Being a child actor can be very difficult, especially working throughout your childhood in the entertainment industry. However, junior Skylar Gray’s experience was well worth it as she plans to pursue a career in the arts. 

“I’ve had experience with theater since I was little,” Gray said. “I’ve also been a working child actress since I was four or five. I’ve been in commercials and movies, and I hope to pursue a career in acting or a career in the arts.”

Gray is a bit more familiar with acting than theater, and although she felt she wouldn’t be able to be cast as the Queen of Hearts, she kept working diligently towards that goal. 

“I auditioned for the caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat because I didn’t think I would get the Queen of Hearts, so I didn’t want to audition for it,” junior Skylar Gray said. “I’m more than satisfied with the role that I got because it’s my first lead in one of the shows here [at Oak Park.]”

So, Gray was ecstatic when the 2025 fall musical cast list was released. 

“I went insane when the cast list came out. I started screaming and running around my kitchen,” Gray said. “I called my friends, congratulated them on their role and then screamed a bit more about it.”

As Gray steps into her role, she finds that her and her character have completely different personalities. Nonetheless, this does not stop her from being creative with her role. 

“My character is really mean, so I hope we don’t have similar traits,” Gray said. “I think the parts which were similar is that were both really loud. I like expanding my range with acting and getting to do different characters, different voices, different things that aren’t me. I honestly find it easier because it allows me to act more.”