Bakersfield College first-year student Connor Carroll always knew he wanted to be on the stage.
“In a way I knew I wanted to act, I just didn’t start until junior year at Centennial [High School],” said Carroll, 18.
It was some of the classic movies that got him interested in the work.
“Mainly the Star Wars and the Indiana Jones series that made me want to pursue the art,” he said. “The fact that they were my favorite movies, to create that magic on stage or a screen brings a joy to me.”
Like every actor, Carroll has his main idol.
“John Cleese is a huge idol of mine. No matter what happens in a scene, no matter how funny, he can keep a straight face,” he said.
Cleese, an actor since 1961, was a writer and had various roles in the Monty Python series and films such as “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Time Bandits” and “The Great Muppet Caper.”
Cleese has also done some recent voice over work for Harry Potter, as Nearly-Headless Nick, Shrek, as King Harold and the narrator in Disney’s upcoming “Winnine The Pooh” film.
He also has his ideal director that he would want to work with.
“George Lucas and Michael Bay would be fun to work with because their combined ideas would make for an epic movie,” he added.
Carroll was born in New Orleans. His mother’s work as a doctor brought him to Bakersfield in 2003.
While in Bakersfield he has achieved an internship at the Spotlight Theater downtown on 19th street.
“I’ve been there since the summer of 2010, and I’m pretty much the errand boy.
“Transport documents and information between directors,” he said.
He also has been in a few plays at the Spotlight Theater since then as well.
“I was in the shows: ‘Rock and Roll Part V: Pop Rock,’ ‘Maggie,’ which was performed at the Fox, and ‘Zanna Don’t!’ ” he said.
Carroll talked about “Zanna Don’t!,” which was his favorite show to work on so far.
“It shows such an upbeat show with a serious message,” he said.
“I played the character Steve. Steve was gay and as the show progresses he discovers he has feelings for a girl in the homosexual world.
The cast made this role my favorite as well as the message the show tells the audience.”
As if the acting wasn’t enough, Carroll also plays the piano, which he started playing four years ago.
“It may sound cliché but ever since I heard Bohemian Rhapsody from Queen I’ve wanted to play,” he said.
Carroll added some words of wisdom to people who wanted to act in the future.
“You have to give it your all because if you don’t then you might as well not even try,” he said.
Carroll will be in the upcoming show at the Spotlight Theater called “The Producers,” which will be playing until May, 28. Tickets can be purchased online or through the Spotlight’s box office.