You might have seen the wonderful and talented senior Maya Cornejo in her role as Dorothy in Regina’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” just this past November. But if you haven’t, you’re in the right place!

Outside of being on Regina’s stage, Cornejo is a part of another theatre program called Edge of the Woods Theatre. It is a small community theatre in Wildwood, IL. This organization offers acting classes for ages 6-18. Cornejo explains, “we learn different acting techniques and how to become better actors.” At the end of each session, the cast performs a full length musical with singing, dancing, and acting, along with elaborate props and scenery.

Cornejo has been apart of Edge of the Woods since 2014 and has performed in 12 different shows. She hopes to reach her sixteenth show by the time she graduates.

Cornejo exclaims, “…one of my favorite shows has been “Mamma Mia,” which I actually was just in this past summer. I played Rosie; she is one of the Dynamos and her personality is just so much fun. She is funny and sweet, but shy until she comes out of her shell by the end of the show.”

Cornejo will be performing as Nancy from “Oliver” in the winter session at Edge of the Woods. Cornejo has learned so much while her time at Edge of the Wood. She shares that constructive criticism has made her a better actress and has allowed her to have thick skin – which, we all know, is very important in show business.

Cornejo is thankful for her opportunity at Edge of the Woods. Cornejo said, “Edge has taught me how to become a better actress and how to really prepare me for what’s out there in the real world but they have given me a family that is forever.”

As for what the future holds, Cornejo plans to pursue musical theatre in college and hopes to get a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts).

She says about her future career, “I love entertaining—it gives me joy and it’s the thing that really makes me feel complete and I absolutely love it. I don’t care where it acting takes me. Yes, my dream would be to move out to New York and perform on Broadway, but, in all honesty, I just want to continue performing regardless of where it is.”

The Regina Community is so proud of Maya for the mark she has left on the Regina stage and we cannot wait to see what she does in the future. Paws Up to Maya!