NEIRAD
COLLIN SHAY: Musician, Actor, Dancer, and now a Sophomore
By Charlie Nicholls - 09/08
Watch Streaming video of 308's A Midsummer Night’s Dream (you will need to scroll down about halfway)
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Collin Shay is more than just your average theatre geek. Not only does he participate in the two annual Theatre 308 productions, Collin has been playing piano since age five. Collin now composes his own pieces on a regular basis.
“I love to write my own stuff,” Collin said.
This fifteen-year-old has written four concertos (work for a solo instrument with a full orchestra), three rhapsodies (a free-form piece with a piano and a full orchestra), and eight dances. With all of these, Collin is unable to pick a favorite.
“I hate what I write,” Collin said. “I’m really critical of myself.” In addition to writing music, Collin has been in many theatrical productions. “I’ve worked with Collin for a number of years now,” Theatre 308 Director Nancy Herman said. “I worked with him first through his involvement with DHS's summer theatre program, Music Theatre Workshop, and this year through his involvement with Theatre 308.”
In his freshman year, he played the role of Snug in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and Tommy Djilas in “The Music Man.” “He is a hard-working and dedicated performer who understands the value of training, and his skill as a dancer makes him stand out from the crowd. His considerable talent continues to evolve and emerge, and I am looking forward to directing him in the years ahead,” Ms Herman said.
“I hate what I write,” Collin said. “I’m really critical of myself.”
Unlike his music, Collin is able to pick a favorite show he has performed in. “My favorite play I’ve ever been in was “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” in which I played Bun Foo,” Shay said.
The reviews on Collin’s theatrical work are drawing critical praise. “Collin is a talented and dedicated performer,” Theatre 308 alumni Geoff Byrne said.
“Collin is fantastic. He’s great at what he does,” Class of 2008 graduate Erika Flynn said. Collin starred in a student-production that Erika directed last spring called, “Why Do We Laugh?” Collin played the role of Andrew Powers – a part that challenged him to play ages five to 15.
Collin’s range on the stage often extends to his own life. Friends find his original take on life one of the things that draw them to Collin: “He is always very energetic,” sophomore Meredith Persico said. “He is unique with a world view that makes him stand out from the pack.”
Collin looks forward to continuing his Theatre 308 work as wells as his music composing career throughout the rest of his high school years and beyond.
