Not every Grade 8 student gets to trade their school routine for rehearsals on a Toronto stage. But for Immaculata High School student Sienna Rader, that’s exactly what’s about to happen.
Sienna has been cast as Becky in the North American premiere of 13 Going on 30 – The Musical, opening at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre this December.
It’s an incredible opportunity for a young performer who has spent countless hours doing what she loves. And while Sienna is the one stepping into the spotlight, she has plenty of people cheering her on, including her family, teachers and school community at Immaculata.
A Big Dream and a Lot of Hard Work
Landing a role in a major musical doesn’t happen overnight, and Sienna knows that better than most.
She spends six hours a week training in dance, practises her vocal scales every day and regularly takes her talent into the community, busking for up to an hour and a half at a time.
It’s a demanding schedule, especially for someone balancing schoolwork, friendships and everything else that comes with being in Grade 8.
But when you love something as much as Sienna loves performing, the hard work is part of the journey.
Now, all those hours of practice are opening the door to an opportunity she has worked so hard to achieve.
A School Community Behind Her
Taking on a professional theatre role also means making some changes to everyday life.
Sienna will spend three months in Toronto rehearsing and performing, while continuing her education through homeschooling supported by her mother and the educators and administrative staff at Immaculata.
It’s a wonderful example of what can happen when a school and family work together to support a student’s individual needs and aspirations.
For Sienna, knowing that her teachers and school community are behind her means she can focus on making the most of this experience without putting her education aside.
Nourishing New Beginnings, One Dream at a Time
At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, our Spiritual Theme this year is Nourish New Beginnings. Sometimes, those new beginnings happen in a classroom. Other times, they happen hundreds of kilometres away, under the bright lights of a theatre.
Sienna’s story reminds us that every student has their own gifts, interests and dreams. Part of being a Catholic school community is recognizing those gifts, encouraging students to develop them and helping them find their own path.
And sometimes, that path leads all the way to the Princess of Wales Theatre.
The Curtain Is Almost Up
Rehearsals begin in November, with 13 Going on 30 – The Musical running from December 1, 2026, to January 24, 2027.
Sienna also shared her exciting news in an interview with CTV Morning Live, giving viewers a glimpse into the dedication behind her upcoming role.
Congratulations, Sienna! We can’t wait to see where your talent and determination take you next. And wherever that may be, you’ll always have a cheering section back home at Immaculata.
