46 Andrea DeLonis, a freshman on Bethel’s campus, is making herself known on the stage. I talked with her recently, and asked her a few questions.
Q: What made you choose Bethel?
A: Honestly? Bethel was the last on my list. I'm from South Bend, and the idea of staying home for school was not at all appealing. Long story short, I came to the Billy Kirk scholarship day with the mindset of, "I don't know why I'm here, I am not going to like this place." And I left it with, "I love that place!" I could just feel God everywhere on the campus, and none of the other eight schools I visited gave me that feeling.
Q: How has your freshman year differed from your expectations?
A: I have grown already in so many more ways than I was expecting. God's been doing amazing things for me. I've been given a lot more opportunities to be involved, especially in theatre, than I expected.
Q: How did you get started doing theatre?
A: My freshman year of high school we did "Amahl and the Night Visitors" for our opera. The director needed some strong altos, so I was asked to join the chorus. I had never done theatre before. I fell in love, and have been passionate about theatre ever since.
Q: What's been your favorite role so far at Bethel?
A: Definitely Clara, from "The Boys Next Door." It was so much fun to make her character bloom. Needless to say, I haven't had any popcorn since closing night.
Q: Why should Christians be involved in the arts?
A: It's a creative way to spread the love of God. Granted, everything in every form of art won't obviously say, "Hey! You! Jesus loves you!" Let's be honest, some of it clearly says the opposite. But if we perform with the purpose and intent of glorifying Him, then it's all good. And if one person takes anything good out of what we've presented, then we've spread just a little bit more love. And love is all you need.
Q: What's your favorite movie?
A: Oooh, it's such a big debate! I'll say it's a toss up between these three: "Remember the Titans," "Pocahontas" and "Fried Green Tomatoes."
Q: What's your favorite play/musical?
A: Another epic debate! I'm gonna say, "Hairspray." People can say what they want [about it], but it has an awesome message about discrimination of race and weight and social classes.
Q: What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you onstage?
A: On opening night of "Jake's Women" here at Bethel, I had my first wardrobe malfunction. I was wearing shorts underneath my dress because the dress was a little sheer under the stage lights, and in the middle of some interesting dialogue with Chester Shepherd, who was playing Jake, my shorts fell down to my knees. Out of nowhere. So I had to take them off! It was hilarious, though admittedly unBethical.
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