Henneman 1

Gretchen Henneman
Mrs. Cramer
Comp 1 Pd 7
6 March 2019

A Theatrical Journey

The cast list for Mame was posted. At the top of the list was my name. I looked closer

and realized it was on the right side of the page, the understudy side. In this year’s production of

Mame I would be Mame’s understudy and playing the role of “Cousin Fan.”

There’s probably a better word than failure to describe my part, but I wasn’t satisfied.

Through lots of reflection, I had a new motivation to be the best actress/performer I could be.

During Mame, I decided to audition for Bradford Little Theatre’s production of Bye Bye

Birdie because I wanted to learn as much as I could, and community theater would be a good

place to start. I ended up getting the part of “Rose Alverez.” Rosie is a female, Latina, alto lead

around the age of 25. When the director called me about the part, she explained that Rosie was

“the lead.” The lead. I got the lead! I was excited to start another show with a part that looked so

fun!

Mame closed, and rehearsals started for Bye Bye Birdie. I got to work with some new

directors, and met new people (considering I only knew like four people going in to the show.)

Another interesting part was that I got to work with Mr. Dutko (my usual director/teacher), but

this time as a cast mate. Bye Bye Birdie was a great opportunity and it made me realize that I

have a passion for musical theater. It was rewarding when people couldn’t believe that I was 16,

and thought I was in my 20’s. My hard work paid off and I didn’t want to stop there.
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A few of the friends I made during Bye Bye Birdie encouraged me to audition for a

production of Beauty and the Beast at Ray Evans Seneca Theater. I auditioned and ended up

getting a callback for “Belle.” I ended up playing a Silly Girl, and was in every ensemble

number. Throughout the show I met some amazing people, who ended up becoming some of my

closest friends. We spent the entire summer at the theater in Salamanca getting ready for the

show. I’m thankful for all that I learned from the people at Ray Evans. One specific thing I

learned is that I struggled with dance.

As, my theatrical journey continues. I now take four dance classes a week. I set a goal to

be a part of at least three musicals this year. My other goal is to learn the technical side of

theatre, so I am taking the class at school next year, and have a show lined up that I am doing

tech for. The first musical that I am a part of for 2019 is Bradford High’s production of The

Sound of Music.

The Sound of Music has been one of my favorite shows since the live version aired in

2013. Maria became a dream role of mine, so when I found out that was our school show, I

practiced nonstop for the audition. I got a callback for “Maria,” and went into the callback with

confidence, rather than usual nerves. I got this confidence from a friend I met during Bye Bye

Birdie who I look up to. Thanks to Dwain Graham, I had the confidence to complete a callback I

was proud of.

This year when I looked at the list my name was at the top, but this time on the left side. I

did it! I was cast as “Maria.” All my hard work throughout that year had paid off. I’m thankful I

have an extremely talented director, who I also look up to, Mr. Dutko. I’m excited to take on this

role and see where theater takes me in the future.