Spotlight On: Aiden Kowalik

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Aiden Kowalik who is in the ensemble of our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Aiden Kowalik, I am a 17 year old male performer from Middletown, CT.

 

What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?

What drew me to Kevin was his character arc of being a young, ignorant kid that digests whatever the adults in his life feed him, to a more progressive and accepting human. The most rewarding part of playing Kevin is getting to show that it’s never too late to change.

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

My biggest pinch me moment was definitely our first dress rehearsal. All of the lights and the harmonies for “Changing Lives” made me very excited and was my moment of OMG this is actually happening.

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

My favorite song to perform is “Love Thy Neighbor”. It has the combo of fun, high energy choreo and a positive message.

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

I approach the character by drawing the similarities between me and Kevin. I am a teenage boy so when it comes to mannerisms and reactions I think what would I do in this situation.

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

My pre-show ritual oddly enough is eating a small tin of chinese rice and praying.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

I would tell anyone trying to perform in musical theater that it is a very hard industry that often feels unrewarding. But they have to firmly believe that their hard work and consistency will inevitably earn you your shot; you just have to stay confident.

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

I never went to my high school prom.

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

For me this show feels extremely relevant. Authenticity is extremely important in the world we live in now. Unfortunately most people will follow what someone famous will say and live off of that. We need more authenticity. And there is definitely a divide in the world right now so spreading the message that building bridges is possible to create something bigger is extremely important.

 

 

“The Prom” opened on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety

 

“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.”  —  JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh

 

“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” —  JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse