Not everyone finds their calling in life at five years old. However, for North Penn’s Jessica Arnold- she was enchanted by the world of theater as a young cast member in Beauty and the Beast at the Pennsylvania Performing Art Academy. This role was only the beginning of her successful career on stage. Arnold, a senior at North Penn had roles in classics such as Fame, Grease, The Wizard of OZ, and the lead in Annie. Thirteen years later, everything is coming full circle as she won the leads for the fall show Pride and Prejudice and the recent spring musical “The Music Man.”
As Arnold and the senior cast took their last performance on the NP stage, the moment was “more bitter than sweet; I’ve devoted my life to theater for three years.” This final high school performance represents the fruition of the hard work over time, including countless practices and rehearsals. Arnold jokingly likens this after school activity to “signing your name in blood.” Yet all of this hard work is worth it “when you finally have your costumes, you are under the lights, and can hear applause; you finally feel a connection to the character.” This blissful feeling has driven Arnold over the years. The epitome of this feeling was when Jessica belted out “My White Knight”, a song which, according to Arnold, required a lot of “emotional, physical, and mental energy” yet sounded effortless and clear.
The characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Marian Paroo are very different, yet they both exude qualities of independent, confident women. The Musical was exciting since the entire cast came together as an ensemble singing and dancing while the fall show is centered on acting. “There is something about that era and time” said Arnold about Pride and Prejudice set in the 1800s in the sprawling English countryside, but the entire atmosphere of The Music Man was upbeat and fun, set in 1912.
Although the stress of being involved with theater can be intense, Arnold reflects that “we do it to have fun.” The cast members are reminded not to lose sight of the reason to be in theater; because they truly enjoy the art. Mrs. Andrea Roney who directs the plays tells the cast to “let go.” Simple words are easier said than done, but Arnold acknowledges that this policy allows the cast to genuinely “escape, and leave the baggage at the door.” She believes that it is important to have a “haven” to be yourself and enjoy performing and being around the theater family even though there might be a lot of chaos from school and personal life.
As for the many peers and mentors who have become friends, Arnold considers them as family because the group is close-knit. She does not want to lose relationships that she has forged over the years with anyone and is indebted to the advice of many teachers including Mrs. Roney and Mr. Matt Klenk. Also, “my seniors” or the cast members who were seniors last year are dear friends. Arnold adds, “I’m not one who gives [friends] up easily.”
As a historian for The National Honor Society, Costume Coordinator, and member of Chamber Singers, Arnold learned early on how to keep up with a schedule as dramatic as the plays she is involved in. It might have taken a mini nervous breakdown yet Arnold knew that she wanted to strive to do well in school and theater, which is a difficult balancing act. “I realized if this is something I want to do, I need to prioritize.”
When Arnold has some down time, she enjoys being with friends, reading, relaxing, watching movies and shopping. She also enjoys fashion and explains that there is something of a treasure chest of old costumes on the balcony of the stage. Her favorite costume was the outfit she wore in the first act, complete with “a hat and cute boots.”
The curtain may have closed on the last show and the last act of senior year is almost through, yet Jessica has a lot to look forward to, including graduation, senior week, and… having no homework.
“I can’t wait to start my new life, it’s like opening up a new chapter; I can’t wait to be on my own”, Arnold shares happily. She will study communications at Penn State and continue with music while taking theater as a minor or possibly taking theater as a double major. Arnold still has the role of her life awaiting her and we look forward to seeing and hearing what she will do in the future. As they say in theater, break a leg!