Ava Robb: A Freshman in the Lead

The curtains rise: a shadowed figure dressed in all black is standing, her presence captivating the audience.
This influential individual is none other than Freshman Ava Robb. Robb is making waves in the theater department, starring as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family production as well as having a big part in the Fall Play, Curious Savage. Robb is far from being spooky and scary, although she may appear to be while performing on stage.
She is known as a hard-working, collaborative student as well as a compassionate friend. While watching her on stage it may come as a surprise, but Robb actually prefers the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater.
According to Robb, she has more experience in technical theater and actually “works outside of school as a lighting and sound technician.”
Although she is planning to pursue lighting and sound as a career, it hasn’t stopped her from pursuing greatness on stage; this is evident in her performance as the lead in the current production.
Being a freshman in a big role can be nerve-racking, but Robb approached the opening weekend with grace.
As Robb puts it, she was “super nervous because being a freshman, it’s a lot of new territory.” This being said, she called The Addams Family performance “fun and rewarding.” Robb felt very supported throughout the musical, forming close bonds with her classmates.
“I find inspiration from Lily Stockton, who is a senior and she plays Morticia…she’s been doing theater all through her high school career, and she’s an incredible performer and really inspires me to push myself and go out of my comfort zone,” said Robb.
The entirety of the cast and crew have grown quite close and connected during rehearsals and late nights. According to Robb, they have formed funny inside jokes and memories, along with connections that she hopes to hold onto during her time at Sunnyslope.
Not only is Robb an incredible performer, but she is also a terrific friend. Freshman Abby LeGendre said, “Ava is one of the greatest friends ever.”
“She’s so kind and charismatic, you just want to be around her. Whenever she’s around, everyone has so much fun, and she is full of energy and love.”
Along with being a great friend and performer, Robb cares a lot about her education and always tries her hardest in school. In the words of English Teacher Amanda Morari, Robb “does [her work] really, really well,” is incredibly insightful, and “has a lot of expectations for herself, which is fantastic to see.”
Robb learns a lot in school, but she is also keeping her experience in The Addams Family at the forefront of her mind.
From her time in the musical, she has learned to “go out of her comfort zone,” “push boundaries,” and try new things “without the fear of judgement.”
Along with that, Robb said, “I’m excited to use the opportunity to demonstrate what I know how to do, advocate for the arts, and entertain everybody who gets to experience the show.”
All in all, Robb is an inspiring, amiable person and an extraordinary, charismatic performer.
She is looking forward to The Addams Family and future theater productions at Sunnyslope.