Two Daniel Mills Apprentices On The Pursuit of Professional Acting

With their hearts set on becoming professional actors, these two Daniel Mills Apprentices are getting the experience and education they need to help them achieve their goals.

Chasing the Spotlight: The Aspiring Journeys of Evan Jarvis and Rhyse Silvestro

Knowing what you want to do when you grow up isn’t always easy. But for Evan Jarvis of Clermont and Rhyse Silvestro of Orange City, it was a no-brainer. Now supported by the Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program, they are transforming their acting dreams into reality.

Rhyse Silvestro’s Rise in Theater

At 19, Silvestro, a dual enrollee at Lake Sumter State College and a Florida Virtual School graduate, is no stranger to the stage. In middle school, his breakout role as Tommy Stubbins in “Doctor Doolittle” with Moonlight Players Theater Company was more than just a role—it was his calling. 

While neither of his parents performed, they were theater techs, and his sister and great-grandmother were performers. So naturally, the stage feels like home. 

“I love to be able to tell stories. I think the world needs theater to help them laugh and cry and understand their world and the world beyond what they know,” Silvestro says. 

Navigating the world of auditions, Silvestro remains resilient and optimistic. He encourages fellow aspiring actors to persist despite the challenges.

“You get told no a lot. But I’ve learned to understand it’s not always about me. Sometimes, the director just had a different vision in mind. Maybe you just weren’t a fit. The main thing is not to give up; keep practicing and auditioning. Eventually, something will come,” he says.

Silvestro’s next venture? Find him performing in “The Prom” at Rollins College’s Annie Russel Theater, set for April 19-27.

Evan Jarvis: From Muppets to Theater Entrepreneur

Despite attending a school with no theater program, Jarvis found his way to the stage in the third grade, confirming his destiny in acting. Now as a senior at Spruce High School, his sights are set on pursuing a post-secondary education in theater. 

“I’ve always loved to make people laugh. I would memorize and act out the part of Genie from “Aladdin” when I was little. I also did a pretty good impression of Kermit the Frog. I’d say it’s been pretty clear I would be a performer from the beginning,” Jarvis says.

On the brink of post-secondary education, Jarvis has already taken a bold step by founding Third Place Productions (@third_place_productions). Alongside his friend Ana Tew, they staged “The Trail to Oregon,” an interactive play inspired by the Oregon Trail game. 

“We rented out Theater West End and put on two shows. We only had six people for our cast and crew, but it was really fun, and we got a good response,” Jarvis recounts.

As he continues toward his calling, his professional aspirations have evolved. 

“When I was little, I wanted to be on Broadway. Now, I just want to perform for as long as I can wherever I can. Oh, and make a living at it too, please, and thank you.”

The William Daniel Mills Theatre and Apprentice Program was founded by Harold Mills and Rosy Mills in loving memory of their son, Daniel. This exceptional initiative provides scholarships, extensive training, and invaluable work opportunities for young adults pursuing careers in both on-stage and backstage theatre roles. Join Harold Mills and Rosy Mills in their mission to nurture and empower the next generation of theatre professionals!