Marin ’27, Millie '27 take the stage in 'Ragtime'
Seventh graders Marin Rorex and Millie Sims take on their first acting roles with a professional company in Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of “Ragtime” on stage at TPAC this November.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
Although Millie Sims ’27 has visited the Tennessee Performing Arts Center many times, her latest visit was different. As she entered the Jackson Hall Lobby, her eyes landed on the posters for upcoming shows; she skimmed over the eye-catching designs for touring Broadway shows, weekend specials, and local productions and was met by a familiar face — her own. Sandwiched between “The Price is Right” and “The Lion King,” Millie found herself, along with classmate and castmate Marin Rorex ’27, on the poster for Nashville Repertory Theatre’s upcoming production of “Ragtime.”
“I actually had to do a double-take,” Millie laughed.
“It’s kind of hard to wrap your head around seeing your face on all these advertisements,” Marin agreed.
“Ragtime” is both young actors’ first professional gig with Millie cast as Little Girl and Marin as Little Boy. While they grow as artists, they’re learning valuable lessons in time management, responsibility, and prioritization as they navigate the demands of rehearsals and schoolwork too. Since Monday, October 4 and through the show, they spend seven to eight hours, six days a week in rehearsals, often leaving school early (with permission) and balancing assignments based on deadlines from their teachers.
“It’s kind of crazy when I think about it. For some of the people we’re working with, it’s their full-time job, and we’re doing that, plus school,” Millie shared. “It’s worth it though because this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
“It’s hard work, but it’s really just been a lot of fun,” Marin smiled in agreement.
For many at USN, Middle School is a time when students begin to discover activities and subjects about which they’re passionate. Students are offered a wide variety of electives to enroll in and dedicated time within the daily schedule for both arts and athletics means students have many opportunities to discover things they love.
“It's great to see Millie and Marin pursuing something they're passionate about; isn’t that what we all hope to do?,” Head of Middle School Jeff Greenfield shared. “They have the benefit of not only knowing from a young age what inspires them but also having the talent and work ethic — as they're proving right now — to pull it off while still moonlighting as seventh-grade students at USN. That's not such an easy double life even though it's temporary.”
In addition to catching Millie and Marin on stage, audience members will see Middle School Theater Director Bakari King as Booker T. Washington and Lower Schooler Kambri King ’33 as Young Coalhouse. Director of Diversity & Community Life Roderick White will play saxophone in the show’s orchestra. Nashville Rep’s “Ragtime” runs Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14 at TPAC. Tickets are available now.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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USN hosts Battle of the Books
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C-SPAN honors Eva '26
For the third time, the junior has earned recognition for her C-SPAN StudentCam documentary. Elected officials and a representative from the network honored her during High School Assembly on Friday, May 2.Read More -
USN hosts 5th annual Quiz Bowl Championship
Congratulations to Max Parker ’29, Anisha Nachnani ’32, Indy O’Hare ’32, and Lucas Lupu ’31, who took home the top prize at the USN Quiz Bowl Championship.Read More
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Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.