Aspiring screenwriter and actor, senior Peyton Flake is starring in the fall production of “You Can’t Take it with You.” Flake plays the role of a middle aged woman, Penny Sycamore, whom is a wife and mother raising two children in the 1940’s.

Flake started auditioning and performing in plays when she was very young and since then, has been in 22 plays. Flake’s mom was the reason she started plays. Her mom told her “you need an extracurricular activity, why don’t you try out for plays?”

But she did more than just plays and musicals when she was younger. “I did everything. My mom signed me up for gymnastics, I was in sports, I did softball, I did soccer. [But] plays were the thing I really seemed to enjoy.” Flake went on, “most of [the plays] have been outside of school. I’ve actually only been in two at Perry. I did ‘Addams Family’ and now this one. I mostly just did musicals through community theatre,” Flake explained.

Flake has been cast as an ensemble for most of her acting career, but this is her first time holding the lead role. Being the lead has been the most difficult role for Flake. “I’m on stage about 95% of the show and I have a lot of lines to memorize.” Flake added, “A lot of stage directions to remember.”

“She’s such a hard worker…[for example] she has the most lines in this play and it didn’t even phase her. She just went for it and it was awesome,” commented senior Noelle Soucek who has been in multiple productions with Flake and is also starring in “You Can’t Take it With You.”

Flake goes on to explain the differences between being in ensemble and having the lead role. “There is a lot more responsibility but there is a lot more you get to do with it. When you’re playing ‘Ghost 17,’ you just sing… When you have a bigger part you’re allowed to be a little bit more creative with [your character].” Flake remarked, “They both have their advantages, but I am enjoying doing this part more.”

Flake herself does not have any rituals or good luck charms for before she starts a show, but Perry theatre has a long standing tradition. “This club has had a ritual forever. They all circle up and sing Season of Love and that has been going on since Perry theatre started,” shares James Fountain, film study and theatre teacher.

Soucek and Fountain agree that Flake’s enthusiasm is evident in her acting. “She has gotten so much into all her characters … and it is really cool. I think that her bubbly personality really helps her get out there,” reflected Soucek.