Performer lands role in professional theater company

Cypress Bay senior Sam Salerno puts the final touches on her makeup and hums a few notes as she looks herself over in the mirror. The overture comes to a close and Salerno takes a deep breath to calm the butterflies in her stomach and steps out into the spotlight.

The audience sits enthralled as the action on stage unfolds before them. Salerno is playing the leading role of Cosette in the Broadway musical Les Miserables at the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater.

"I'm so excited to be a part of this production because Les Mis is my favorite show & I've always wanted to be a part of it," Salerno said.

For the last 2 months, Salerno has spent her Saturdays working with actors from all over South Florida to produce a captivating show. Hours spent learning harmonies, memorizing dance steps, & blocking countless scenes have given Salerno the opportunity to work with new people & it has given her experience beyond the high school theater realm.

"Everyone I'm working with is all new to me. They were all very nice, talented, & welcoming," Salerno said.

Salerno has been involved in the drama & musical theater programs at the Bay since the 9th grade. Salerno has played many roles such as Bombalurina from Cats, a silly girl in Beauty & the Beast, Anita in West Side Story, Rizza in Grease, and Milli in thoroughly Modern Millie. She will also be participating in Lightning Drama's spring show, Ragtime.

"I am so proud of Samantha for her theater accomplishments & her ability to excel in her school work as well," said Sam's mother, Lisa Salerno. "I am her No. 1 fan."

In addition to her many roles, Salerno manages to keep her grades up. She takes honors classes & earns straight A's. Salerno will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall, where she is a finalist for their Musical Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Salerno will find out in early March whether or not she has been accepted into the program.

"I plan to pursue musical theater in college because it is my passion & I couldn't imagine college without it," Salerno said.

Salerno also said she looks forward to performing in front of people from all over South Florida.

"I really wanted an experience outside of high school & I'm looking forward to perofrming in Hollywood Playhouse on the last 2 weekends in March," Salerno said. I believe this girl will definitely have a future when it's all said & done.