Bella Frank
Bay Port High School

Parents: Lesli and Steve Frank
Area of Interest: Theater

When did you first get involved in theater?
I started performing when I was three. I was in dance from ages three to thirteen. When I was in seventh grade, I started exploring musical theater. I wanted to find a new passion, because I have bad knees and dancing on them was wearing them down more. I started doing musicals in seventh grade and fell in love. Being a part of theater was the only thing that made me as happy as when I was dancing, and I wasn’t able to do that anymore, so finding a love for theater was refreshing and an exciting new adventure.

What do you like most about theater?
Theater gives me a space to escape from life for a little while. I’m able to become someone else for a couple hours. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities through theater and I have met some of my closest friends. I love getting to do something that has such an incredible community surrounding it.

What has been your favorite experience related to theater so far?
My favorite theater experience would be the last musical I was in at my high school, we performed Beauty and the Beast. Being involved in any show in any capacity has always been exciting for me. That production was definitely one of my favorites to perform so far. Another favorite would be participating in the Next Stage program through St. Norbert College. The people who are involved in that program are so talented and being able to work with them was such a great, professional, inspiring and educational experience.

What’s something you hope to do/accomplish as a performer in the future?
I’m hoping to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater as well as a degree in education. I’d love to be able to pursue musical theater as a career. In that, I’d also hope to have a positive impact on the community and the people I’m able to work with.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into theater?
If it is something you love to do, go for it. You never know what can or can’t happen if you don’t try. Theater is a beautiful thing and also has a very supportive community. Be kind to the people around you, because people enjoy working with people who are kind.

What six words would you use to describe yourself?
Organized, kind, passionate, helpful, caring and supportive.

What subject do you enjoy most in school?
I enjoy my music classes, choir and orchestra, but I also enjoy language arts classes.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who walk slow when I’m in a rush.

Where do you hope to travel one day?
I’d love to travel to New York, just to see the city, but I’d also love to travel anywhere warm and with a beach.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My dad telling me to do what I love, no matter what it is. If it’s your passion, don’t hold back.

Who is your role model?
My mom. She is probably one of the strongest people I know and she has always supported me with what I want to do.

What plans do you have for after you’ve finished school?
I’m hoping to double major in Education and get a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater.

Do you have any pets?
I have a sheepadoodle dog named Hamilton and a cat named Finnick.

What’s one skill you think everyone should have?
Kindness. Something as small as a “thank you” can make all the difference. People enjoy being around other people who are kind.

Are you a Green Bay Packers fan?
Yes — just more of a fan when they’re having a good season.

FAVORITES
Song: “Anything” by Taylor Swift
Book: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
Show: Gilmore Girls
Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Color: Sage green
Season: Late spring/early summer
Time of day: Sunset
Snack: Pretzels

Each week, City Pages highlights a local student who is involved in arts and entertainment at their school and/or in their community.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue. Email Janelle Fisher at [email protected] with any questions.