Summertime for Adaeze Loynd (11) and Landon Page (10) does not signify weeks of leisure and relaxation as it does for most. Rather, the moment that school is out, their true 9 to 5 begins. Constant work, daily rehearsals and collaboration with professionals outlines a typical day for the aspiring actors. These students are not merely dreaming of Broadway — they’re already making their mark. 

The Muny, formally known as the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre, is a second home to Loynd and Page. Both began acting in productions at age 9 as members of Muny Kids and now participate in the Teens Troupe, an outreach program for teens.

“Since I was young, I’ve been going to the Muny shows, and it’s always just been a staple part of my family’s summer,” Loynd said. “I was so marveled by how well they put on the productions,  and I’d always had this goal that I wanted to be in the Muny before I turned 10.”

The quick process of putting together a Muny production requires focus and commitment. Having just completed his sixth year, Page has the routine down through years of experience. 

“We only have 11 days to practice before the opening show,” Page said. “We always learn dances with music first. Then, when we group up with the adults, they’ll place us in empty spaces and add us in.”

As they’ve grown up, the actors have made many transitions, from taking on new roles to learning from their experiences and 

opportunities in the acting field.

“When I was younger, I wasn’t in as many numbers, but I didn’t take it for granted then because it was all so new to me,” Loynd said. “Every experience was the best thing ever. But as I started to get older, I was able to do heavier parts and act in shows that aren’t just entertaining, but also have a deeper meaning behind them.”

Aside from acting, both Loynd and Page are year-round dancers and have acquired skills that go hand in hand with their theatre pursuits. Through their participation in the Teens Troupe, they are able to dance for crowds before the main show.  

“It’s a 30-minute dance choreographed by choreographers from places like Los Angeles and New York,” Page said. “It’s helpful because you also get to know the people you’ll be working with all summer beforehand. You get really close.”

Loynd is appreciative of her experiences collaborating with professionals and the opportunities it has provided her with, helping her grow as an actor.

“I’ve gotten to meet so many cool people who have pursued the industry and made it far and big,” Loynd said. “It’s really great getting to talk to these people and have them as a mentor because of the relationships we’ve made along the way.”

Despite the skills that Loynd and Page bring to the table, they are always looking to improve, whether that be through attending workshops or working with private coaches.  

“My biggest strength when it comes to performing is being confident in what I doing,” Page said. “I’m trying to improve on actually emoting. I have an acting coach to help with emoting [as] it translates to both dance and theatre.”

For Loynd, it can be easy to turn towards comparison. Overcoming self-doubt is a challenge that she is constantly battling.

“With theater, you have to be a triple threat: singing, dancing and acting,” Loynd said. “I’m working towards becoming more comfortable with acting and my voice especially. It’s always such a mental block to get over the, ‘Oh, I’m not good enough,’ because you’re surrounded by so many people who are truly incredible.”

While the talent of the Muny actors is undeniable, it’s the community that they’ve built that makes the experience so valuable.    

“You would think in such a competitive environment, everyone would kind of be hostile with each other, but everyone’s happy for [other’s] success,” Loynd said. “It’s truly amazing seeing how far all these people I’ve met go.”

Inspired by his co-actors, Page reflects on his own ambitions for the future.  

“I’ll probably participate in the Muny until senior year,” Page said. “I’ll do it all the way. And in the future, I want to do stage.Broadway is the big dream.”

Loynd understands the difficult reality that comes with chasing a career in acting, yet she sees acting being a part of her life for the long run. 

“I’m definitely a realist,” Loynd said. “I know that it isn’t the best industry to pursue. I’m hoping to do it on the side and hopefully book something big one day like being on Broadway.”