Janet Pineda is a junior at Morton East who is the puppeteer for Audrey II in the musical Little Shop of Horrors. Janet has been an assistant manager for theater since 2025. This year, she was unexpectedly chosen to be the puppeteer for Audrey II, also known as the plant, which is a main character. Janet expressed how nervous she felt to be part of something so big because she was always behind the scenes.
Question: What made you join theatre, and how has your experience been?
I’ve always liked theater. When I was in elementary school, we would have field trips to go see plays here specifically, and I always found it interesting since I was little.
Q: What is the biggest thing you learned about yourself with this role?
A: As an assistant manager for theater, I feel like it really put me out of my comfort zone. It got me to communicate more with people and assert more authority; I also learned to stand up for myself.
Q: If you could play any other role in the musical, who would it be?
A: I wouldn’t necessarily choose an acting role, but even though I’m in the plant, I would rather work backstage with the crew because that’s more of what I like.
Q: What was your dream role of playing a character? Did you end up getting it?
A: I always liked working backstage. When I started, I’m pretty sure it was last year, and the thought about being an assistant manager didn’t cross my mind—it just happened randomly. I really ended up liking it, and I feel like I wouldn’t want to be in any other position.
Q: What are your thoughts when you perform on show dates?
A: Just the fact that there is a big group of people who come together to put on the show, and that everyone works hard for it and is very passionate about it—that’s something I really like about theater.
Q: Did you enjoy being part of the play?
A: Yes, I feel like theater helped me connect with a lot of people. I was also able to make a lot of friends.
Q: Did you feel supported by your teachers and friends?
A: Yes, I feel like theater is one of the places where people care about each other and make sure everybody is alright and safe, and that everything runs smoothly.
Q: Were you excited when you got the role? What were your thoughts and feelings?
A: I was excited at first, but I was also kind of nervous because playing the plant and talking takes a lot of strength. I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it or memorize my lines, but I think I just got used to it.
Q: How did you become a manager? What is your role, and how did you achieve it?
A: Pretty much, it was just offered to me by our theater director. What a stage manager does is make sure everyone is on track, and during shows and rehearsals, everyone is in costume and has their mic—basically helping the show and rehearsals run smoothly before the actual performance.
Q: Are there any difficulties during your role as “the plant”?
A: I think at first it was just a matter of gaining strength because it takes a lot of body movement, but over time, I’ll get used to it. I basically just need to work out, and everyone makes sure I’m safe.
The Little Shop of Horrors musical ran from March 19–22. After the show dates, Janet shared her thoughts and feelings, mentioning that she felt emotional since she has been selected to fully take over as stage manager, as the senior managers will be leaving after high school. She is proud to have this role and is prepared to help with future theater productions.
