Poly Sophomore Honored as Finalist for Monologue Festival
Amira S. ’28 was recently named one of 10 finalists in the 2025 A Noise Within Teen Monologue Festival, a highly selective competition that celebrates classic theatre and invites teen actors from across Los Angeles County to perform monologues from landmark plays. Amira presented her piece on November 3 as part of the finalist showcase, earning her spot from a pool of 165 performers.
Poly’s theatre students have attended A Noise Within productions, tours, and workshops for the past two years, and several have competed in the monologue festival, but this year’s recognition marks a standout achievement. Amira and the other finalists performed on the ANW stage, continuing Poly’s growing engagement with one of the region’s most respected classical theatre companies.
Below, Amira reflects on her love of performing, the support she’s found in Poly’s arts community, and what it meant to take part in the Teen Monologue Festival.
What sparked your interest in performing arts?
I like to say that my life changed the first time I saw Wicked. I was six years old, watching Elphaba soar into the air during “Defying Gravity,” when I leaned over to my dad and whispered, “That’s going to be me one day.” It sounds a little cliché, but in that moment I fell completely in love with the art form, so much so that I’ve now seen Wicked live 21 times!
What captivated me most was the electric connection between an actor and their audience, and that spark has fueled every performance I’ve given since. Growing up, I spent countless hours in my room watching videos of my favorite actors, trying to absorb everything I could. By first grade, I was begging my parents for singing, acting, and dance classes, and the moment I stepped into those studios, I knew there was no turning back.
How has Poly supported your love of performing arts?
I joined Poly my freshman year, and during my first production, Macbeth, I quickly realized just how supportive and welcoming the performing arts community is here. Like many ninth graders, I initially felt intimidated and disconnected from the older students, but after only a few rehearsals, I genuinely felt like I belonged.
When I was given the incredible opportunity to play Donna Sheridan in the spring musical Mamma Mia! I began forming deeper connections with both students and the performing arts faculty. Ms. Pigneri and Mr. Lifland, in particular, have continually impressed me with the way they push their students to be their very best.
When Sophie C. ’27, one of my many best friends I met through the department, and I first proposed the idea of writing and directing our own play, Unsex Me!, the faculty met us with overwhelming support and encouragement. Sophie and I also had the unique experience of choreographing and assistant directing the 2025 fall musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which gave us invaluable real-world creative and leadership experience. Through the Poly performing arts department, I’ve been offered opportunities I never could have imagined before coming here, and each one has shaped me into a more confident and dedicated artist.What does it mean to you to be a finalist for A Noise Within?
Being a finalist for the Noise Within Monologue Competition was incredibly exciting. I was chosen as one of 10 finalists out of 165 students in the Los Angeles area and was invited to an amazing two-day experience at A Noise Within. We participated in a workshop led by one of their resident artists and had the chance to see a performance of their current production, August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.
The next day, we returned to the theatre for a finalist showcase, where we each performed our monologues onstage. It was so inspiring to meet other young local artists, hear their stories, and see all the incredible work they’re doing at their schools.
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