Student Spotlight: Amelia Anijielo
May 20, 2015
For some people, performing on a flashy stage with hundreds of people attentively watching in the audience may seem like an unreachable dream. However, for Diamond Bar High School freshman Amelia Anijielo, this fantasy is a reality.
Growing up, Anijielo participated in various musicals in elementary and middle school. In elementary school, she was forced to participate in the plays put on by each grade level, so her interest didn’t spark until middle school. However, once she was a part of Chaparral’s version of “Grease” and “High School Musical,” her passion for the performing arts developed.
As a student in the beginning drama class, Anijielo decided to try out for the role of the Witch in the production of “Into the Woods,” after hearing the Witch’s rap. Although Anijielo was at first hesitant to join, she eventually tried out for the part, due to encouragement from friends.
“I thought I was going to be an extra, which I would have loved, but I actually got the part I wanted. It was an amazing experience and a day I would never forget,” Anijielo said via Facebook.
Of course, performing isn’t as easy as it seems. At first, Anijielo struggled as a result of not knowing the terms, monologue, and history of theater.
“I thought you just get up on stage and act. I had to learn all these fun and crazy new things before I stepped on the stage. Until now, I’m still learning and it’s like a new world or door opens up every day,” Anijielo said.
Since Anijielo started performing, she has made many memories, which include singing with her older sister, Felicitas, at Apollo Night.
“It was a great moment since it was our first time singing together in front of a live audience. I loved every second up there with her,” Anijielo said.
In addition, Anijielo loves performing because she gets to “become” the character while trying new things along the way.
“My favorite part about performing would be how you get to be the character and try all these new things that you normally wouldn’t try,” Anijielo said.
Despite having many unforgettable memories, Anijielo’s favorite aspect about being in drama are the people working alongside her to bring out the best in the musical.
“They will accept you no matter what. Sure it’ll take time to get to know them, but when you do, they’re amazing people,” Anijielo said. “They all have their own personalities because you have amazing singers, artists, fantastic actors, fashionistas, and everything. It just amazes me how each individual really does care about you and will be there for you for anything. They really do become your family,” Anijielo said.
In addition, the theater arts teacher, Beatrice Casagran, had been a huge influence to Anijielo.
“I love how she makes sure you’re doing the best you can, how she encourages you to try new things, and just how to show the audience all of what you got so they leave saying that was an amazing show. A great show is made possible because of her helping and encouragement. She makes you feel like a great actor or actress,” Anijielo said.
In turn, Casagran also has nothing but praise for Anijielo.
“She’s a conscientious person. She is always responsible and communicates whenever she can’t do something. I think her work speaks for itself, she works really hard on the role of the Witch. It was a bit of a challenge for her, vocally. But… [I would] give her a note, and she’d bring it back and incorporated it to make it better,” Casagran said.
Anijielo is also very active outside of the program. The drama student volunteers at the Rowland Heights library once every other week. In addition, she is a participant in Girls’ League and Black Student Union. With her sister, she started A Place for Smiles, a club that raises awareness for depression, mental illness, and self-harm in teens.
