Spencer Pottle, 19, was born and raised in Boothbay and has been participating in the Boothbay Region YMCA’s signature Y-Arts program since he was seven years old. He recently finished his first year at Florida Southern College where he is majoring in musical theater. There he continues to hone his talent while remaining the same kind, thoughtful, and outstanding young person the Boothbay community has watched grow up on stage through the years.

Spencer’s first experience with Y-Arts was in the 2014 production of “Alice in Wonderland,” where he remembers being “just a part of the caterpillar body.” His parents, Brandy and Corey Pottle, encouraged him to try out for the musical after he showed an interest in theater, and from that first production forward, he never looked back.

Two years after his initial show, Spencer began earning larger and lead roles in Y-Arts productions. With characteristic humility he owed this to “not a lot of other local boys were trying out for roles!” However, those who have watched Spencer perform know it was mostly due to his immense talent, work ethic, and stage presence.

Emily Mirabile, the Boothbay Y-Arts director who has been directing Spencer since his very first musical, attests not only to Spencer’s innate skill, but also to his character. “Spencer is not only a very talented and dedicated performer,” she said, “but a wonderful person who has served as a generous mentor to the younger generation.”

Being a part of the Y-Arts program for 12 years means that Spencer has been in countless shows, and some have held a special place in his heart and memory, including “Children of Eden,” “Annie,” and “Seussical.” Each production has helped shape him as a performer and as a person, giving him opportunities to stretch, take creative risks, and grow alongside a community that has supported him every step of the way.

Spencer’s palpable passion for theater comes from a place of admiration and love. “There is nothing better than live theater,” he said, “because there is something magical about the way you can tell a story through singing, dancing, and acting all at the same time.” His appreciation for the arts was encouraged by the presence and gentle mentoring of Mirabile. “She creates a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through her doors,” Spencer said.

In addition to cultivating his artistic talent, Spencer feels that participating in the Y-Arts program helped develop his character and built up his self-confidence. “Theater teaches you life skills, like thinking on the spot, perseverance, and facing your fears,” he said. Confronting these kinds of challenges allows people to build confidence and become braver. He continues, “Performing in the arts create an opportunity for kids to embrace trying new things in a safe and supportive environment, knowing it is okay to mess up, learn, and try again.”

Mirabile agrees. “Creating safe and fun spaces is fundamental to the development of our kids who may not be interested in other afterschool activities such as sports or visual arts,” she said. Because of these benefits, Spencer believes it is essential for programs like Y-Arts to continue. “It’s so important to keep the arts alive,” he said. “I hope that Y-Arts stays here and never goes anywhere!”

Spencer’s next role is in an original musical production written by Mirabile and her husband, Nick. The couple wrote the role with Spencer in mind while they were on a long educational road trip with their two young children who are already veteran performers. The musical, “Time Adrift,” centers around the journey of a fisherman in a coastal community and will be performed at Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta on June 18, 19 and 20.

You’ll want to get tickets to see this sure-to-be wonderful production, with Spencer in the starring role, his longtime mentor Emily directing, and the Y-Arts program in full swing. It is sure to rock the house!