XENIA — She’s been in “The Nutcracker,” acted in several student-produced films, and has appeared in a Think TV show.
But as Xenia resident Amanda Bass prepares to emcee a one-night-only performance of “The Brothers & Co. Variety Show” Saturday, July 1, she admitted she is getting the proverbial butterflies.
“I’m going to be the host and it really makes me nervous,” the bubbly 12-year-old said.
Full disclosure: Bass is not nervous because of what she may say or do. She is tense because of what one of the performers will do.
“It’s a comedy show and there (is a band) playing, one of the songs is soooooo bad,” Bass said. “Hello Mary Lou. (The singer) looks right at a person in the audience and makes eye contact with them.”
Bass wants everyone to know she is not liable for what may happen. But other than that, she is one cool customer as she gets ready for her big night. She will announce the sponsors, introduce the performers and make sure the action on stage never comes to a screeching halt.
“I actually have a small script,” she said. “(Executive Producer Gery Deer) says I can add to it if I want. I’m just looking forward to having fun.”
That’s what she’s been doing since she began performing little shows at home. Her latest venture is the PS/Think TV show “I Can Be Anything I want to Be A to Z,” in which Bass plays “Charley,” one of three kids investigating unique career options from A to Z.
“The show was designed to introduce 6- to 12-year-olds to careers,” Bass’ father, Kirk, said.
Of the 120 who auditioned, 10 got called back and six were chosen. One of Bass’ episodes has aired and others are slated to be broadcast this fall.
She previously appeared in Xavier University, Ohio University and Wright State University student films, among others, one as a main character, one as a supporting character and three as an extra. And on June 27 Bass auditioned for the lead roll in “Seussical the Musical” at the Victoria Theater in Dayton.
Bass is represented by a talent agency, which her parents decided to do after seeing her dance and sing in church.
“She’s actually pretty good,” Kirk Bass said he thought to himself after seeing her perform. “As long as she wants to do it, she keeps up with her school work, things like that, we’ll support her in any way we can.”
That doesn’t appear to be an issue as Bass talks about all her opportunities with a huge smile on her face.
“I really want to take it as far as I can go,” she said. “I’m enjoying it. To me this is fun. If I don’t enjoy it, then I’m done.”
The show — at the Plaza Theater in Miamisburg — is a 90-minute, live stage performance featuring four-part harmonies, instrumentation, Wild West stunts, award-winning classic magic and original comedy routines. Tickets are free and can be reserved at myplazatheatre.org.
