Cole Oman
Students in the Theater Arts class practice their performance for a showcase. The class dances twice a week to ensure best results.
The audience rises to their feet, cheering as the performers stand with proud, yet tired faces. The late nights and the early mornings, the challenges faced along the way, all to shake hands and take a final bow.
For actors and athletes alike, getting to the show or game is like crossing the finish line — sometimes literally. While their performances are a culmination of the work they’ve put in, their roads likely have not always been smooth.
Sophomore Ella Mathews has always loved theater, from participating in shows since 6th grade to competing with the Thespian troupe. However, she still faces challenges both during performances and practices.
“I think one of the hardest things about theater is your mental stability because it’s really hard to constantly be working for something…and sometimes you don’t get what you want,” Matthews said.
For her, theater isn’t just a hobby. It’s a community that supports her and keeps her going.
Senior Alex Lewis and sophomore Bianca Felipe, who both act and play sports, experience the challenges on both sides. From the field to the stage, they see the correlation between the commitment it takes to excel at both.
Felipe, an avid actor and soccer player, understands that teamwork in both arenas is crucial to success.
“I also just want to be there for my team or cast members so they know they can ask me questions, and I’m there to help them,” she said.
For Lewis, the greatest similarity between sports and theater is mindset.
“If I don’t do something how I want to, I’ll take that as a learning moment and see what I can improve on,” Lewis said.
This sense of teamwork is also important to US Performing Arts Producer and Thespian Director Michael McCarthy. Working with students across all grade levels in the Upper School, he celebrates students doing their best and creating a supportive environment.
“I love seeing everyone work together to problem-solve,” McCarthy said. “It’s great seeing the students use their brains in different ways.”