Ladner teen heading overseas this summer in chase of her dream

MARK BOOTH

mbooth@delta-optimist com

Zoe Rapos is chasing her theatrical dreams overseas for the second straight summer

Fresh off playing as Princess Fiona in Delta Youth Theater’s Shrek the Musical Jr , the Grade 12 student at Delta Secondary is headed to London, England for a three-week Musical Theatre Intensive at the renowned Mountview Conservatoire

A year ago, she attended a week-long bootcamp at Roehampton University with the British Youth Music Theatre Company

“It was amazing. I’ve always felt a certain connection to London, just going there and experiencing that and all the different people that went It was incredible,” said Rapos. “I definitely I wanted to go back and I am very excited to be doing that this year for even longer.”

By staying in residence and travelling on her own, the return trip will also give her a better idea if she wants to pursue her degree in the United Kingdom, meaning a potential three-year commitment that would enhance her opportunity of one day realizing her ultimate goal of performing on stage in London’s famous West End

“It’s a lot different than applying (to a university) with a many more steps. It’s a lot harder because there are a lot of people that want to do this, but I also know it’s my passion and it’s what I need to do,” said Rapos

That passion has been persistent from a young age, but performing on stage didn’t always come easy to her.

Rapos took vocal lessons at the age of nine at the Delta Community School with Tracy Neff and hid under a table for her first open mic-style recital when it was her turn on stage She eventually preserved, but was still too nervous to join DYT until she was 11 and was cast as one of the lead orphans in Annie Jr More DYT productions followed, and Rapos made her DSS Musical debut in Grade 9 as the title character in Oliver

She continued to take on larger roles and even showcased her singing talent by winning Delta Idol’s junior category in February 2020 Soon after, the pandemic put Rapos’ bustling schedule to a halt for an extended period

“It was really hard because I had felt like I could do anything at that point. When we finally came back it was so busy all the time and I just wasn’t used to it again,” she continued. “It was very overwhelming, but I’m sure getting back into it now. ”

Rapos hopes other shy children take the leap if they are interested in music or theatre.

“It can give you an outlet for parts of your personality that may be hidden, There are so many options in performing arts to strengthen your abilities,” she said.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

3900 Arthur Drive, Ladner 604-946-4522 sacredheartparish.ca

All Saints Anglican Church

Minister’s Minute: A final word

Over the last nine years, I have had the privilege to share many thoughts and truths from God’s word in the Optimist

I hope that in some way, it has influenced you and informed you to know that God’s love for you is unconditional. Salvation is not based on your performance or ability to do good things. Your good deeds are welcomed and appreciated, but not needed for Salvation. This is what makes Christianity different from other religions. The “Do Good - Get Good” mentality is in every other religion in the world, but not ours Our faith is based not on what we have done or will do, but rather our faith is based on what Jesus Christ has

Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Minister’s Minute ANDREAS BASSON

done for us. He has paid for our sins, our mistakes, our moral failures, our wrong decisions, and everything in between God welcomes you just as you are, and no behavior modification is needed before you attend church

Being a Christian does not mean you are perfect, on the contrary, it means you recognize that you will never be perfect and perfection is a requirement for eternity in heaven. Therefore we put our faith and trust in the one who is perfect and we accept Him as our savior and payment for our sins

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10:9

This will be my last column in the Optimist as I am moving to Oklahoma in the summer My prayers and thoughts will always be with the amazing people of Delta

Pastor Bish is taking over at Life Church God has given this community a gift by appointing a man that loves God, loves people, and loves life

For more information www.allsaintsladner.org or call 604-946-8413.

4755 Arthur Drive, Delta

Rev Jason Truell

4594 – 54A Street, Ladner, B C 604-946-7033 office@ladnercrc com www.ladnercrc.ca

Sunday’s @ 10:00 am

Rev Daniel Kirkegaard tuc@telus.net 604.943.2911

“Be Faithful,betrue, be a blessing”