Due to a flu outbreak earlier this year, we had to reschedule our interview with Alice once.
When we finally sat down to talk, the girl sitting across from us had grown so much over the years—from a mischievous and playful child to a confident and charming young lady radiating youthful energy. She is enthusiastic, cheerful, sunny, expressive, hardworking, and genuine.
In this interview, we sit down face-to-face with Alice to talk about her journey with musical theatre.
Q: What brought you to iStage in the first place?
A: My mom saw an ad in our neighborhood. She thought I had too much energy with nowhere to release it. So she signed me up to burn some of that energy, and that’s how I ended up at the original iStage (the old campus).
Q: What’s the biggest change musical theatre has brought to your life?
A: It lets me sing anytime, anywhere. Sometimes I find myself humming in school without realizing it—I’m just happy every day. I’ve always been a bit dramatic, and now I’m even more so. What might seem awkward or weirdly dressed to others feels totally fine to me—actually, I think it’s fun! I’ve become more open-minded and accepting.
Q: What has kept you going with it for so many years?
A: First of all, I really, “really” love musical theatre. Also, we have great teachers here and so many good friends.
Q: But there’s still competition at iStage, right? You compete for roles.
A: Not really. Usually, you already have a feeling about whether you’ll get a certain role or not, and even if you don’t, you wouldn’t blame others like, “Why did you get *my* role?” That would be so unreasonable.
Q: So you don’t think someone got the role because the teacher favored them? You believe it’s because they were better or better suited to the role? (Leading question)
A: No, not at all. We support each other. No matter who gets the role, everyone is genuinely happy and cheering. That’s the kind of bond we have.
Q: You’ve performed in many musicals. Which one left the deepest impression on you?
A: Definitely the most recent one, *Carrie*. It was super interesting! We performed while standing in the audience seats instead of letting them sit and watch us from afar—it felt so immersive. Plus, the songs in the show were amazing. My favorite part was the fake blood spray scene—hahaha—it was just too much fun.
Q: Did the teacher share the content and meaning of the show with you?
A: Yes, and we also shared among ourselves. They also told us that if we ever felt uncomfortable, we were free to step out.
Q: Anything else particularly memorable about this show?
A: The audience was super close to us. I saw my mom and totally broke character and laughed. She smiled at me, and when I looked into her eyes, I couldn’t help but laugh too.
Q: So the close proximity really had an impact on you?
A: Yeah, but I think I’ll handle it better next time. A truly professional actor doesn’t break character no matter what. This was a good experience—it taught me how to face an audience and manage my emotions better.
Q: Do you enjoy being on stage? What does it feel like?**
A: Happy. Pure, simple happiness.
Q: What if one day you’re really upset, but have to play a cheerful character—how would you handle that?
A: I’ve had that happen. Maybe backstage you have time to think about your emotions, but once you’re on stage, you’re too busy to dwell on it. You’re thinking about your next line, what song you need to sing, your harmony—you’re totally immersed.
Q: Do you remember what you were like when you first joined iStage?
A: Haha, I was like a little wild monkey—shouting everything, zero technique.
Q: And now?
A: I’ve learned a lot more singing techniques. Now I’m more conscious about control. Before, I just sang by feel without knowing how to blend or how to let others shine. Now I know how to use technique, emotion, and control to express myself better.
Q: What’s your favorite musical?
A: “Into the Woods.”
Q: Why?
A: I don’t know, I just really love silly fairy-tale-style musicals that are also funny. “Into the Woods” fits me perfectly.
Q: What role did you play? Was it your favorite role?
A: I played Cinderella—it was assigned by the teacher. We all had to try different roles. But the role I really wanted was the Witch—she’s funnier and more dramatic. Cinderella was fine too, but I don’t think her songs suit my voice. They’re really high, and I almost couldn’t hit a few notes. Maybe the teacher wanted me to try something different, challenge myself, and grow in my technique.
Q: Does your family support your musical theatre journey? With all your schoolwork and exams, I imagine it’s tough.
A: My mom is very supportive. She knows I love it. She listens to the songs every day, watches clips with me—it’s a part of our daily life.
Q: Last year, you could’ve entered Pre-C. The teacher gave you the option between Pre-C and staying in MT Elite, and you chose Elite because of your studies. Looking back, do you regret it?
A: A little bit, but not too much. We ended up performing with Pre-C anyway, so I see it as a half-Pre-C experience. My only regret is not getting a lead role.
Q: So this year, you’re ready.
A: Yes. I’ll probably leave China for high school, so I don’t want any regrets.
Q: Do you want to pursue musical theatre professionally in the future?
A: Probably not. In this field, you have to be the best to get opportunities. If you’re not, the pressure is intense, and the setbacks are constant. I don’t think I’m the best at everything—I’d just be a small fish in a big pond. So I don’t think I’ll go pro, but maybe I’ll take it as an elective.
Q: Just as a hobby?
A: Yes. There was a time when my mom wanted me to become a director, but I never really thought about that myself. To go pro, you need talent, dedication, and the ability to handle pressure—it’s not for everyone.
Q: Do you think doing musical theatre has made you more resilient?
A: Definitely. Sometimes I’d wonder if I wasn’t good enough, or if I was holding the group back. That anxiety would stick around. But over time, I realized it’s not a big deal. If you’re not confident, make yourself confident. Get better—then you won’t doubt yourself
Q: Have you ever thought about giving up?
A: One summer—maybe in fifth grade when everything suddenly got busy because I was preparing for middle school. I spent the whole summer doing practice tests. I thought about quitting and even talked it over with my mom, but we decided not to stop.
I’ve always liked musical theatre—I love movies, I love stories, I love singing, and I love moving around. That’s sort of like dancing, right? I was really happy at the beginning. And I think I’ve only come to love it more over the years. I love the feeling of the spotlight—it gives my inner drama queen a place to shine.
Q: Do you like iStage? If you could say one thing to iStage, what would it be?
A: Of course I like it! I’m really happy here! Hahaha—I hope iStage recruits more students and keeps getting better, so more people can fall in love with musical theatre.
We still remember the first time we met Alice. She was tiny, super mischievous, and always the most energetic one on stage. Every time she had class, she would ride in on her scooter, park it in the corner, and run onto the stage. After iStage moved, the scooter became a bicycle…
Whether or not she ends up pursuing theatre professionally, the sensitivity and richness musical theatre has given her, the power of music she’s experienced, and the bittersweet journey of playing so many different characters—these will be treasures that stay with her for life. Keep going, keep loving it. That’s the greatest gift iStage and musical theatre could ever give.
