Cast of ‘Big River’ welcomes young addition on board

It’s 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The main stage is covered in a wooden set, and college theatre students are moving through their latest choreography. The air swells with piano music, and, like a sputtering engine roaring to life, the chaos clarifies into a upbeat dance number. The cast lifts one dancer, smaller than the rest, above their heads. She stands out, and not just because of her big smile and clear voice. She’s 11 years old.

Brayla J. Miller is daughter of two CSC faculty, Lee and Shaye Miller. When the homeschooler heard about “Big River,” the CSC theatre department’s fall musical, she had to audition.

“I have seen movies and TV shows, and I read an interview of a male actor,” Brayla said, “then I decided it looks like a fun career.”

The play also held significance for Brayla’s parents. During their own college years, Lee and Shaye Miller had only been dating for six weeks when they went to see a musical for the first time together. Who could have guessed that almost 20 years later, their daughter would perform in the same show.

Having never performed on stage before, Brayla didn’t know what expect when she auditioned.

“I was just excited,” she said.

Roger Mays, theatre professor, was impressed by the young thespian’s work.

“Lee called and asked me back in July if she could audition,” Mays said. “Her work was better than some of my students’.”

Mays cast Brayla as Simon, the youngest member of Huckleberry’s friends. Brayla’s size lends her to the role, but sometimes it’s hard to be nearly a decade younger than the rest of the cast.

“Being the littlest is hard for some stunts,” Brayla admits. “Also, not really knowing anyone leaves me lonely.”

Fortunately, the early-rehearsal distance is shrinking between cast members.

“Many people are turning into friends,” Brayla said, “And I love the dancing and singing. Every rehearsal gets better and better.”

Inspired by actors like Leigh-Allyn Baker and Emma Watson, Brayla practiced regularly at home. She also cited the show’s own D. Kevin Williams, guest artist from Omaha, as “a great encouragement and friend.”

For other newly-minted actors, Brayla recommends understanding a musical’s large commitment before trying out.

“If you are interested, you need to know that it’s hours of work several times a week. But that is FUN work,” she said. “If you don’t enjoy it, just give it a few days.”

Brayla’s first day was rough, since she missed dinner, forgot her jacket, and stepped into a theatre full of strangers.

“I was cold, starving, and only knew one person,” Brayla said, “But now I’m always excited to go to rehearsal.”

Her fellow cast members are excited to have her there, too. Derrek Phelps, music education senior from Sidney, said, “I love having Brayla in the cast. I love watching her perform and seeing her grow as an actress every night, not to mention the fact that she can bust a move!”

Phelps plays the show’s star, Huckleberry Finn.

The collegiate theatre is not an easy place to be 11, but Brayla’s tenacity and resolve amend the old theatre saying: there are no small parts, and Brayla Miller is no small actor.

If you’d like to watch Brayla in her element, see Big River on Memorial Hall’s main stage, Oct. 2-5, with shows at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

“We have rehearsed a lot and everyone has been performing almost perfectly,” Brayla said, “It’s going to be a great show.”