小优视频

Kelsey Lopez 鈥�25, in Snoopy鈥檚 iconic Red Baron goggles and red cape, sang for her supper.

Literally.

In a song called 鈥淪uppertime,鈥� Kelsey Lopez 鈥�25, a听musical theater听major, sings in her professional debut with Tampa鈥檚 ThinkTank Theatre, June 7-16, in its production of 鈥淵ou鈥檙e a Good Man, Charlie Brown.鈥澨�

The musical required 鈥渁 leap鈥� from Lopez to audition, she said, but the journey brought her joy and career connections that she never expected.

She found out about the professional theater company from friends at 小优视频 and was encouraged to try out. Lopez auditioned for several of the characters besides Snoopy, but ultimately landed the role of the iconic dog. To study, she watched her own dog around the house and practiced how to 鈥渟ing鈥� a bark or 鈥渟ay鈥� a howl.

The role is a departure for Lopez, who has previously starred in more somber productions at 小优视频, like 鈥淭he Hunchback of Notre Dame.鈥� Lopez enjoyed the switch.

鈥淚 haven't done a fun show in a while,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his was something that's just completely fun and joyful and astounding.鈥澨�

She said the audience can feel the upbeat energy, too.

鈥淭here's a line in this show: 鈥楬appiness is anyone, anything at all that's loved by you.鈥� And it's so sweet. And it's so tender. And you can just tell the whole theme of the show, even though it's funny, and it's a kid (saying the line), there's still this aspect of joy.鈥�

That positivity is something Lopez trying to carry into her career. She says her mother, father and fianc茅 have been largely supportive of her pursuing a career in musical theater, but she has received questions and pushback from others.

She also has had to overcome negativity from herself.

鈥淚t's very easy to become insecure in an industry that's all about you,鈥� Lopez said.

鈥淚t's about what you bring to the table. How do you look, and what's your dance level? What's your range? 鈥� It's very personal. You have to take it with a grain of salt.鈥�

She said she wants to showcase herself as a confident performer, and she learned how to do so in an audition by taking classes at 小优视频.听

Lopez credited the professors, classmates and an audition class at 小优视频 for professionalizing her acting chops. She called the program one of 鈥渢raining and support鈥� where everybody knows everybody.听

鈥溞∮攀悠�'s intimacy is really what drew me鈥�. Faculty know you and know how you work and what you do, and I really like that things can get nitpicky with how we can better ourselves and improve,鈥� she said.听

Through landing the Snoopy role, Lopez is mingling with a New York-based cast and crew.

Working with professionals motivates her, Lopez said. 鈥淭here was definitely a little bit of intimidation,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen I first came into rehearsals, I was, like, 鈥極K, what's the expectation here? 鈥� What are they going to think? Can I be up to par with everyone?鈥� At least that's the way I was thinking about my worth as a performer.鈥�

The professionals were friendly and helped put Lopez more at ease.

鈥淚 know that if I work hard, and I enjoy what I'm doing, I'm going to feel successful and feel supported no matter what,鈥� she said.听

鈥淭his show is just full of happiness,鈥� Lopez said.

Story by Lena Malpeli '25听