Musically Made

by Mackenzi Greene ‘17

Amanda Dayhoff found her passion in elementary school and carried it into high school.

Now, she’s hoping her passion will carry her through college.

Dayhoff, now in her senior year at Orange Lutheran, began participating in theater in a fourth grade production of The Lion King, and immediately fell in love with being onstage. She immersed herself in the art, taking dance classes and voice lessons. She wanted to go to a school with a strong musical theater program and emphasis on faith, and she chose Orange Lutheran.

Amanda Dayhoff '17

From the day she set foot on the OLu campus, Dayhoff has participated in every musical since her freshman year, which eventually led to her winning both the Music and Arts Commendations for Youth (MACY) Award for Best Actress and John Raitt Award (JRAY) for Best Actress for her role as Fiona in Shrek during her junior year.

Dayhoff said that playing Fiona allowed her to explore different methods of acting, which led to her stepping outside of her traditional role.

“In theater, I’m normally the mom or a sassy friend, so with Fiona I got to really explore my horizons, dig into a character with a lot of depth, and learn more about myself as I related to her,” Dayhoff said. “In society, we are often labeled and feel stuck in a box. Fiona is a princess, and labeled stereotypically that way, but she breaks out of that. From her, I learned you have to be yourself, because that’s what truly allows you to grow.”

Dayhoff is the latest in a line of Orange Lutheran actors and actresses honored with a MACY Award. In 2015, OLu alum Anthony Skillman won for Best Actor, and in 2014, alums Sarah Pierce and Michael Burrell won both Best Actress and Best Actor. Burrell also won the JRAY for Best Featured Actor in 2013.

“Amanda is not only a talented actress and singer but also a dream to work with,” said performing arts teacher and director Chelsey Everhart. “The world is full of talented people but it lacks actors who are willing to throw themselves fully into their character. Amanda has no problem immersing herself completely into whatever role is given to her and her commitment to her craft is why she was selected as the MACY award winner.”

During her time at OLu, theater has served as an incredible place for Dayhoff to find community. Rehearsals multiple times a week often consist of team building activities and bonding exercises. It is vital, Dayhoff said, that the cast be a cohesive group on stage.

“In the show Tarzan, we were a tribe of apes,” said Dayhoff, who played the role of Kala, her favorite role, along with Fiona. “We worked on being a real family like gorillas are, through trust exercises and games such as literally running around the Nechita.”

After winning the MACY Award, Dayhoff earned the opportunity to compete in the Jimmy National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City. Each of the recipients of Best Actor and Best Actress from their respective counties got to perform on the famous Minskoff Stage, home of The Lion King production. Dayhoff sang part of Fiona’s main song from Shrek in a medley with the other participants.

Dayhoff, center, plays Fiona in OLu's performance of Shrek.

“It wasn’t even about the competition,” Dayhoff said. “Everyone there was so talented. I got to meet kids from all over the world and take master classes from Broadway professionals. It was amazing beyond words.”

For her JRAY Award win, once again, Dayhoff had the opportunity to travel to New York over the summer, and her trip included an intensive acting camp and performances for producers and directors.

Dayhoff often reflects on what Orange Lutheran has meant to her over her theater career.

"I experienced so much growth over time. I learned how to be a better actress and push myself in the best way possible. Because of encouragement from OLu staff, I’ve realized that I can do more than I thought I was capable of."

Dayhoff’s directors Everhart and Terry Sohn have had a huge impact on her time at Orange Lutheran and experiences on the stage, teaching her to explore theater and understand that even with setbacks, she is capable of moving forward.

“I learned how to conduct myself in a professional way, and to go into an audition and feel confident in my abilities,” Dayhoff says. “This year, I am so excited to be a senior and finish out my time at Orange Lutheran with my friends on the stage. I hope to pursue theater in college, and cannot wait to see where God takes me in life.”