Kayla Kanefke has been a part of Ramapo High School’s theater Club, Gold Masque, since her freshman year while she was working behind the scenes. Her position in Gold Masque has only grown with confidence and time. During Kanefke’s Sophomore year, she was the assistant stage manager for Bobrauschenbergamerica when two weeks before opening she found herself on stage. Kanefke took over for a student who was unable to perform and simultaneously found the missing piece of her life. She exclaimed that she felt acting for the first time was incredible, “from the moment I stepped on stage for my first show, there has been no other sensation that is comparable to performing in front of an audience in hopes of inspiring people.” Kanefke wished to be on stage from the start of her time in the theater club but her shy personality held her back from auditioning. 

Since then, Kanefke has been involved in seven Gold Masque shows, two where she was a part of the backstage crew and she performed in five of them. She began her time at Gold Masque by working backstage on Clue and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee during her Freshman year. Growing from her backstage experience into the incredible performer we see today, Kanefke performed in Bobrauschenbergamerica, Godspell, Girls in the Boat, Urinetown, and most recently, Peter and the StarCatcher. 

Kanefke has been encouraged by Gold Masque’s director, Ms. Corrado through all “the hardships of the acting industry to never give up on myself. She works hard to make our productions happen and refuses to make anyone look bad on stage.” Kanefke truly appreciates Ms. Corrado’s hard work and how she persuades students to use their creativity when performing. Kanefke was voted Vice President of Gold Masque her Senior year. President of the club, Addi Palmer sings Kanefke’s praises in their partnership as she says “She has grown not only as a person but as an actor. This year together we made our dreams come true […] and Kayla has gone above and beyond to help me make this club a better place and I truly couldn’t be prouder.”

When asked about any awards Kanefke has received, she spoke on the New York Conservatory scholarship she was awarded and went on to say, “I prefer to define my success by something other than the awards that I could win. I define success in this industry through the impacts that are left on the audience’s lives. Those connections we can build are far more valuable than the recognitions/awards received.” 

Kanefke finds performing on stage to be incredibly fulfilling and loves to learn about herself through acting out another character. Kanefke also loves all aspects of singing and spoke on the elements of singing that make her truly focus which creates a rewarding result. Peer, close friend, and fellow Senior Lauren Fleissner spoke on the honor it is to have Kanefke as her friend. Fleissner loves watching her on stage because ” it’s where she truly shines. It honestly makes me emotional – you can see her soul come shining through when she performs. She always leaves it all on that stage, and I’m so proud of her for it.” Kanefke’s emotion while performing shines through and captivates the audience. 

Kayla’s father and Ramapo Science teacher, Dr. Kanefke more casually known as Dr. K, is extremely proud of his daughter and all of her accomplishments. According to Dr. K, Kayla has been interested in music since childhood, starting violin and flute in elementary school and going on to teach herself how to play the guitar and piano. Dr. K highlights Kayla’s selfless personality by mentioning her volunteer work with pets at both A Pathway to Hope and P.A.T.C.H. Kayla has been known to volunteer with animals on the weekend, even after showtimes the night before. Dr. K highlights that Kayla is “a truly compassionate person who puts the needs of others before her own” and he is “truly amazed at how hard Kayla works and all of her incredible accomplishments.” 

While Kanefke has no set plans for the future, she does plan to perform during her college years! She will do great things wherever she goes and we wish her luck for the future! Break a leg, Kayla!