she was 6 and often receives superior or superior + in competitions. She plays drums with her school band and is learning ukulele and guitar. In 2021, Sriya won the Nevada State Spelling Bee and proudly represented the state in The Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, and was broadcast on ESPN3. 
 
When’s she’s not being hilarious and insanely kindhearted to others, she’s working towards being the first female President of the United States, who is sure to fill the Oval Office with song!
 
Congratulations, Sriya!