In March, 24-year-old Palomar music student Mya Feiga played the lead role of The Witch in Palomar Performing Arts’ adaptation of “Into the Woods.” Under the scary witch mask is an aspiring artist with a passion for performing.
Feiga grew up in San Diego, where music always played a heavy role in her life. Her dad would listen to a variety of artists from Kirk Franklin to Tupac, igniting her interest in music early on.
Though she holds music close to her heart, her true passion is broader in scope.
“My passion is performance,” Feiga said.
Her passion was initially sparked on a field trip in elementary school when she saw one of her classmates perform in a full-scale stage production. However, it was when she discovered one of her favorite movies, “Shrek,” was also a musical that she decided, “I need to be up there.”
Whether it’s singing, acting, or any aspect of entertainment, she is always looking for an opportunity to take the stage.
In eighth grade, she began performing in theater after coming across a flyer for Center Stage Productions (CSP), a nonprofit theater company. To her, it wasn’t just a flyer; it was an opportunity.
24-year-old Palomar music student Mya Feiga. (Photo courtesy of Maya Feiga)
Throughout high school, she continued performing with CSP as she grew to more comfortable and confident on stage. She found comfort in playing different characters.
“Being on stage, I’m somebody else, and I essentially have control of what [audience members] view me as,” Feiga said.
When playing a new role, she likes to dive into the complexities of the character’s personality.
“It’s in my nature to break down. Why am I saying that? Why do they respond like that?” Feiga said.
Palomar professor of music Ellen Weller, who previously taught Feiga and conducted for “Into the Woods,” described her as “focused, dedicated and very professional … and just absolutely serious about her art.”
After graduating from Orange Glen High School in 2019, Feiga enrolled at Palomar. The arts department at Palomar has opened her eyes to many elements of music and performing that she had no prior training in.
Since becoming a Comet, she has been able to hone in on her vocal skills, grasp music theory and gain an understanding of the body mechanics used when singing.
These skills helped her to prepare for her role as The Witch, a part she feels she couldn’t have handled without all she’s learned since becoming a music major.
“Having that knowledge and training gives me the confidence to be like, okay I can do this,” Feiga said.
The role of The Witch is a crucial piece of Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”
According to director and choreographer of Palomar’s production, Gerilyn Brault, Feiga’s approach to the character “blows everyone away every rehearsal.”
When Feiga isn’t on the stage, she can be found sharing her love for music with others. She has spent time as a vocal coach and is always willing to expand her clientele.
Teaching allowed her to see things from new perspectives and made her realize how important constant encouragement is to anyone’s development.
“Even adults like hearing a good ‘that was great,’ ” Feiga said.
Outside of the arts, Feiga finds fulfillment in playing video games, watching movies and spending time with her friends.
As she navigates her 20s, she is continuing to learn who she is and who she wants to be — not only as an artist but as a person in all facets of her life.
She finds inspiration in performers like Viola Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph. But Feiga’s ultimate inspiration is her Grandma Jackie.
“She has always been my cheerleader and made me feel like I can accomplish anything,” Feiga said.
Feiga’s biggest goal in life is to be happy.
“Whether it’s now or 70, as long as I’m happy, I feel good,” Feiga said.
Taking inspiration from Grandma Jackie, she wants to look at life like “a ray of sunshine” and “be at peace,” Feiga said.
She continues to seek opportunities to express her artistry and fulfill her passion for performing.
Keep your eye out for Feiga as her future is bright. According to Weller, “her possibilities are absolutely limitless.”