For the past two summers, young actress Lily Rouse participated in GSA’s and VSC’s summer camp. This past Thursday, she went on the Wells theatre mainstage as the titular role in Matilda the Musical.

"VSC's theatre camp was an amazing experience. Everyone was super nice and so talented.” Lily told VSC, “I met so many other kids who love theatre as much as me and I feel like it's the perfect mix of fun and learning.”

Lily’s parents agree: “The staff, like Ryan Clemens, are so enthusiastic and experienced that they make camp a pleasure to attend. And we were amazed at how creative and well done the final show turned out. Every child contributed a great deal, from creating the show to sets to performing, and it just blew us away.”

Lily was so inspired by camp, she decided to audition for a professional role!

“The camp gave me a lot of practice with how to be professional and helped me to be confident in my very first theatre audition. It was with Virginia Stage Company for A Christmas Carol, and I got the role!" 

After A Christmas Carol, Lily decided to keep the fun going with Matilda the Musical. Lily played both a named ensemble character, Winefred, and Matilda’s understudy! Last week, Lily was able to have her time in the spotlight and went on for Matilda.

All of us at Virginia Stage are so proud of Lily, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!

Do you know a kid or teen that might get a kick out of summer camp? Learn more about VSC and GSA’s Summer Theatre camp here.