20/20 Performing Arts founders talk theater, inspiration

Two Penn-Trafford High School alums have a “perfect vision” of how to share their love of theater with young performers.

Madison Nick and Jonathan Heinbaugh, both of Penn Township, are co-founders of 20/20 Performing Arts, a new school that focuses on providing acting classes, workshops and summer camps to students and offering the community quality adult and student productions.

Their current location for classes is at Dance Expressions by Erica, a studio in Irwin. Their first student musical production, “Godspell Jr.,” is scheduled to take place at Westmoreland County Community College Science Hall Theatre following a three-week Musical Theatre Summer Camp June 22-July 11, for students ages 11 to 16.

Nick, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, took acting, dance and vocal classes at Stage Right in Greensburg. She has performed with Penn Trafford High School’s Drama Guild, Split Stage Productions and The Theatre Factory and trained with opera singer Katerina Musetti for eight years. She serves as director for Penn Middle School Drama Club and is on the casting crew for Penn-Trafford High School productions.

Heinbaugh is currently taking nursing classes, but said he plans to pursue a degree in the arts beginning next year. He has performed in theatrical productions for eight years and is assistant director for Penn Middle School drama club. He is a classically trained vocalist studying with Rosetta Hillgrove and trained in ballet for six years at Laurel Ballet in Greensburg.

Q&A with Madison Nick

How did you first get interested in theater?

I originally started on stage crew at Penn Middle School. I was too nervous to be on stage. However, as the process of that show continued, I regretted not performing and basically had every role memorized in my head just from watching. Turns out, one of the characters got sick and wasn’t able to do the show so I stepped in despite how nervous I was. That was the start of it all. I fell in love with being on stage after that experience.

What is your favorite musical?

I have recently become really intrigued with “The Phantom of The Opera” after seeing it on Broadway. The music, the sets, the special effects, the storyline – everything about it completely blew me away. My other favorite would be “Rent” because the music is infectious, the message is important, and the history behind the show is intriguing.

Do you have a favorite show tune?

My favorite song is definitely the opening number in “Rent.” It gets me hyped up every time I hear it. My favorite musical theater song to sing is definitely “Everything I Know” from “In The Heights.” It is so underrated and really special personally to me.

What’s the favorite character you’ve played?

I have been in over 69 productions so this question is hard. I like any role that is challenging to me. I think my three favorites would be Kim in “Miss Saigon,” Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” and Mona in “Chicago.”

Your bio says you plan to release an EP in early 2020?

In addition to theater, I am a singer/songwriter. About a year ago, I decided I wanted to share my music with the world. I went to New York City and worked with a variety of producers and songwriters in a studio in Times Square, which was a remarkable experience. I also have been working with a few producers in Pittsburgh on a couple tracks. I plan to put them all together and release them as an EP at some point this year. My music is a mix of pop and R&B. I am really excited and nervous to share it with the world – but it’s happening; no turning back now.

When life gets back to normal, what will your schedule be?

We have had to cancel some classes due to covid-19, so as far as a set schedule, I am not sure what that will look like until everything calms down. However, when all goes back to normal, we will be offering acting classes, a variety of different theater-related workshops, and a professional seasonal of theater for both students and adult performers. All of the information regarding our services can be found at our website 2020performingarts.com.

Q&A with Jonathan Heinbaugh

Your bio says you started performing 8 years ago. Where was your first production?

My first production was at Trafford Middle School of the ever-enchanting “Seussical the Musical Jr.” From there, I was hooked on performing. Flash forward to seven years later and I have been involved in over 60 productions. In addition to performing, I have a handful of technical credits to my name that include set painting and set construction.

When did you know you wanted to make a career out of your love for theater?

It wasn’t until my sophomore year when I played Woodstock at The Theatre Factory in Trafford that I realized that my passion for theater. Seeing the audience members’ reactions to the performance made me fall in love with the art form and made me realize that this was what I needed to do for the rest of my life.

Do you plan to use your training as a vocalist or ballet dancer besides your work with 20/20?

I do hope to continue singing, as it is one of my deepest passions. Some of my closest friends and I have a handful of songs recorded that we hope to share with the world someday. However, my true passion is musical theater and teaching it to people who want to learn.

What do you like best about teaching students?

The passion they bring to the table. There is not a minute that goes by that I am not artistically inspired by our students at 20/20. Watching a student who has always been nervous to speak in front of a group before belt out a High G4 like a veteran Broadway tenor in front of a group never ceases to amaze me.

What is your favorite musical?

My favorite musical would definitely have to be “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The themes of prejudice and oppression of people less fortunate still are so relevant in today’s society. It is a story with the premise that someday things will get better if we just try to be kinder, while fantastically crossing in multiple love stories with an amazing ensemble of songs done by Stephen Swartz and Alan Menken. It is a musical I think every person should see.

Your favorite song?

My favorite musical theater song comes from the same show. “Out There” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” shows just how desperately we desire to be accepted.

What’s the favorite character you’ve played?

My favorite character was Gomez from “The Addams Family.” Working alongside local director Tom Bekavac pushed me to create a character that was not only expressive and funny, but three dimensional and real. Being granted a role like this was amazing because every aspect of your craft is tested.

Is there anything else about your school that you’d like people to know?

Everyone is accepted. Everyone is welcome. Come try it out.