Fallon Keel & Adelia Ray

Fallon Keel and Adelia Ray's journey through theater and how they inspire audiences by showcasing their talents

Photo by Brooke Gavin

Hritvi Ahuja, Managing Editor & Arshita Sunnam, Staff Writer

For Fallon Keel and Adelia Ray, theater isn’t just a hobby—it’s a fundamental part of their lives. From early childhood performances to years of dedication in school and community productions, both actresses have built their identities around the stage. While their experiences differ, they share a deep passion for performing, a commitment to hard work, and an appreciation for the lessons theater has taught them. Whether it’s Fallon Keel’s lifelong connection to theater through her family’s background or Adelia Ray’s drive to perform, both have found meaning and growth through their time on stage. 

"For me, continuing theater was never a question. It’s deeply ingrained in both my family culture and personal identity," Fallon Keel said. "While I’m the only one of my siblings not pursuing it in college, I still plan to stay involved in community theater and continue performing as a lifelong passion."

They have both played major roles in Northview productions and a significant part of their success in theater at Northview is the support of the head drama teacher, Joe Sykes. He has played a crucial role in creating a community where actors strive to be their best, ensuring they refine their techniques and embrace the challenges of acting.

"One of the reasons they are so tight-knit is that they are an ensemble—a group of kids working together to create something that's never been done before," Sykes said.

Every year, theater students across Georgia gather for an important audition event in Columbus, Ga. where they showcase their skills for various roles and final performances. Sykes recalled working closely with Adelia Ray to help her prepare for these auditions, spending hours perfecting her delivery and presence on camera. On the other hand, Sykes observed how effortlessly Fallon emphasizes stillness. She knows how to deliver lines with minimal movement, creating a commanding performance. 

"Fallon has an incredible sense of stillness and Adelia has a great ability to adjust her lines and the way of her acting when it comes to the character she is portraying," Sykes said. 

While both have a strong connection to their school’s theater program, they have also ventured into community productions to broaden their experiences. Fallon Keel has performed in multiple theaters, including a rare opportunity to participate in "The Phantom of the Opera" at a smaller community theater in Atlanta. Given the difficulty of obtaining performance rights for the show, this experience was particularly significant. Adelia Ray has also taken part in productions outside of school, finding that community theater offers a more professional environment that helps her grow as an actor.
"Outside of school, I performed in 'The Phantom of the Opera' at a small community theater in Atlanta, which was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; because the show ran so long on Broadway, securing performance rights was nearly impossible," Fallon Keel said. "After a long approval process, the theater got the rights, and I was lucky enough to land a lead role. It’s such a unique and beautiful production.”

Throughout their theater journey, their parents have been their greatest support system, recognizing their passion and helping them grow not only as they perform, but throughout intense rehearsals and schoolwork. Both parents of Adelia Ray and Fallon Keel recognize their passion for theater and help them balance academics, rehearsals, and having a social life.

"[I] support her by making sure that she has what she needs at home," Fallon Keel's mother, Ellen Keel said. "I make sure that she always has transportation, that she doesn't have to work too many hours so that she can get all the other things done."

As they prepare for their roles as Roxie and Velma in "Chicago", Fallon Keel and Adelia Ray have immersed themselves in the rehearsal process, dedicating months to their performances. The show’s dynamic choreography and demanding musical numbers require lots of consistent preparation, but Fallon Keel and Adelia Ray embrace the challenge with enthusiasm. The production has been an exciting and rewarding experience, allowing them to push their limits as performers while collaborating with an equally motivated cast.

"We have seen a huge difference in Adelia's confidence levels from Northview theater, and I have seen her grow with her friends through her performances," Adelia's mom, Stacia Ray said.

Although their paths after high school differ, both plan to keep acting in their lives. Adelia Ray hopes to pursue it in college, continuing to keep her passion and take on new opportunities. Fallon Keel, while not majoring in theater, intends to stay involved in community productions and perform to keep her passion alive. Regardless of their future, their dedication to performing remains strong, and their time on stage has left a lasting impact on their lives.

"When it comes to theater, you have to really crack down on what you want to do, and if you want something, you go get it done," Adelia Ray said.