Peter Pan stars Kyle Yeomans and Elese Corson will be performing “Big Adventure” at the Pieces of Gold showcase at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium this March. Yeomans, who plays Peter Pan, and Corson, who plays Wendy, have worked diligently these past few months to perfect their craft and strengthen their most notable number on stage.

The opportunity to audition for Pieces of Gold came unexpectedly to both Yeomans and Corson, who only heard about the opportunity a short while before their audition.

“[Pieces of Gold] kind of came as a surprise to us,” said Corson. “We just walked into class one day and Mr. Orsett was like, ‘Hey! Do you want to audition for Pieces of Gold?’”

Although this opportunity came suddenly, Yeomans and Corson exhibited similar energy and passion in their audition, and it obviously showed. With nerves in their stomachs and hope in their hearts, Yeomans and Corson went in and nailed the audition.

“We only practiced for two hours before the audition,” said Corson. “Then we went to Sanderson [High School] and just hoped for the best.”

Even though preparation may have seemed short for the audition, Yeomans and Corson have become more than used to performing “Big Adventure” together on stage; it is undoubtedly their most significant piece, and it truly encompasses their talents.

“We’ve done this number countless amounts of times because it’s not only for Pieces of Gold, it was a major part of Peter Pan,” said Yeomans. “I really think Elese and I are able to portray the emotions that the characters feel on stage.”

Yeomans is not the only one who believes that their performance honors the characters’ feelings. Director Paul Orsett knows more than anyone that Yeomans and Corson make an unbelievable influence when together on stage.

“In a matter of two and a half minutes it’s no longer Kyle and Elese,” said Orsett.  “It’s Peter Pan and Wendy.”

After months of rehearsal and hours of practice, Orsett has seen Yeoman and Corson pour their heart and soul into these characters. It was their dedication and talent that inspired Orsett to try again for Pieces of Gold, which was only the second time in Wakefield history. This year, Yeomans and Corson will be the first actors from Wakefield to perform in this amazing opportunity.

“There are over a thousand kids performing in [Pieces of Gold] and they are the two that were selected from our school,” said Orsett. “There’s a difference between going up in front of an audience and looking pretty; Kyle and Elese add the acting and passion element into it and the audience can truly feel that.”

Yeomans and Corson have been able to see each other’s confidence develop on stage and in themselves as well. From freshman year to now, their growth as performers has only gotten stronger with each performance.

When asked about Corson’s growth as a performer, Yeomans explained that she has grown into an undeniably skilled actress and singer.

“When [Elese] was a freshman she was really shy, and it’s been so cool to see her grow comfortable with her own voice and her own persona,” said Yeomans.

Elese is not the only one who has developed theatrically. Yeomans has used these past years to grow into a strong actor with a distinct voice that has only gotten better with time.

“I’ve known Kyle since my freshman year, and he has definitely grown so much,” said Corson. “He didn’t have as powerful of a voice as he does now.”

Fellow actors from Peter Pan have also seen Peter Pan and Wendy’s undeniable development. Jade Malka, who played the role of the Story Teller, has been an actress and performer for years and has been a part of Wakefield theater since freshman year. When asked about Yeomans and Corson, Malka made it clear that she has nothing but respect and admiration for the two.

“Kyle has grown tremendously as an actor and singer,” said Malka. “Elese has matured a lot as well and she has blown my mind with how much she’s accomplished. They’ve both grown so much since I’ve known them and I’m very proud of both of them.”

Although the honor of performing at the Pieces of Gold showcase is a dream for many young performers in the area, Yeomans and Corson both agree that this opportunity is more of a chance to be together on stage again and do what they love.

“It’s just another opportunity to perform and be able to be on stage with my best friend one last time,” said Corson.