Tell us about your time at MCCA!
Hello! My name is Sebastián Sainz. I have been a student at MCCA since 2015, and in that time I’ve gained tremendous knowledge, irreplaceable memories, passions unmatched, and so much love. In 2015, I started taking solely acting classes and stuck with that until I eventually broadened my horizons by taking other musical-related classes after being in MCCA’s production of Fame Jr. in 2019 (my very first musical). Since then, I’ve been in Legally Blonde Jr, Newsies Jr, Freaky Friday, The Music Man Jr, and The Little Mermaid Jr. Additionally, I am in MCCA’s pre-professional program and have traveled to JTF Atlanta with them twice! My favorite MCCA memory is 100% performing a set from 13 Jr. for the New Works Showcase at JTF Atlanta 2023. Being on that stage in front of 6,500+ people, displaying something fresh and new that they had never seen before, was symbolic of so many things in my life. Making an achievement of that nature is something I NEVER could have even imagined I’d do, and I will forever be proud of myself for taking the steps to do it. While it’s extraordinarily fun being on stage in spotlights, I think some of the real joy you get out of theatre comes from all the in-between moments, and MCCA has never failed to deliver those. Some of my most treasured memories come from joking with friends during 5 minute breaks, reviewing choreo at 8:45 AM before class, car rides with good music to and from rehearsals (thank you Chase), group hugs and games of tag while your director works scenes you’re not in, and staying after rehearsal to laugh with your teachers and thank them for their time. MCCA has been a remarkable place to grow up; I wouldn’t want to have spent my childhood with any other group of people.
Describe your senior year in three words.
Reminisce, embrace, and adapt.
If you could change one school rule, what would it be?
I would make it so that there were less unnecessary graduation requirements that filled up space where creative electives could be taken. I’ve heard many kids complain about wanting to take advanced art classes, but not having enough room in their schedule for it and I think that’s unacceptable.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Directing for a theatre company local to wherever I may be living! I hope to be working with an age group that ranges from around 12-20.
What is the most challenging task as a senior?
Definitely accepting that your current reality is about to be uprooted, and everything you know is going to change forever. I’ve had to let go of so much control over this past year, and at the same time, gain control over so many other things. That in itself has been exceedingly difficult, but knowing that my childhood is over and I must step into this next chapter of my life has proven to be even more arduous. Sometimes I wish things could stay the same forever and ever, but other times I am SO excited for all of the new things coming my way! As a senior you have a lot of conflicting emotions you’ll have to go through, but in those times it’s important to lean on your people.
I am most grateful for…
My siblings!!! I am the youngest of seven kids, and I would not trade growing up in a house of nine family members for any other experience. It’s like I have 6 bodyguards, 6 mentors, and most importantly, 6 best friends. I genuinely don’t know where I’d be without my siblings beside me cheering me on. (Or letting me use their EA account to play Sims 4)
What is your dream college and why?
I can’t really say I have a dream college. I’ve never gravitated towards any fancy schools or dreamed of going anywhere specific to further my education. I just hope I make a lot of memories and meet some cool people!
If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would LOVE to move to Ireland for a short time! I’ve been fascinated by the landscapes and scenery of Ireland for years now, and it would be amazing to experience the flora and fauna up close.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I love cooking and baking! Both my mom and dad are great cooks and over the years I’ve gained lots of knowledge from them about being in the kitchen. I love that behind a stove, you are in control of everything and you can make anything you want exactly suited to your likes.
Who is your favorite band?
Music related questions are always so tricky for me to answer because my music taste is VERY vast, but if I had to pick just one band I’d have to say Young The Giant.
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