Inspired by The Outsiders, Hairspray and a lifelong love of performing, the 13-year-old Staten Island talent is turning years of dedication into opportunities on stage and beyond.
For 14-year-old Taylor Barca, the words “Stay Gold” are more than a memorable line from one of her favorite movies. They are a personal reminder to remain positive, hold on to what makes her unique and keep believing in the dreams she has worked toward for most of her life. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Taylor is a dancer, aspiring actress and musical theater enthusiast whose love of performing began before she was old enough to understand what a career in entertainment might look like.
At just 2 years old, she attended a dance recital featuring her older cousin. Captivated by what she saw onstage, she inspired her parents to enroll her in dance classes. Eleven years later, dance remains one of the biggest parts of her life.
“I love dance. I dance anywhere and everywhere, 24/7.” Taylor says.
Her passion has since grown beyond performing choreography to creating it. For nearly three years, she has been exploring choreography herself, most recently serving as assistant choreographer for her school’s production of Legally Blonde Jr. But while dance introduced Taylor to the stage, Broadway gave her a new ambition.
A Broadway Dream Takes Shape
Taylor was 11 when she saw SIX on Broadway in New York City, an experience that changed the way she thought about performing. The production sparked her interest in musical theater and encouraged her to pursue opportunities beyond the dance studio. She went on to perform in The Nutcracker at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey, with Company of Dance Arts, under the direction of Nicholas and Shane Mishoe. More recently, she was cast as the Wicked Witch in Howell PAL Theatre Company’s production of Shrek Jr.
Each opportunity has helped her build confidence as a performer while bringing her closer to her ultimate ambition: Broadway. And Taylor already knows exactly which character she would love to play. Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray.
For Taylor, the appeal goes beyond the music, although she readily admits that “I Can Hear the Bells” is one of her favorite musical theater songs. She admires Tracy’s determination to pursue her dreams despite the prejudice, rejection and expectations placed upon her.
“Through all the hate and separation and all the no’s, she showed people she can do it.” Taylor explains.
It is that refusal to give up that makes the character particularly meaningful to her. Taylor sees Tracy as someone who refuses to allow other people’s opinions to determine what she can accomplish.
An Old-School Hollywood Heart
Although Broadway is her biggest ambition, Taylor has an appreciation for film that extends well beyond what many might expect from someone her age. Her favorite movies include the original 1986 Top Gun and Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 coming-of-age drama The Outsiders. She is also a fan of the television series Cobra Kai.
Among the actors who inspire her are Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe and Ralph Macchio, performers she admires not only for their work but also because they began building their careers at a young age.
“They inspire me to work hard because they started out young like me and had to work hard to be able to put themselves out there,” she says.
Her enthusiasm for The Outsiders is particularly strong. Asked what she would do if Hollywood offered her any project, Taylor immediately imagines joining the world of the Curtis brothers.
“If The Outsiders wasn’t a movie yet, I would definitely want to be in it as my own character.” she says, imagining herself as Sodapop Curtis’ twin sister.
She describes the original film’s ensemble, which includes Macchio, Cruise, Matt Dillon and C. Thomas Howell, as one of her favorite casts. But it is Johnny Cade’s famous message, “Stay Gold,” that has stayed with her most. For Taylor, the words represent the importance of maintaining kindness, optimism and a sense of who you are, even as life changes.
“You need to stay positive and keep being the light in people’s lives.” she explains.
A Dream Shared Across Generations
Behind Taylor’s determination is a particularly personal source of inspiration: her mother. Growing up, her mother shared similar ambitions of entering entertainment but ultimately chose not to pursue them. Taylor says her mother’s concerns about the pressures of fame and protecting her family influenced that decision. Now, as Taylor pursues her own opportunities, she feels a connection to the dream her mother once held.
“I’m pursuing this dream for the both of us.” she says.
Her family remains an important part of her life, providing encouragement as she balances school, dance, theater and the demands of preparing for professional opportunities. Away from performing, Taylor enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping, going to the beach, watching movies on rainy days and riding her bike with friends. She also enjoys volleyball and badminton. At home, she shares her family’s affection for animals, including their adopted Border Collie, Riley, and cats Katness and Binx. Binx, a tuxedo cat rescued as a tiny kitten, holds a particularly special place in her heart. These everyday interests are part of what keeps Taylor grounded as her ambitions grow.
Taking the Next Step at iPOP!
Taylor’s commitment to performing also led her to iPOP!, the international talent convention that brings aspiring performers together with entertainment industry professionals. For Taylor, attending represented the culmination of approximately 10 months of preparation, training and learning to accept constructive criticism.
“It’s not easy to get to this point,” she says. “You’ve got to prove and show that you are ready to take the next step.”
She describes reaching iPOP! as a dream in itself, but her excitement extends beyond auditions and the possibility of industry opportunities. One of the experiences she looks forward to most is making friends.
“I feel like making friends is really important, especially in this industry, so you have people you know,” she says.
It is a reflection of the welcoming personality Taylor hopes to bring into every environment she enters. She describes herself as passionate, inspiring and welcoming, particularly proud of encouraging younger girls at her dance studio to work hard and believe in their abilities. That same encouragement shapes the advice she offers other young people who may be hesitant to follow their dreams.
Inspired by Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Taylor believes that having faith in yourself is essential, even when others question your ambitions. She also understands that progress requires persistence. Whether it is learning choreography, developing a character or preparing for an audition, she sees each experience as part of a larger journey.
Staying Gold and Looking Ahead
Over the next year, Taylor hopes to secure her first professional screen opportunity, whether in a film, television series or commercial. While Broadway remains her ultimate dream, she is eager to explore the possibilities of working on camera and gaining experience across different areas of entertainment. Her ambition is supported by years of dance training, growing theater experience and a willingness to keep learning. But perhaps what stands out most about Taylor is how much meaning she finds in the story.
To find out more about Taylor Barca follow her on TikTok and Instagram @taylorbarcaofficial.
