Standing on a professional stage in front of a large crowd is a moment many young performers only dream about. But for three Arlington ISD students, that dream has already come true.
Ava Plumlee performing at Levitt Pavilion. Photo Credit: Levitt Pavilion
Thanks to the Levitt Pavilion’s Youth Spotlight program, students Mason Engler of Martin High School, Ava Plumlee of Wood Elementary and Natalia Vega of Corey Academy stepped into the spotlight and performed for a live audience, gaining hands-on experience in a professional concert setting.
Designed to give young artists an introduction to the music industry, the program offers students the opportunity to experience the full performance process, from selection and preparation to performing on stage alongside established acts in similar genres.
“Students are selected via a submission process, with support from their music teachers, studios, and parents,” said Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington. “Once selected, we work with them just like we do with other artists, but in an educational way that gives them a first-time professional performance experience.”
For the students, the experience was both exciting and unforgettable.
“This was definitely the biggest audience I’ve ever performed in front of,” said Engler, who describes his music as indie rock with influences from The Beatles. “It’s one thing to perform online and see the number count rise, but playing in front of a crowd of people really changes the perspective.”
Vega brought a Texas flair as she performed songs in Spanish from the Levitt stage. She felt both pride and surprise after performing multiple songs in front of a large audience.
Natalia Vega performing in Spanish at the Levitt Pavilion. Photo Credit: Levitt Pavilion
“It felt pretty surprising because I hadn’t done that before,” she said. “I was very proud of myself, and the audience took it very well. They all clapped for me and were chanting, ‘Sing another one, sing another one!’”
Beyond the performance itself, the opportunity left a lasting impact. Vega said the experience showed why students should follow their dreams, as the journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
“I would encourage other students to participate in programs like this because if you have any form of art or creative idea, the best thing you can do is put it into action,” Engler said.
The students are not the only ones who found the experience rewarding. With support from the community and Levitt organizers, the program continues to inspire everyone involved.
“The young artists are amazing, talented, curious, ambitious, and most of all, brave,” Teykl said. “It takes a lot of courage to get up on stage and perform in front of a large crowd. But the best part comes afterward. They walk offstage glowing, confident, and ready to do it again.”