By Mackenzie Acker

Staff Writer

    As the lights shone on R.J. Reynolds’ spring musical Hadestown, one performer captivated the audience. Playing one of the three fates in the show, Sophia Pisapia stood out as a dazzling talent. Whether you’re watching her perform for the RJR dancing boots or at the Winston Salem Theatre Alliance, you not only see a skilled artist, but someone who has a true commitment and love for the craft: a quality that follows her beyond the stage.

    “I dance outside of school three days a week for two and a half hours,” Pisapia said. “I also do a lot of community theatre with Winston Salem Theatre Alliance. Throughout high school, I did around eight shows with them.”

   Accumulating this theatre experience in the Winston-Salem community has allowed Pisapia to thrive in the RJR arts department. Known for being the premier arts magnet within Forsyth County, the theatre program is no joke. But through her talent and dedication, she has been able to shine in roles that have led RJR to esteemed distinction in the theatre world.

    “My favorite theatre memory is definitely winning NCTC Regionals for Radium Girls,” Pisapia said. “Radium Girls meant so much to me, especially seeing everyone’s hard work pay off.”

    Pisapia’s love for the RJR arts department runs deep, and moving on from the community she has built at RJR is a hard task. However, she’s ready and excited for new opportunities coming her way.

    “I am most looking forward to getting to pick more of what I get to learn,” Pisapia said. “I’m really sad to leave my friends, but I also can’t wait to meet new people and find a whole new family.”