Interview With Rising Star Ben Shimkus

I am currently a senior at Glens Falls High School, and I will be attending SUNY Cortland next year as a Musical Theater major.

3. Have you ever been to the Charles R. Wood Theatre before? If so, what performances did you catch there?

Actually, my first performance ever was at The Wood! But other than that, I have seen the occasional ACT children's performances as well as the show Jersey Boys at the Theater. Also, I was in the Rising Stars last year as well. All in all, I have seen and been a part of some pretty magical moments at The Wood.

4. What will you be singing or performing at the show? Did you get to choose? If so, what made you choose that song?

The showcase is made up of 3 songs and a medley sung by all of the Rising Stars as an ensemble, as well as a solo performance by every person.

I will be singing "Along The Way" from Edges. The judges that had auditioned us are supposed to choose one of the two songs we sang for the audition for us to perform in the showcase, so in this sense we had limited choice in what song we were singing. But, many of us also prepared our songs individually, so by choosing what to sing for the audition, we also in essence chose what we will sing in the final performance.

Personally, I chose "Along the Way" because it displays a very wide range of emotions. Despite the fact that the song only lasts about 4 minutes, there is a real sense of a character within it.

5. What is it like preparing for the show? How often do you practice?

We started rehearsing about three weeks ago, and we still have somewhere in the area of 3 weeks left. Rehearsals are three times a week for the first 5 weeks, and then much more frequent for the last week (called tech week because we finally get to use the microphones and costumes as we will in the actual performance). The rehearsals for the show are usually very tiring.  They only last 2 hours, but displaying the range of emotions we are asked to demonstrate while  simultaneously dancing and having good singing technique is incredibly difficult. But even though it may seem grueling, the rehearsals are always a blast. It is always an amazing experience to be surrounded with such talent, especially when they all have a passion in the same area as you.

6. Do you know any of the other performers for the evening?

Yes, we all know each other. But, the funny thing is, almost every single person in the group has been in either the same theater troupe, has acted, or had some sort of experience with each other before rising stars. So, not only are we all able to perform together, but it also gives us a way to reconnect with our friends from the past in a sense.

7. Tickets are $26 for the show. How does it feel that people will be paying to watch you perform?

It is the most thrilling feeling. To be able to share the art of music and performance with anyone is an amazing experience. The fact that we are giving money to such a great cause as well is all the more exhilarating.

8. How long have you been singing / performing?

I got into singing and acting at about the same time, both through different ventures, about 6 years ago.

9. Are you nervous or do you feel comfortable on stage? How do you prepare immediately before performing?

 Nerves are always a part of performance, but hopefully not in a sense that it makes the performer seem uncomfortable. Generally, nerves are a good thing too, as they give you more energy, and most of the time makes you more vulnerable, which usually creates more honest and authentic performances. Usually, before a performance, I run over all of my lyrics, dance moves and staging so that I will know that I have it all down pat. Also, I must avoid eating certain foods, particularly dairy products, as those foods are known for inhibiting vocal ability.

10. What are your interests / hobbies aside from performing?

I was on the Glens Falls High School varsity swim team. I also spend a lot of my time doing homework, reading articles on ESPN particularly about the New England Patriots, and I am as avid a Beyonce Knowles fan as there ever has been on the planet.