For Red Tail resident Rebecca Kostell, performing has been a journey of storytelling, music, and embracing new opportunities. From professional stages around the world to teaching voice lessons from her home in Red Tail, theater has remained a meaningful part of her life.

Rebecca didn't begin performing until high school. Although she grew up Irish dancing and was comfortable being on stage, it wasn't until her freshman year at St. Joseph Academy that she appeared in her first musical. After discovering how much she loved theater—and realizing she had a talent for it—she began taking private voice lessons. Those experiences eventually led her to New York City at 18, where she studied Music Theatre and earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New York University.

What Rebecca loves most about performing is the opportunity to step into another person's life and tell stories through music. She also treasures the camaraderie that develops within a cast as people work together to create a shared experience. While there are many aspects of performing she enjoys, she says she's happiest when she's singing—especially with a 17-piece orchestra, lighting, and costumes.

Among the most memorable moments of Rebecca's career were performing in Disney Cruise Line Mainstage Productions as Cinderella, Mary Poppins, and Belle. Those roles fulfilled a childhood dream of working for Disney and becoming a Disney princess. They also changed her life in another important way—it was while working for Disney Cruise Line that she met her husband. As Rebecca says, "Our family exists today 'all because of a mouse!'"

Another role that holds special meaning is Lily in The Secret Garden at Stocker Arts Center. When COVID brought theater to a halt, Rebecca's 10-year performing career came to an unexpected stop, leading her to pursue a new career path while hoping theater would eventually return to her life. Six years later, after marriage, a cross-country move, a new home, and two children, she decided to audition again. Being offered the lead role in a show that had long been on her performing bucket list was especially meaningful, and she was proud to show her children what it means to follow your dreams.

Rebecca says theater has taught her that performing isn't about being fearless—it's about embracing vulnerability. She believes that vulnerability creates authentic human connection and is what makes live theater so powerful. Although she still gets butterflies before every performance, she welcomes them as part of the experience.

Preparing for a role has changed over the years. Earlier in her career, performing was her full-time focus, allowing her to immerse herself completely in rehearsals, scripts, and character development. Today, while balancing a family and a full-time corporate job, rehearsal time is more limited. However, she believes her life experiences now allow her to bring greater authenticity, honesty, and emotional depth to the characters she portrays.

A typical rehearsal schedule can be demanding, often running six days a week. For her recent production of The Secret Garden, rehearsals took place from 6 to 10 p.m., six days a week for four weeks before opening weekend.

Rebecca says one of the biggest challenges of being a professional actress was the constant audition process. During her 10 years in New York City, she spent countless mornings waiting in audition lines for just a few minutes to perform, often hearing "no" or receiving no response at all. But every "yes" made the journey worthwhile, allowing her to sing, dance, and perform on stage.

Throughout her career, Rebecca spent 10 years in New York City and many years traveling nationally and internationally as an actress on  Disney Cruise Lines. Today, she has her own voice studio in her Red Tail home, where she teaches aspiring singers.

Rebecca also appreciates the support she's received from her Red Tail neighbors. Many attended her recent performance of The Secret Garden, bringing flowers, sending encouraging messages, and cheering her on. She says it means so much to share this important part of her life with the community she now calls home.

When asked what she enjoys most about living in Red Tail, Rebecca doesn't hesitate.

"I have the absolute greatest neighbors," she says. "My husband and I joke that we can never move because there is no possible way we'll ever compete with the community we have built on our street."

For anyone who has ever wanted to try acting or become involved in local theater, Rebecca offers simple advice: "Just do it." She believes children aren't the only ones who should dream big and encourages adults to pursue opportunities like those offered through programs at Beck Center.