Under the stage lights as Miss Hannigan, junior Peyton Best brought one of Annie’s most memorable characters to life. Best has grown from small ensemble roles into leading performances that showcase her range and confidence. Each role has pushed her in different ways, helping her develop both her stage presence and her ability to connect with audiences.

Of all the characters she has played, Miss Hannigan remains her favorite. The role challenged her while giving her the opportunity to take center stage. “It was the most demanding, but also the most fun,” Best said.

Best began performing at a young age at Jackson High School and has continued her involvement through organizations like Center Stage and the Jackson School of the Arts. She also attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, where she spent two and a half weeks in an intensive program, training from morning until evening each day.

Now, she faces an important decision about what comes next. While she hopes to pursue acting professionally, she is also considering careers in public relations or political science. As she looks ahead, Best knows the choices she makes in the coming months will help shape her future.