Spotlight on Scarlett & Ana: The Stars of Tring Park School’s production of The SpongeBob Musical

As Tring Park School for the Performing Arts gears up for its dazzling production of The SpongeBob Musical which takes place from 18-20 June at the school’s Markova Theatre, we sit down with the two lead performers, Ana and Scarlett, to get a behind-the-scenes look at their journey to bringing Bikini Bottom to life.

Q: What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of playing SpongeBob?

Scarlett: SpongeBob is such a vibrant, bubbly, and cartoony character, playing this kind of quirky comedy has been an absolute blast!

Ana: Seeing the progress from rehearsing in studios to watching it all come together on the theatre stage. It’s incredible to see how each element builds toward the final production.

Q: How do you get into character and bring SpongeBob’s energy to life?

Scarlett: If I ever feel my energy dipping, I ask myself, ‘What’s the happiest someone could be right now?’ and channel that – it’s all about keeping that ultra-positive spark alive.

Ana: I channel SpongeBob’s thoughts and imagine how he would be feeling at any given moment. It helps me fully step into his optimistic, adventurous personality.

Q: What challenges did you face while preparing for your role, and how did you overcome them?

Scarlett: SpongeBob plays a huge part in bringing everyone together and keeping things light. He has to fill a lot of space during the show, so I’ve been really conscious of that without overdoing it. Once we moved from the rehearsal room to the stage, finding that energy became much easier.

Ana: Balancing SpongeBob with my ensemble role has been the biggest challenge but having Scarlett as my double has really helped. She’s been a great reassurance whenever I need a confidence boost.

Q: What’s your favourite moment in the show, and why does it stand out?

Scarlett: Best Day Ever! It’s the perfect example of SpongeBob’s optimism bringing everyone together. It’s pure joy from start to finish.

Ana: Climbing the volcano with Sandy. The scene is such an intense and high-energy moment that really captures the thrill of the characters’ adventures.

Q: How has this production changed your perspective on theatre and performing?

Scarlett: The SpongeBob Musical is unlike anything you usually see on stage. It’s literally a cartoon brought to life. It’s broadened my perspective on musical theatre and really highlighted the fun you can have with character, set, and props.

Ana: I’ve never taken on a character like SpongeBob before, and it’s opened up a whole new world of musical theatre for me. It’s been an amazing experience.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to future students starring in SpongeBob The Musical, what would it be?

Scarlett: Every character in SpongeBob has the ability to be different, so I’d say have the courage to bring your personality into it and make the character your own.

Ana: I totally agree with Scarlett, don’t worry about what people think. Once you let go of that fear, you unlock your full potential and can truly bring your character to life.

This amateur production of The SpongeBob Musical is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. The musical is based on the Nickelodeon TV series by Stephen Hillenburg and the book by Kyle Jarrow. With original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau with additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton and additional music by Tom Kitt.

For more information and to book your tickets please visit: www.tringpark.com/events-shows