With help from North Harford’s own, Ms. Yon,contacted Broadway actor Peter Smith, and he took a break from his expanding career to visit with the students and help with the production of Fiddler on the Roof. He has a humble attitude and was very relatable with students in helping them improve their skills and their roles in the musical.

     Despite starring in musicals like Mama Mia, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof,  and Firestean, Smith was very down-to-earth and approachable. According to drama teacher, Dawn Green, he interacted amazingly with the kids and led multiple workshops with them. She felt that he was impressed with the theater program and gave the students great advice.

     “The best advice he gave them was that they cannot be too proud, and that they need to be well-rounded” said Green.

      Smith really helped junior, Nick Giannasca with his role in Fiddler on the Roof as Motel. Being that Smith played Motel on Broadway, he was able to help Giannasca have a better grip on the role. Smith was able to help him value talent and helped him realize he needed to overflow with energy on stage.

     “He made me want to be better and grow as an actor,” said Giannasca.

     With his impressive resume, students believed that he would not be willing to help much, but he was the complete opposite. According to senior Monica Bullock, he was very humble and helpful. Bullock learned that in order to help with the production actors need to be expressive and do their homework work so that they can be totally involved in the storyline and the traditions of the musical.

       “He really helped to pull the cast together,” said Bullock.

     Senior Lane Wisnom also grew from Smith’s advice. Smith was able to break it down on a personal level, and he explained that it is important to recognize rejection but not take it too harshly. Wisnom hopes that Smith comes back to see the production of Fiddler on the Roof or to facilitate another master class with the students.

     “He made me realize that you need to put yourself out there despite adversities,”said Wisnom.

     Smith really enjoyed coming to the school to pass along his knowledge and his appreciation of theater. Smith’s career really began when he was younger and his mom kept pushing him into acting classes and he just fell in love. He wishes that he had a strong program like North Harford does when he was growing up.

     “Focus on who you are as a person, always approach things with an open mind and listen to people you would not necessarily listen to,” said Smith.