Taking the Stage

5 ... 6 ... 7 ... 8.

Crystal bends her knees and dips down to the floor as her dance instructor calls out the count.

Crystal Scorsone has been dancing for two years, singing for 7½ years and acting all her life -- a triple threat. She has been in eight high school productions. Also, she has served as an assistant director, and a director for two other productions.

Between advanced placement classes, work and school, Crystal goes to dance lessons three times a week, singing lessons once a week and rehearsal every day after school.

"I have no social life, but it's worth it," Crystal says.

Crystal has worked this hard because she's got big dreams.

By attending college in New York City, she plans on acting in smaller productions and working her way up to a bigger stage -- Broadway being her ultimate goal.

"My dream role would have to be the lead in a new production," Crystal says. "That way I could make the part my own and everyone would be comparing others to me. I want to be remembered when I leave that stage."

Though times have been hectic for the 17-year-old, she says her parents never have let her down, always being there for every show, every recital, every concert, supporting her dreams physically, mentally and financially.

"I've always been there no matter what," says Jim Scorsone, Crystal's father. "I'm always honest and give it to her straight. If she didn't do so well, I tell her so and if she messed up, I tell her how to make it better."

Bonanza High School's new theater director, Gary Sessa, speaks highly of his student.

"Crystal takes a lot of pride in her work and takes direction to heart," Sessa says. "It's her as a theater professional. Whether it's acting or directing a scene, she wants to do a good job and I see it in her work."

Crystal says if she's unable to climb the ranks in the theater world, she might try to become a drama teacher to help other students achieve their dreams.

"Just because I didn't make it doesn't mean they couldn't," she says.

Though she has a backup plan, Crystal is determined to pursue her ultimate goal.

"Theater's my life. Coming this far has been a wish come true," she says. "Being on Broadway will be my soon-to-be future if I have anything to say about it."