Perspectives: Aaron
Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce another fantastic human being. Meet Aaron Pottenger! This guy is so talented. I've really enjoyed getting to know him and learning alongside him this year. We all love it when he sings in class because of his deep, rich bass voice. He's also a great actor, able to be emotionally vulnerable with characters and enter into them with intensity. I think one of my favorite performances he's given (amongst his many fantastic ones) has been his monologue and scene from The Glass Menagerie. It was very powerful.
For him, working at Sight & Sound has been an absolute dream come true, inspired when he first came to see Miracle of Christmas, the very show that we just opened for the public this weekend! But I'll let him tell the story. :) Please enjoy his perspective!
Hello all. I'd like to formally introduce myself. My name is Aaron Pottenger. I was born (at a very young age) in Queens, NY. Then, when I was a young lad, my family and I moved out east to Long Island, NY. I've lived there ever since.
I've always loved music and theater. It runs in my blood. Almost everyone in my family is either a musician or performer. I've sung in choir and participated in singing competitions ever since the third grade. But the moment I realized that theatre was my passion was when I saw my first Broadway show The Phantom of the Opera. I had never seen anything like it in my life. I decided, then and there, that I wanted to be apart of this wonderful work of art called the theatre.
So through middle school, high school, and college I performed in numerous plays and musicals. Some of my credits include: Beast in Beauty and the Beast, El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid, Rolf in The Sound of Music, and many others.
When I was 12 years old I saw my first Sight & Sound production. Funny enough, it was Miracle of Christmas. By that time I had seen many professional Broadway and Regional productions, but there was something very special about this show. It reached down and touched a place so deep in me. No show had ever done that before. I never cry when I watch productions, but I cried like a baby during this one. At the end of the performance I looked over at my mom and said, "Mommy one day I'm gonna be in that show." And she said "I absolutely believe that A".
I am so grateful that God has brought me full circle and has given me the opportunity to not only be in one Sight & Sound show, but in two! When I discovered the Conservatory I literally had no backup plan. I prayed to God everyday that He would lead me in the right direction. 2016 was really a year where God tested my faith. I prayed everyday, "God I know You didn't give me these gifts and talents for no reason. I'm presenting this desire to You to be apart of the Conservatory. If it's Your will please make a way, but if it's not please shut the door."
Well, I auditioned on June 12, 2016, and 3 weeks later He opened the door for me. It's been one of the greatest years of my life. I have learned so much about what it takes to be a performer. I admit that I doubted if I had what it takes, but throughout this year, God showed me over and over again that I do. This year is one of preparation for what He is calling me to do.
I have met some amazing people along the way and have formed relationships that I believe will last a long time. We have the privilege of performing alongside our instructors everyday. It's such a joy to learn and work with them and glean from their knowledge. They have all pulled me "out of my shell". I didn't realize I was in one, but now I can perform with a freedom and confidence I never have before. For as long as I live, I will never forget this year or this opportunity.
