Although many may tremble in fear when they find themselves onstage, junior Kendall Wheeler has overcome stage fright to perform in drama before a number of audiences.
Since seventh grade, with the exception of her sophomore year, Wheeler has participated in drama and has performed in five plays.
The junior says she has always loved acting, as she enjoys the opportunity to step into a character’s life, especially one differing from her own.
“I like getting to be another person other than myself,” Wheeler said. “It is fun to live someone else’s life and experience what they would experience, even if it is only for an hour.”
Among all of her experiences in drama, Wheeler particularly appreciates challenging roles. Through these parts, she is able to test her abilities and push herself to her full potential, she said.
“My favorite role was Juliet in When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet,” Wheeler said. “I liked the role because I was able to play a famous character in a unique way. I loved that Miss [Brianne] Vogt gave me the opportunity to play that role in a nonconventional way.”
Drama instructor Vogt values Wheeler’s contribution to her class, she said. According to Vogt, Wheeler proves to be an asset to every production due to her talent and diligence.
“Kendall possesses a lot of natural talent when it comes to acting,” Vogt said. “Not only that, but she has experience and is committed to the craft of acting. Kendall has all of those things, and it is obvious that they work together to help her create a wonderful character on stage.”
Vogt admires the commitment and effort Wheeler puts forth offstage, in addition to her participation onstage. The instructor is consistently able to depend on Wheeler to complete any required task, she said.
“Simply put, Kendall is willing to work hard,” Vogt said. “She is willing to help with the production beyond just learning her role. She often asks if I need assistance cleaning up or preparing something. I’ve come to appreciate her thoughtfulness and respectfulness in all situations.”
Through her consistency and evident abilities, Wheeler has inspired other members of the class. Freshman Robbie Hill looks up to Wheeler as a level of excellence to reach, he said.
“I would like to be able to stay in character as well as she can,” Hill said. “She can always do anything you ask. I hope that when I am a junior, I will be as good of an actor as she is.”
Fellow actress Bridget Teixeira, ’11, has observed Wheeler’s dedication throughout their time in drama together. She recognizes her hard work and ambition to memorize lines and apply compelling techniques.
“She puts a lot of time and effort into her role,” Teixeira said. “She was the first in our class to have her lines learned. She works hard to get the memorizing down first, then brings in the emotion to make her character come to life on stage.”
For the current drama production, A Christmas Carol, Vogt had considered Wheeler’s effort and decided to give her the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past, she said. Vogt knew that she would rise to the occasion and pull off an impressive performance, she said.
“The Ghost of Christmas Past needs to have passion and authority,” Vogt said. “The actor playing the role needs to portray both qualities on stage. I think that Kendall has the skills to do it.”
Wheeler has observed that some people may be hesitant to participate in drama because they are scared to embarrass themselves. According to Wheeler, more students should take the chance to join drama, since she has enjoyed the experience.
“It is fun to be with other people who are funny,” Wheeler said. “You can make some great friends. All you have to remember is to not worry about what other people think of you. You need to not be self-conscious and have fun. If you do, it can be the most memorable experience in your life.”
The drama class will perform their final performance of A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11, in Ground Zero. Admission is $3 for FC staff and students, $5 for general admission and $4 for seniors and non-FC students with ID.
For more information on drama, read the Nov. 22 article, Drama to present ‘A Christmas Carol.’