An interview with the Frog

Johannesburg North local, TeeKay Baloyi (23), is performing as Frog at the National Children’s Theatre’in Parktown in the production of A Year With Frog And Toad. The production is a retelling of Arnold Lobel’s popular children’s tale, and is on stage until 11 October. Baloyi agreed to an interview to discuss the performance and his goals for the future.

When and why did you begin acting?

I started acting in high school. I went to Northcliff High School and always took part in the annual musical and plays. And from there the desire to perform just grew and grew. Honestly, it just made me so happy and fulfilled, how could I stop?

What significant projects have you undertaken thus far?

I wouldn’t call them “projects” but I’m currently busy doing my Master’s Degree in Musical Theatre and my teacher’s qualification in tap dance.

What are your goals in your career?

I absolutely love teaching, specifically subjects involving the arts. I’m hoping to take all the experience I’ve acquired from performing and the knowledge I’ve received through my studies to hopefully teach the next generation of South African performers.

Do you have any inspirations?

I have no one specific, as a source of inspiration. I can get inspired when I watch a stage production featuring phenomenal performing artists, or by watching a dance show. I even get inspired by my own teachers, directors and choreographers. Inspiration is everywhere.

Do you enjoy performing for children?

It’s such a pleasure performing for children because children are honest. If they like it, they like it, if the don’t, they’ll tell you. And to see the joyful looks on their faces after every show really does make it all worth it. Yes, it can be difficult at times to connect with them but that’s where you earn your ‘wings’ as a performing artist.

Does A Year With Frog And Toad have any personal significance to you?

Some of the challenges that my character Frog experiences are lessons that I myself have had to learn in life. Lessons such as being alone, does not necessarily mean you’re lonely, but rather it can be a personal choice to focus on oneself and reflect on all the things that bring you joy.

How do you feel in general about musicals and performing in them?

I cannot even begin to express the euphoria I feel when I am in a musical production. The singing, the dancing, the lights, the music, the performance, all those different aspects culminating into one magnificent spectacle… It’s absolute bliss.