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Sabine Rivera
in Sound of Music at TNP

Acting Up—

How Theatre Shaped a Childhood On and Offstage

abine Rivera was just four years old when she first took Preparing for the role required intense focus as she dove
the stage with The Naples Players, performing in KidzAct’s deep into her character’s nuances and relationships. In
SNutcracker Goes Pop! For two years, she remained active rehearsals, which began in late August, she quickly learned
in KidzAct before taking a brief hiatus, returning in 2018 to how each scene’s dynamics evolved within the play’s series of
participate in a KidzAct performance class. (KidzAct has since mini-acts. Finally, the cast began running the show without
evolved into the TNP Academy of Dramatic Arts.) interruptions—a thrilling moment for Sabine.
In the spring of 2023, Sabine made her debut with TNP’s “This has been an incredible experience,” Sabine shared.
adult ensemble, performing as a member of the von Trapp family “Being so young compared to the other cast members feels a
in the classic musical The Sound of Music. For her, it was a pivotal little surreal at times, but they always comment on my maturity
moment—a chance to step into the "big leagues" as she found and treat me as a peer. I’m just one of them. They’re a lot of fun
herself auditioning alongside kids she had once shared the stage to work with.”
with in KidzAct. “I love auditioning!” exclaims Sabine. “It’s such Reflecting on her early days with TNP, Sabine credits her
a vulnerable process. You’re trying so hard to impress, but that’s first production class (classes which culminate in a full show
when I feel the most confident. In acting, you can become anyone performance) with giving her the confidence to become more
you want. Theatre has helped me realize who I am as a person— outgoing. “I used to be nervous about talking to people. Now, I
how my mind works. I’m analytical; I need to understand not just can easily strike up conversations with strangers. My confidence
what happens next, but how we’ll get there.” has grown so much through my experiences with TNP. These
Outside of her commitments to TNP Academy, Sabine is also last 10 months have been the biggest for my personal growth.
heavily involved in the theatre program at Naples High School, I’m super hardworking. I might not always be the best, but I
where she serves as Assistant Director for this fall’s production. keep improving. I just love being there. People notice me, push
Her leadership journey began as a freshman when she assumed me to get better—they support me in singing, dancing, and
the demanding role of Stage Manager for three shows: acting.”
a responsibility typically reserved for more experienced students. When she is not onstage, Sabine is equally passionate about
By her sophomore spring, she finally stepped into the spotlight lending a hand behind the scenes. “I love being backstage and
as a performer. knowing about things the audience will never see.” Her roles
Earlier this year, Sabine found herself back for more at TNP. behind the scenes have allowed her to gain experience and skills
She auditioned for Almost, Maine and was cast as Ginette.

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