Since fifth grade, Lyla Mason ‘26 has been entranced by theater. She first entered her “theater phase” when she was captivated by the musical “Be More Chill.” This musical sparked her interest in the arts, which led her to audition for the school musical the next year.
“I think something happened where I just wanted to start being in them instead of just listening to them,” Mason said. “So I signed up for the play in sixth grade.”
The production took place during Mason’s first year at Baldwin, and it was how she met many of her current friends. She explained that despite having a minor role in the musical, it was one of the most memorable experiences she had.
“It was both exciting and nerve-wracking because you’re in a new place and throwing yourself out there,” Mason said. “But all I knew was that I was so in love with musicals, and that’s why I kept doing it.”
Mason now holds several artistic leadership roles in the Baldwin community. She serves as co-head of the Baldwin Maskers’ Club, a member of the selective B-Flats a-capella group, and a head of the Hourglass Photography Team. She reflected on all the time she spent at rehearsals and practices throughout her years, and deemed every moment worthwhile.
“I think that when you love something enough, time commitment and pressure to succeed aren’t stressors — they’re motivators,” said Mason.
Mason has also done theater outside of Baldwin’s program. She takes acting classes at Walnut Street Theatre, and has participated in a summer theater program at The Juilliard School. She expressed her love for being in an environment full of dedicated and creative actors, and has made lifelong friends through these programs.
“I think that anyone who loves theater should branch out as much as they can beyond what’s given to them,” Mason said.
When in the Juilliard Summer Theatre Conservatory program, she expressed how being in a room full of people who shared a passion for the performing arts was like being transported to a planet of creativity and talent. Because of this program, Mason now intends to attend a college or university to continue pursuing performing arts.
“I had this thought: ‘How can I ever give up this feeling?’ and it kept coming back whenever I considered my future,” said Mason. “It was scary to devote myself wholeheartedly to a dream that so many people view as childish or unrealistic, but the way performing and the community it creates makes me feel is the most gratifying feeling in the whole wide world.”
Through theater, she has not only learned acting, singing and dancing, but also discovered another artistic passion: photography. Mason explained that she loves capturing her surroundings and saving a moment, which is especially important in theater shows.
“[Photography] ties into theater because it’s ephemeral and shows don’t last forever,” Mason said. “Having a picture of my friends performing on my camera does so much to me, and I don’t know if I would like photography as much if it wasn’t for theater.”
Ultimately, Mason believes theater isn’t just performing under the spotlight — a big part of it is all the people who make the performance possible. She explains that everyone works together to bring a story to life and leans on one another in tough times.
This sense of community is what drove Mason to consider musical theater as a future career. To her, the fact that she can express herself to an audience alongside her friends is the real highlight of musicals.
“Theater is the most collaborative art form. You need people to make it happen,” Mason said. “You can’t run a one-woman show.”
