Student Volunteers Shine Behind the Scenes of Pensacola Little Theatre's Little Red Robin Hood

Student Volunteers Shine Behind the Scenes of Pensacola Little Theatre's
Little Red Robin Hood

The magic of live theater rests not only upon the actors' talents on stage but also on the dedicated volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. At Pensacola Little Theatre, a few exceptional student volunteers have come together for this summer's production of Little Red Robin Hood.

These young individuals, Beatrice Bunnell, Natalie Johnson, Davis Bare, and Marissa Jade Rodriguez, contribute to the production's success while gaining invaluable knowledge.


Beatrice Bunnell: A Rising Star in the Making 

Beatrice Bunnell's journey in theater began at an early age, and her love for the art form grew stronger. Having performed with Milton High School, Washington High School, and Pensacola Children's Chorus and worked backstage at Pensacola Little Theatre, she has amassed a wealth of experience. 

Beatrice recognizes theater's impact on her development as an actress. She was raised participating in the Acorn shows every summer, and this experience shaped her into the performer she is today.

As she aspires to pursue a degree in Educational Theater, her time volunteering at Pensacola Little Theatre has proven invaluable, providing her with hands-on experience in working with children and nurturing their artistic growth.

Working with the children during this production has been a transformative experience for Beatrice. She emphasizes the importance of educational theater and leadership, which the children have taught her throughout the process. She understands that encouraging children to trust their instincts and make their own choices is crucial to their creative development. As she enters her junior year of high school, Beatrice plans to continue participating in local theater, further honing her skills and nurturing her passion.


Natalie Johnson: A Multifaceted Talent 

Natalie Johnson, a rising senior at Palm Beach Atlantic University, brings a wealth of theater experience to her student volunteer role. Pursuing a B.F.A. in Theatre, Natalie enjoys both performing and stage management. With notable productions such as Into the Woods (Stage Manager), The Comedy of Errors (Lucianna), and Our Town (Sound Design) under her belt, she is eager to work on Little Red Robin Hood and engage with the children involved.

Natalie's connection to Pensacola Little Theatre stems from her high school director, Mrs. Bunnell, who allowed her to apply her recent Theatre for Young Audiences coursework. Recognizing the exceptional programs offered by Pensacola Little Theatre for children, Natalie considers her work with the kids a blessing and a fantastic learning opportunity.

Natalie has learned valuable lessons about education and play direction throughout the production. As she enters her senior year of college, Natalie is excited about the prospect of completing her studies and embarking on a career in the theater industry.


Davis Bare: Embracing the Power of Educational Theatre 

Davis Bare's theatrical journey began in fourth grade, and since then, his love for theater has only grown. Having performed with various theater groups, including Washington High School, Pensacola State College, and Pensacola Children's Chorus, Davis volunteers at Pensacola Little Theatre to support educational theater and its impact on children.

For Davis, exposing children to the arts is crucial as it educates them and develops their social skills in a joyful and safe environment. Working on Little Red Robin Hood has allowed him to apply his knowledge of theater to young audiences in real-time, contributing to his overall growth and understanding of theater.

Throughout the production, Davis has learned valuable lessons about education, play direction, and the holistic nature of theater. With plans to pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at the University of West Florida, Davis's passion for the arts is set to flourish even further as he continues to contribute to the world of theater.


Marissa Jade Rodriguez: A Well-Rounded Theatre Enthusiast 

Impressive roles and performances have marked Marissa Jade Rodriguez's theatrical journey. From starring as Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice to portraying Yukon Cornelius in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr., her dedication to theater shines through. Having recently graduated from high school, Marissa sought to work alongside her former director, Jennifer Bunnell, at Pensacola Little Theatre.

As the stage manager, she has embraced the responsibility of overseeing the technical aspects of the production, gaining a newfound appreciation for the hard work and fulfillment that comes with such a role. This experience has further solidified her passion for theater and her unwavering commitment to pursuing a career in the performing arts.


The student volunteers at Pensacola Little Theatre working on this summer's Little Red Robin Hood production exemplify the dedication, talent, and enthusiasm that drive the world of theater. Beatrice Bunnell, Natalie Johnson, Davis Bare, and Marissa Jade Rodriguez bring their unique experiences and aspirations to the production, making invaluable contributions behind the scenes.

Their work not only enhances the quality of the production but also fosters a nurturing and educational environment for the children involved. As these young individuals continue to pursue their dreams in theater, their commitment to the arts will undoubtedly inspire and shape the next generation of performers and enthusiasts.