"Anything's Possible When It's Unpredictable" - Chatting with The Unpredictable Times Actress Isabella Yoder!

It is very rare to find a young artist who not only has an amazing attitude but also endless talent to back it up. Isabella Yoder is an artist out of Sarasota, Florida who truly fits that description. A recent graduate from Sarasota High School, Isabella will be playing the role of Nicole in the upcoming regional premiere of The Unpredictable Times at Rise Above Performing Arts. Previously, she has performed in their productions of 13, Joseph...Dreamcoat, West Side Story (Francisca), All Shook Up, and the title role of Carrie White in Carrie: The Musical. In the fall, Isabella will be entering her freshman year at The University of Central Florida where she will be majoring in Communications and minoring in Theatre.

I am very happy to have the chance to feature such an amazing young artist with a bright future ahead of her!

Do you have a favorite play or musical and an artist you are strongly influenced by? Why?

I’ve always loved West Side Story. Being Latina, I’ve always loved the Latin music and dance variety in the show. I enjoy dramas more than comedies, and to me, I love seeing actors do more difficult material. I also had the opportunity to be in the ensemble of this musical once, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had doing a show. I really look up to Broadway Actress Reneé Rapp, known for playing Regina George on Mean Girls Broadway. She won a Jimmy Award when she was very young and got the part of Regina when she was only 19 years old. Not only that, but she has a killer voice! I just love how she’s succeeded at a young age, and I’m so excited to see what else she will do in her career.

You are a true staple at Rise Above Performing Arts in Sarasota, Florida. What has been your favorite show, role, or experience at Rise Above? Why? 

Thank you! I love Rise Above. I’ve done a total of six musicals with them, and I’ve absolutely loved my experience with them. Selfishly, I will have to say my favorite was Carrie the Musical solely for the reason that I was Carrie White. It was my first time being a lead with Rise Above and with such a difficult role. Because I love dramas, I was really excited. I loved playing Carrie because of the transformation she goes through in the show from a shy, bullied, and abused girl to a powerful and dark force. The vocals I did in the show were insane, and of course, the blood dump/destruction sequence was my favorite part. I had the best time with the cast and still talk to all of them. It will most definitely be the show I will remember for the rest of my life. 

How do you relate to the role of Nicole in The Unpredictable Times?

Nicole and I are similar in some ways. First, we both are Theatre nerds; although, I couldn’t recite as many facts as her. Nicole kind of plays the role of “the mediator.” She’s always trying to make things right and make everyone comfortable. I feel like we have that in common.

Why should people come see the regional premiere of The Unpredictable Times at Rise Above Performing Arts?

Generally, it’s Rise Above’s first play, and that reason alone is enough, but The Unpredictable Times is such a beautiful story that many people could relate to. From relationship drama, to family problems, sickness, and more, The Unpredictable Times provides a look at many different problems that go on in everyday life that aren’t talked about as much as they should be. It is nostalgic, and people may enjoy it for that, but the story will pull on your heartstrings and make you question some of your life choices and future. The cast is full of young talent, and it’s a regional premiere, so you get to say you saw it first!

The Unpredictable Times is a coming-of-age drama opens on June 18th and will running through to the 27th. For more information about the play make sure you visit www.riseabovearts.com or www.theunpredictabletimesplay.com

Check out the promo video - https://youtu.be/Z3xziK8lL_Y