As Las Mascaras approaches its 100th year at TJC, sophomore musical theatre major Bailey Thornburg serves as the 99th student vice president of the historic theatre organization.

“It’s very exciting. I love my job,” Thornburg said. “I get the honor of being mainly in charge of the student body of our organization, while at times, it can be stressful, you know, to keep the attendance up and things like that, it really is just such a blessing that I get to be a part of this organization coming up on the 100th year.”

When Thornburg first arrived at TJC, she wasn’t sure how she would fit in.

“Whenever I came to TJC, I was, you know, a little scared,” she said. “But then I joined Las Mascaras, and it was just kind of like a weight lifted off my shoulders, in a way, just because I found a very good community through this organization, and it really did change my perspective of TJC for the better.”

Thornburg describes herself as extremely shy growing up, not being able to meet new people. However, she joined theatre in sixth grade, which shifted her confidence.

“It really changed my perspective on, you know, social interactions, almost,” Thornburg said. “It allowed me to break out of my shell, because, you know, whenever I’m on stage, like I’m not, I don’t have to be me. I can be someone else. With that there is a sense of, like, finding parts of you in each character that you play. That, I think, is really beautiful. It really inspires me to keep going with acting and continue being a part of the theatre.”

She credits her high school theatre teacher, Megan Moore, for building her confidence.

“I was very insecure about myself and who I was and who I was on stage, even whenever I was performing, I would just always second guess myself, and she really kind of pushed it in me to be confident about myself and who I was, not only as a person, but as an actor,” Thornburg said.

Thornburg has performed in productions such as “Jesus Christ Superstar,”  “James and the Giant Peach,” “Antigone” and “The Hairy Ape.” She says her acting preparation depends on the role.

“For the musicals, you know, it just was more of making sure I was kind of fit physically and mentally for those parts, since we were doing so much dancing and things like that. But for “Antigone,” it was in “Mildred,” it’s more of a, you know, more of a mental thing, just trying to study the characters. Learn as much about the past of these characters that I can, you know, depending on the information that we have.”

Among all her roles, “Antigone” left the strongest impact.

“Antigone was honestly so impactful it really, really pushed me to be out of my comfort zone,” Thornburg said. “I had a very difficult time trying to, you know, as that character, stand my ground, because, honestly, that’s just not who I am. I am very, I would say, like soft spoken, kind of bubbly personality, and Antigone is very strong, and, you know, knows what she wants. She, you know, fights for what she wants.”

On opening night, Thornburg balances classes before heading to the theatre. 

“There’s always, like, a buzz of excitement in the dressing rooms, which is a lot of fun,” she said.

Before curtain, the cast gathers for a long-standing tradition of circling up, getting praise from the director and performing a specific chant that acts as a warm up for the cast.

“It’s a really fun and cool tradition. I’ve loved being a part of it for the productions that I’ve been in,” she said.

Thornburg says the organization’s impact stretches beyond the stage, especially through events like Venue, which provides all TJC students with the opportunity to do open improv, sing, dance, or anything that has a performing arts affiliation.

“It’s really amazing,” Thornburg added. “I think it’s a part of Las Mascaras that’s so fun if anyone can join.”

As her term as vice president continues, Thornburg hopes to leave a legacy rooted in kindness and community.

“Theatre sometimes can be really hard. Lots of people can compare themselves and, you know, take it maybe too seriously,” she said. “I just hope that, you know, for the next 100 years, people just can confide in Las Mascaras and really have this program become an outlet for them, as well as, you know, a place for community and fellowship.”