TWO RISING STARS At a glance

Stephanie Ottey, 22, and Eric McCrae, 29, are two of the area’s most promising young actors. In a recent interview with The Vindicator, Ottey and McCrae discussed their background in theater, sources of creative inspirations and long-term goals.

ERIC McCRAE

Born: Youngstown

Education: Graduated from Springfield Local High School; currently attends Youngstown State University.

Quote: “Ever since seeing ‘A Chorus Line’ on TV as a kid I’ve wanted to perform. But it was my high school drama coach (Sheldon Senek II) who really got me to start taking theater seriously. Sheldon had a real attention to detail and made sure that we got everything right. I found myself doing things on stage that I’d never done before. While it’s always been my dream to become a professional actor — and I’d love to do it if given the chance — it’s more of a hobby right now. A hobby with a passion.”

STEPHANIE OTTEY

Born: Beaver County, Pa.

Education: Graduated from Blackhawk High School; currently attends YSU.

Quote: “I’ve been performing on stage since kindergarten. I took acting classes at the local Summer Academy and took part in a performing arts camp. In middle school, I studied acting at ‘The Outlet for Creativity’ in Rochester, Pa., and became part of an improv troupe called Junior Dwellers, a smaller, younger version of the Cellar Dwellers. By then I was hooked. I auditioned for all the plays and musicals in high school, and eventually decided to major in theater at YSU. My parents are my biggest inspirations ... they’ve been unbelievably supportive. Their love and support have been my greatest motivation to succeed. After graduation, I’m planning to move to NYC and see where that leads me. If nothing comes of it, I plan to go back to school and get a teaching certificate. I would love to get involved with high school drama because it helped me so much when I was in school.”

— Milan Paurich