Junior Milana Valente got her start on stage when she was 10 years old, playing a villain in an all-ages production of Murder on 34th Street that was directed by then Baldwin student Mikayla Davic.

“When playing the undercover murderer, I had such a fun experience and I discovered my passion for theater,” Valente said. “I felt included and made many friends, which made me want to continue acting,” she said. 

Since then, Valente has carved an impressive path, performing in numerous productions at Mon River Arts and South Park Theatre, as well as Baldwin Middle School and high school productions.

Her standout roles have included playing Donkey in Shrek Jr. and the Evil Stepmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

This year Valente will be playing Mrs. Brunner, also known as Chiron, in the high school spring musical, The Lightning Thief. The musical opens tonight and runs through Saturday night.

“I have loved to sing, act, and dance my entire life,” Valente said.

Valente’s inspiration comes from various sources, both personal and artistic. 

“My parents have supported me fully, giving me the drive to pursue music and acting,” she said.

As influences, Valente lists musicians and actors such as Billie Eilish, Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, and The Beatles. 

“I realized I wanted to be an actress in seventh grade after doing Legally Blonde,” Valente said.

Junior Zach Lieu met Valente during the middle school musical and has been impressed by her commitment ever since. 

“Milana is the first person I think of when I think of choir or musicals,” Lieu said. “She’s been involved in every single musical since she started.” 

Lieu recalls a memorable performance during the theater showcase in February when Valente sang the Billie Eilish song “L’Amour De Ma Vie.” Valente’s interpretation opened new doors for how the audience experienced this familiar song, Lieu said.

“She put her own twist on it, adding a whole new perspective and story to the song,” he said. 

Her friendship with sophomore Mary-Kate Stock, meanwhile, has blossomed through their shared experiences in performing arts. 

“We’ve been through so many productions together, including Shrek Jr. and The Lightning Thief, Stock said. “Her passion for music is undeniable. She performs at so many showcases and holds an officer position in the choir, which shows her commitment.”

Valente said she has been fortunate to receive guidance from mentors, including her voice teacher, Erin Kesser, and Baldwin musical Director Gavin Calgaro. 

Calgaro has witnessed Valente’s growth as a performer and her dedication. 

“Milana is extremely hardworking and brings a unique energy to every rehearsal,” Calgaro said. “Her passion for performing arts is contagious, making her an inspiring presence for her peers.”

Valente’s accomplishments extend beyond musicals. She won the Poetry Out Loud competition at Baldwin, reciting the poems “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman, “When You Are Old” by William Butler Yeats, and “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost.

After winning at Baldwin, Valente advanced to regionals competing at Fugh Hall in Etna on Feb. 1. 

“I never expected to win, and having the chance to advance to regionals was so exciting,” Valente said. 

She is also the treasurer and secretary of the Honors Highlander Choir, showing her dedication to music and her continual growth as a performer.

As Valente looks to the future, she has clear goals laid out before her. 

“I want to continue my voice lessons and practice daily whether in chorus, at home, or during rehearsals,” Valente said.