Acting, singing puts senior on stage

Yancey Reeder’s first role on stage was that of a disgruntled ladybug in a musical “Going Buggy.”  As the first grader stood on stage singing “that’s no way to treat a ladybug” she was bit by the acting bug.

Yancey Reeder

Reeder is a junior at West Port High School, enrolled in the Marion County School for the Arts program, now and acting is still her “first love.” 

Recently she played the role of “Amber” in the school’s production of the musical “Hairspray.” A role she enjoyed playing because Amber is much different that the real life Yancey Reeder, she said.

"I am so glad I had the opportunity to play the egotistical Amber. Amber is terribly rude, obnoxious and does not care how many people she hurts to get her way.  I try to be considerate of other people's feelings as well as be respectful of other people's points of view.  Amber was completely self-absorbed, a stereotypical diva that is oblivious to others.  As much as I enjoy performing, there is no need to be rude and arrogant to be successful,” she said.

And Reeder has enjoyed many successes.

Last year she received a “superior” rating for her solo in competition. The small group musical she was in was selected as Best of the Best in the District 12 Thespian Festival This year her group also took the top category in the same festival. She also won best duet musical of the festival with classmate Alex Feliciano.

She is also involved in other activities at West Port.

Besides having a grade point average higher than a 4.0 because of the honor classes she takes, Reeder is on the school’s debate team, the golf team and a member of the chorus.

Reeder was selected to participate in the chamber’s Leadership Ocala- Marion Youth which gives her the opportunity to learn about the many community organizations in the county and how they make a difference to those they help. She took advantage of the youth group because she enjoys having new experiences and opportunities and meeting new people.

One opportunity has come Reeder’s way, and the way of other drama students at the school, is the chance to attend and perform at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in Scotland.

A trip Reeder sees as a wonderful opportunity for new experiences.

According to Janet Shelley, drama teacher, the expected cost for the two-week trip is $60,000. Students involved with the trip, parents of those students and staff at the school are working to raise money for the trip by hosting fund-raising events and asking for donations.

Working with a company that specializes in student travel, Shelley said the group has raised enough money to pay all the required installments.

“Now those installments require larger sums of money - $14,000 instead of a couple thousand,” said Shelley.

Donations are appreciated for the August trip and may be mailed to West Port High School, Drama Department, 3733 S.W. 80th Ave., Ocala, Fl., 34481