ABOUT ALDREN BRIONES
For many people, being involved with a theater group can be a life-changing experience. For Aldren, that was certainly the case with the Children’s Theatre of Elgin (CTE). From 2017 to 2019, he was actively involved with CTE, performing in six shows, and serving as a music director for three. Looking back, he is grateful for all the memories and experiences that were gained through CTE.
When I first joined CTE, I was primarily focused on singing, and I was thrilled to find an outlet where I could perform and improve my skills at the same time. It was a great experience for me to work with other talented singers, actors, and musicians and to see how a production comes together from start to finish.
One of my favorite shows was Godspell in 2018, where I had the opportunity to write a rap for one of the parables that Jesus teaches. That moment was one of the first times I got to showcase my writing on a bigger stage, which felt awesome to do.
As my involvement with CTE increased, I got the chance to help with music direction for some of the shows. That was a whole new level of experience for me, and I found it truly rewarding. I realized how touching it is to see the next generation of actors and singers enjoy not only performance but the process of performance, the nitty-gritty practices, late-night line readings, and over-expressive acting choices. I also found that helping other performers achieve their best performances was incredibly fulfilling.
These days, I still have music in my life, teaching piano through a store in Crystal Lake called “Piano Trends Music Company.” Outside of teaching, I produce music for myself and other artists. I’ve produced a couple of albums for artist friends in the past couple of years, and I’m currently producing the debut album for my personal band “concept_mix.” Long term, music production is what I’d love to be doing full-time, but for now, it’s a hobby that I take VERY seriously. I’ve also been performing live with my band at various venues, including the recent Battle of the Bands competition at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake.
Looking back on his time with CTE, Aldren realize how valuable this experience was. The opportunity to work with talented people and learn from them, to expand his horizons and try new things, and to be part of a group that shares his love of theater and music – all these things were unforgettable. Through his involvement with CTE, Aldren discovered a passion for music production and direction, and even though he am no longer a part of the CTE community, the lessons and experiences gained will stay with for life.
“I’m grateful to CTE/FVTC for the opportunities it’s given me to express a side of me that might not have ever been shown had I not done theatre. I also wish well the next generation of actors in the program, so much talent among you guys, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you all!”
