Caylah Benowitz
What companies/classes are you currently in?
I am currently in voice classes with Elaine and Stephen’s pre-professional acting.
When did you start at Center Stage?
I started at center stage when I was 4 years old in tap.
What was your Center Stage journey?
I started at Center Stage as a dancer, taking tap and then jazz classes. Shortly after I got into musical theatre classes. At around 8 years old I became a company dancer starting as a Jr. Cougar and working up to a Junior Cat, at the same time taking voice and acting. The beginning of my Junior 2 year I decided dance wasn’t for me and quit to just pursue voice and acting. I have continued with those classes since then.
You started at Center Stage in dance, but have been an actor/singer for a number of years. What was that transition like for you?
It was scary and a little weird at first. I was worried my old company wasn’t going to like me after I quit and that wouldn’t feel welcome at the studio but I quickly realized that wasn’t true. I was a lot happier and less stressed out not being in dance classes. It just wasn’t for me and that was okay because I had something that was.
And what about acting and singing? Which buttons do each of them push for you?
Acting takes me out of my comfort zone a lot, especially with Stephen as a teacher. He pushes me to take on rolls that are very unlike myself and often bolder than I am. Being in acting has definitely improved my confidence on stage. Singing, on the other hand, I have always been more comfortable with. It is something I do for me because it makes me happy. As I progressed in voice I started receiving harder songs in and out of lessons that while scary at first became a challenge I was happy to take on.
And now you’re directing. Where does that fit into the equation?
It definitely makes me see acting in a different light. For one, directing is a lot harder. It's easy to read a script and run with it when you are the one receiving guidance; you don't need to necessarily worry if your interpretation is wrong because if it is, the director will let you know and fix it. But when you’re the director it's your job to interpret and control the story which can be hard to do with other actors who have a different acting style than you do. It’s really cool getting to see how the scene evolves from the outside perspective and by directing my actors I’m learning new ways to approach scenes as an actor.
What was your first Broadway show?
Beauty and the Beast when I was about 2 or 3 years old. I loved the first half but then started uncontrollably crying and we had to leave. My dad still doesn’t let me live it down.
Favorite Broadway show?
That’s a hard choice but probably “Come From Away”. The story is so moving and the way they were able to tell so many different stories with only a cast of 12 was amazing.
Who are your role models? Whose life and values, either from your personal life or famous people, would you like to emulate?
Harry Styles, not because I necessarily aspire to be like him or because he's my favorite artist but I admire how he uses his fame and fanbase to preach positivity and acceptance.
What’s one thing (book/movie/play/TV show/song) that you’re passionate about and that everyone should experience?
Not a particular song or band/artist, but in general I think everyone at least once should experience a live concert. There's just something about the energy in the room and the experience that is so fun and exciting. Hearing your favorite artist live is an experience that can’t be recreated.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who are rude drivers. If you honk at me when the light has just turned green I will drive slower in front of you.
If you were to write a self-help book based on the things you’ve learned about life thus far, what would it be titled?
Taking things one step at a time- don’t rush over the small things or you might miss the big moments.
What would your dream house be like?
Somewhere with a lot of space inside and beautiful scenery outside where I could plant a garden and have room for my pets to run around.
If you were to go back in time, what decade/century would you like to spend some time in and why? Do you think maybe you lived then in a previous lifetime?
I’d love to spend some time in the 70’s and 80’s. The fashion and music was awesome back then and I’d love to experience it during its height.
What’s next?
I’ll be off to college come August, hopefully pursuing a degree in chemistry or animal science. Then off to Veterinary school and wherever life takes me after that.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully by then out of grad school and working full time as a Vet in an animal hospital. I’d love to have my own apartment or house with some pets by that point but only time will tell.
Will you come back to visit Center Stage, or are you gone for good when you’re out the door?
Of course I’ll be back. There’s so much young talent in the studio I can’t wait to see when they are seniors.