She found KVPAC in 2003, when she was in kindergarten. A neighbor was taking her daughter to audition, so Maddie gave it a try too. “My first play was Snow What? in the little white house in old Katy,” she recalls. “Back then KVPAC was quaint and little.”  

 

Since that time she has played in 23 student productions at KVPAC. Her parts have run the gamut from the title role in Madeline to the Rescue to the sophisticated Grace Farrell in Annie Jr. “My favorite show was Schoolhouse Rock and my favorite class was Improv Acting with Jonathan Gonzales!” Maddie confesses proudly, “I got my singing talent from my Dad and my love for theater from my Mom.”

 

Outside of KVPAC, Maddie is a member of the Wood Creek Theater Troupe and takes private voice lessons after school. She is trying track for the first time and takes pleasure in the 7^th grade. “My preferred class at school is Texas History,” says Maddie.”Because my teacher, Mrs. Richardson, keeps us guessing about what she is going to do next.” Maddie also likes running, face painting, science and hanging out with her friends. “I even started a club a few years ago called Earth Girls!” she said. “I love nature and being earth-conscious.” Maddie most enjoys skiing in Park City Utah with her family when ever she can. When she grows up, she would like to be a photographer for National Geographic and an actress.

 

For those of you who know Maddie well, you have surely heard the news that she and her family will be leaving Texas soon. “I look forward to getting settled in my new home in Colorado and bringing the KVPAC spirit with me to the theaters I find there,” she says assuredly. “I can make friends easily.” That is a special gift. When asked to sum up her best time at KVPAC, Maddie replied “There were so many. Every show I have been in has been so much fun and I loved seeing my Mom direct Into the Woods.”

 

It is an exciting and adventurous time for this young lady, whom we have watched grow and develop as an actress within the theatre walls of KVPAC. But it is all the same a sad thing for us to see her go. In this particular case, we are not only losing a student, but her Mother as well, KVPAC Encore Players Producer, Jill Manser. It is a double whammy to us to say the least.

 

Over this last summer, Maddie kindly volunteered at the grand opening of our new Building 2. Dressed head to toe in a shimmering costume, she made the perfect Glinda from the Wizard of Oz (or as these modern day teenagers prefer – Wicked!), delighting children with her warm smile and well wishes. She is so much like the character of Glinda … always friendly, always positive ... another special gift.

 

Just remember us well as we will you, sweet girl. We do believe we have been changed for the better, because we knew you … (music fades here).