Reagan Sutton is a dedicated senior at Rock Ridge High School, who has been passionately involved in dance and theater throughout her high school years. As the president of the Rock Ridge Theater Arts (RRTA) leadership board, Sutton displays leadership, a desire to help the community, and aspirations in the performing arts.

Q: Can you share a little bit of background about yourself, including your hobbies and interests?

A: My name is Reagan Sutton, and I am a senior. I’ve been dancing since the age of two, and I’ve participated in theater for all four years at Rock Ridge.

Q: What inspired you to join RRTA?

A: The thing that inspired me to join RRTA is definitely the people and the positive community it provides. The director, choreographers, and vocal directors create a safe space for students to learn and grow.

Q: What are your responsibilities as part of this role?

A: As the president of the leadership board, I lead a team of students who show responsibility and positivity. We help other students, especially freshmen, and plan social events, like our recent Friendsgiving party and an upcoming Christmas party. I also lead our meetings.

Q: What does a typical week look like for you, and how do you balance your role at RRTA with other interests and schoolwork?

A: A typical week for me includes going to school every day, with rehearsals from Monday to Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. After rehearsal, I usually go straight to dance practice for about an hour and a half to two hours. Balancing everything has been challenging, but this year I’ve worked with my counselor and joined study groups to manage my time better.

Q: What’s the most challenging part of your role, and what’s your favorite part?

A: The most challenging part is when people disagree with my ideas for events. I dislike conflict, especially when we’re all on the same team, so finding good communication is key. My favorite part is definitely seeing our events come together and how they positively impact the community.

Q: What advice would you give to younger students who want to take on a leadership role like yours one day?

A: I would tell younger students to always maintain a positive attitude. You never know how the people you meet will affect your future, so it’s important to be kind and supportive, especially in the theater industry.

Q: How has your experience at RRTA influenced your future plans or goals?

A: RRTA has greatly influenced my goals, particularly my desire to go to college for choreographing. Being the associate choreographer for Footloose and part of the choreography team for Hadestown has helped me grow, especially under the guidance of Mr. Lacey, who is one of my biggest inspirations.

Q: Footloose was the most choreography-heavy show RRTA has done in a while. How did you contribute to this as a dancer, and what are your thoughts on Footloose now that it’s over?

A: Footloose was indeed the most dance-heavy show I’ve ever been a part of. I contributed by choreographing some of the major dance numbers, like “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” and “Somebody’s Eyes.” Now that it’s over, I feel proud of what we accomplished and how much I learned.

Q: What are you most looking forward to with Hadestown and Hunchback of Notre Dame coming up?

A: I’m really looking forward to competing with Hadestown at the Glammy awards. I’m also excited that Rock Ridge and Tuscarora are both doing Hadestown around the same time, and we’re planning events to support each other and build a stronger community.