Notes from the Carpool Lane - April and Spencer
A backstage pass into the breakthroughs, the "Tech Week" snacks, and the growing confidence of our youngest performers.
Our next entry for Notes from the Carpool Lane features a mother-daughter duo who embody the term “theatre family.” April and Spencer are familiar faces across the Central Arkansas circuit, from the workshops in Benton to the stages of Little Rock.
April, jokingly known as the “Muber” for her carpooling heroics, and Spencer, who has tackled a staggering 21 shows in just three years, share what it takes to balance high-energy performances with the practicalities of a crockpot and a homework plan.
Q&A with Spencer
What was the “lightbulb moment” when you realized you loved being on stage?
I’ve always loved dancing and performing, but when I went to see Wicked, that’s when I realized this is what I wanted to do. Later, when I was attending Timmons Foundation Art Camp and was cast as Miss Hannigan, my path was confirmed.
What is one skill you learned in class that helps you in your “real life” at school?
Improv. It allows me to be prepared for anything that happens because I have the ability to think on my feet.
If you could play any character on any Central Arkansas stage, who would it be?
My top choice would be Regina George in Mean Girls! I’ve always liked the character and think I could bring something different to the role. If I had the opportunity to reprise a role, it would be Deloris Van Cartier from Sister Act—I’d love to do the full version instead of the Jr. version.
What is the funniest thing that has happened during a rehearsal?
When I was in The Color Purple at Artsx3, we were practicing the reprise and my dance partner wasn’t there, so I had to mime the entire action.
Q&A with April
What is the biggest change you’ve seen in Spencer’s confidence since she started theatre?
Spencer has always had “main character energy.” Even during dance recitals, you couldn’t help but watch her. But being in shows has taught her so much—I call it “theatre as the class.” She’s sharpening her skills with practical application. After 21 shows in 3 years, I’ve seen her truly grow in her ownership of her characters.
How do you survive “Tech Week” as a family?
Tech week is a beast. My approach is communication first because we’re often juggling more than one project. We talk about the schedule, conflicts, homework plans, and the menu. The crockpot is my friend; soups and pasta go a long way, and I even pack extra for theatre friends. I’ve also been called the “Muber” (Mom-Uber) a time or two—I’m known to pick up and drop off everyone’s child!
Why is it important for kids in Central Arkansas to have access to the performing arts?
Access builds character, fortifies endurance, and makes kids mentally and physically flexible. Creative expression is crucial for developing well-rounded people.
What was your proudest moment watching Spencer perform?
Her tenacity makes me proud. She pushes herself to be the best version of every character. My proudest on-stage moment was watching her transform as Tomika in School of Rock. In the first act, she intentionally played up the shyness, and in act two, she completely blossomed.
From miming dance partners to feeding half the cast out of a crockpot, April and Spencer show us that the theatre life is a marathon fueled by passion and a lot of carpooling.