Let us introduce, Dayana, the featured model in our latest "Who do you dream to be?" photo shoot! We are always inspired by someone with an interesting story or unique point of view and Dayana was no exception. We fondly referred to this shoot as "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" but it could have easily been called "Broadway Baby" or "A Star is Born"!

We met Dayana a couple months ago when we did some head shots for her New York audition. We wanted to get a little bit more creative this time and do a somewhat styled photo shoot. We knew we wanted a vintage mic for the shoot and set out to hunt one down. Thanks to Jamie's connections with Broadway Music we were able to get one! Michelle from Redeemed Furnishings gave us this cool chair to work with! And Kari from The Copper Butterfly let us use the pearl chain necklace that perfected Dayana's last outfit!

We literally had a blast that afternoon with 35 mph winds!

TOAD: How did you get started in performing/acting?
Dayana: I have been involved in theatre since fifth grade. The first musical I was in was Godspell. I have been interested in acting ever since I saw 42nd Street in New York when I was in second grade.

TOAD: Obviously you play the guitar. Do you play any other instruments?
Dayana: I started playing violin when I was 6, and I took lessons up until I was fifteen. I got my first guitar when I was in sixth grade. I taught myself how to play, and I am still learning.

TOAD: How often do you practice singing?
Dayana: I practice singing every day in the shower haha. But I get practice through choir at my school for an hour and a half every other day. I was also involved in my school's musicals, which would involve vocal practice for two hours and acting for two hours about twice a week.

What are you working on these days?
Dayana: Right now I am co-directing a freshman play with two of my best friends. It has been a lot of fun to share my knowledge of theatre with the freshman and to collaborate with two people that I love and respect.

TOAD: What is your favorite memory of HS?
Dayana: My favorite memory of high school has been working on the musicals with all my friends. The four musicals that I have been in at Lake Central each have a special importance to me. Freshman year I had a walk-on role and I was the understudy for the lead in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Sophomore year I played Evilene in The Wiz. Junior year I was Grace in Annie. Senior year I played Ti Moune, the lead in Once on This Island. I had the most fun playing Evilene and Ti Moune. My friends in theatre are my family. High school wouldn't have been any fun without them.

I will also never forget making "flash pants" out of aluminum foil with my friend Richanne sophomore year. I hope that the trend catches on.

TOAD: What are your favorite TV shows?
Dayana: My favorite TV shows are 30 Rock and Friends. Neither of them are airing new episodes, but I watch reruns all the time. They're both really funny, silly shows.

TOAD: What could we catch you doing on a day off?
Dayana: When I have a day off I like to go to the zoo. Especially when it's raining. The animals are always more active and I love walking in the rain.

TOAD: What are your plans after HS?
Dayana: After high school I plan to study musical theatre in college. I haven't decided whether I will be going to Northwestern University or New York University...but I will know before May!

TOAD: What is your dream role?
Dayana: My dream role is Ariel in the Little Mermaid.
My favorite musicals, though, are Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening, and 42nd Street.

TOAD: What would we find on your ipod?
Dayana: My ipod is a mix of pop songs, musical soundtracks, and some alternative stuff. My favorite bands are *Nsync, The All-American Rejects, and blink-182. I also have an obsession with Britney Spears, especially her Oops I Did It Again album. Everyone at prom is going to hate me because I requested a thousand *Nsync and Britney songs.

a little touch up in between by Sheri B. — a little touch up in between by Sheri B.

Dayana, we wish you luck the best of luck for your very bright future! Dream big!

Sincerely

Carmen & Jamie

Dayana - Class of 2013