very active in music, recording three original songs last
summer now available on iTunes and Spotify under
“Mya’s Lane.”
Lane’s true passion for theater is what led her to
Broadway. “I’ve been involved with theater for three
years,” she says. “I love all kinds, but musical theater
is my favorite. As corny as it may sound, ‘Dreamgirls’ is
my favorite show. Everything about it is so beautiful to
me.”
Lane learned about the August Wilson Monologue
Competition from her Cultural Literacy teacher,
Jennifer Lanas. The national competition was founded
in 2007 by Kenny Leon and Todd Kreidler at the
True Colors Theater Company in Atlanta, and has
since expanded throughout the U.S. The Pittsburgh
competition celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
“At Nazareth Prep, August Wilson is a staple of the
Cultural Literacy curriculum, with students reading
his plays and visiting Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District,
where Wilson lived and drew inspiration for his work.
The STEM-focused school encourages students to
pursue their creative passions, integrating the arts
throughout the curriculum, offering electives and
performance opportunities, and providing hands-
on learning experiences through Network Campus
partnerships with a variety of local organizations,” notes
Lisa M. Abel-Palmieri, head of school.
For this year’s competition, Lane decided to
switch things up. “I was reflecting on the two Wilson
monologues I’ve performed in the past, and realized
they were both female monologues,” she explains.
“I decided to research male monologues and found
one that I just fell in love with. It spoke to me, and is
dramatic and heartfelt. It sounded to me like something
I would actually say to one of my brothers, and when I
perform it, I imagine that’s who I am talking to so I can
truly connect and relate to the piece.”
Competing at Nationals was Lane’s first time in
New York City. “I was so shocked I was chosen for
this honor—it is a dream come true,” she says. “I have
so many people to thank including Morgan McCoy,
Meleana Felton and Asia Pepper. They’ve been
an inspiration to me my entire life, and I sincerely
appreciate them for everything they’ve done.”
Lane plans to attend Point Park University this fall
to major in theater and fulfill her dreams of becoming a
professional singer and actress. As part of the regional
August Wilson Monologue Competition, Lane was
awarded a $20,000 scholarship to Point Park University
and a $500 cash prize, in addition to her first place
title. “I look forward to learning about every aspect of
theater, including behind the scenes, costumes, filming
and producing, in addition to performing myself,” she
says. n
SEWICKLEY
❘
SUMMER 2018
13