Artist of the Week

Marley Mountcastle: A Triple Threat By Alan Juliano, courtesy of Kent News

As the curtain closes on a fantastic year for Kent Theatre, it seems that, for one performer, the curtain has just opened. Marley Mountcastle ’10, from Raleigh, North Carolina, not only participates in drama at Kent but plans on pursuing a career in theatre. Mountcastle, who came to Kent as a 4th former, was initially attracted to Kent because of its diverse performing outlets. Specifically, she liked being able to participate in music, theatre, and dance concurrently. This is Mountcastle’s third year participating in the spring musical; she performed in Urinetown and Guys and Dolls her 4th and 5th form year, respectively. This year, Mountcastle is playing an important role in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She was cast as Miss Dorothy Brown, a role played by Mary Tyler Moore in the film version, so to say that she has big shoes to fill is certainly an understatement. “I saw the film before auditions and wanted to make myself one with the characters. For example, when rehearsing for the audition I listened to the soundtrack religiously to hear and learn how to sing with conviction,” she stated.

Mountcastle discovered her interest in performing at a young age. “In kindergarten I was Mrs. Claus in my school’s Christmas play,” she explained, “and from there I went on to pursue theatre seriously.” At the tender age of ten, she starred in Disney’s Bear and the Big Blue House, and touring versions of Annie, Into the Woods, and To Kill A Mockingbird. More recently, she auditioned for the FOX original series “Glee” as Rachel. Though she didn’t get the part, Mountcastle felt that the role would have been perfect for her because it encompasses acting, singing and dancing, and it is evident that she is competent in all three realms.

Her prior experiences have sparked her desire to succeed in the entertainment business. Next year Mountcastle plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a performing arts school known for its strong film department, in order to prepare for a film and acting career. Furthermore, at SCAD, she wants to further expand her horizons by also concentrating in music and dance in order to hopefully reach Broadway as well as the big screen. 

Although Mountcastle’s time at Kent is coming to a close, it is apparent that with her current work ethic and determination, success is inevitable, and all of us at Kent wish her the best of luck in pursuing a career in performing arts!