Switching in between costumes and scripts, Danika Nutile, a woman of many roles, said, “I shall practice my curtsy,” as Scar from The Lion King.

Senior Nutile has played some of the most important roles in many Paso High Theatre Company (PHTC) productions, including Scar, the villain in The Lion King. This school year Nutile has played Titania in Fairycakes, Dory in Finding Nemo, and Velma Kelly in the spring musical Chicago.

Nutile began her theater career in 2017, and has been in nine productions, starting as a freshman at PRHS. She has been through Acting I-IV at PRHS, as well as Director’s Practicum in the Acting I class. Nutile wrote and directed a One Act for the Acting I class, taking steps to pursue musical theater.

Alongside her acting skills, she is a Mezzo singer. Nutile has been singing for seven years, four of which she has been training with a professional. Her vocal lessons take place at Bloom Studios, with Marissa Bloom located in Atascadero. Nutile’s has sung in the range of tenor, alto, and soprano. The ability to sing and dance is very useful when going into theater. Knowing when and how to take breaths while singing and dancing is a difficult skill to learn, but is important for a wider expanse of opportunities.
Apart from her stage presence, Nutile has become a leader in the company, and a role model. Nutile takes pleasure in the Drama Club as co-president.
Tobi Rowins, a junior and peer perspective said, “She’s made connections with everybody, and does her best to understand everybody.” Rowins said that Nutile is also supportive in making sure that everyone around her is doing well.
Marcy Keyser-Goodnow has been a teacher for Nutile all four years at PRHS, as the head of the theater department. Goodnow has seen Nutile’s dedication grow throughout the years, and inspire others as she does. Each year Goodnow has watched Nutile “attack” a larger role than the previous.
“I think Danika is a prime example of someone who had interest in theater, but didn’t really know she had the skills she has. Once she figured it out, she figured out ways to get as much experience as she could,” Goodnow said.
After graduating in early June, she plans to go to college for musical theatre at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York that has an acceptance rate of 22%.
Overall, Nutile has an encouraging energy that welcomes others, and her musical theater presence allows others to see and hope for the potential success in her future.