The bright spotlight from the projector outlines the silhouette of Brooke Iasparro (12) as she gives her student director speech for Ayala Theatre Company (ATC)’s production of “SIX: The Musical.” After a collective applause, she disappears into the wings for her quick costume change. As the curtain draws, Iasparro allows her dance shoes to adhere to the floor and surrenders her body to the choreography. She becomes one with the music as her skirt cascades from her leaps and turns. Followed by another costume change, Iasparro performs a monologue that ricochets encouraging connotations, where goosebumps welcome themselves on the audience’s arms. As she calls for “end scene,” a standing ovation meets her peripherals as she takes her final bow with a smile plastered on her face.
Iasparro has been actively engaged in many programs at Ayala, especially visual performing arts (VPA), where she puts most of her devotion. Iasparro has been in the Ayala Theatre program for the past three years, in which she took Performance and Production, and has been in the Ayala Dance Program for the past four years. Not only that, Iasparro has starred in a variety of plays and musicals and has assisted in directing for two of them. Productions Iasparro has starred in include “Peter Pan,” “Mamma Mia!,” “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “SIX: The Musical,” and the upcoming play, “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.”
Alongside performing, Iasparro is the secretary of the International Thespian Society (ITS) Club, and a member of the Theatre Executive Leadership Board for the Performers of Ayala Club, National Honors Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation, and Advanced Placement (AP) French 4, which led to her position as historian of the French Club. Her responsibilities include running social media platforms, designing ATC’s website, showmanship, linguistic capacity, leadership, and the ability to maintain above-average academic standards.
“I can be very busy with everything I do, and it can get stressful trying to balance rehearsals, dance practices, club meetings, and schoolwork all in one,” Iasparro said. “But knowing that it will all be worth it in the end keeps me going. It also helps that I truly enjoy each and every moment.”
Iasparro has not only been blessed with achievements from her legacy, but she has also been blessed with camaraderie and a support system. They encourage her to keep going, motivating her endurance and taking the weight off her shoulders from the accumulated pressure she feels. Yet through it all, Iasparro can persevere flawlessly through the action.
“Brooke, in general, is such a bubbly person,” Kinidi Townes (12), one of Iasparro’s closest friends, said. “Always high-spirited, even on her off days. She doesn’t dwell on problems too long as she knows it’ll work out in the end.”
Iasparro believes that she has progressed through her charisma and how she perceives new opportunities and advantages that will take her far. She also believes that it is essential to put yourself out there to explore a new passion, get a glimpse of your future, or create a foundation throughout high school that will help you challenge your authenticity.
“I feel that I have become such a social and outgoing person since I’ve gotten more involved here at Ayala,” Iasparro said. “I have met so many wonderful people, including some of my best friends, and found a passion for what I want to do in the future.”
Iasparro truly has made a difference on campus, whether it be through her works of art, mentorship, or advocacy for recognition in the Visual Performing Arts (VPA) on campus.
“Her involvement in theater has truly inspired me. She was one of the first friends I made in the theater program as a freshman,” Brielle Pangan (11), one of Iasparro’s friends, said. “She is so welcoming to everyone that joins the theatre program and works so hard to make the best possible version of our company.”
Iasparro will be performing and student directing in ATC’s next production of “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” from October 23 to 25. Outside of Ayala, you can find Iasparro at the Seventh Street Chino Community Theatre, engaging in camps, shows, and currently doing tech for their production of “Lord of the Flies.”
“Be open. It’s always good to try new things. It’s such a great community and a great way to meet your second family. Don’t be scared. Everyone is so welcoming, and it is truly a wonderful group to be a part of, no matter what the performing arts. It’s such a blessing to be able to do something that you love and are good at with others who share that same interest and passion,” Iasparro said.
