Wrapping up his final year of high school, Kyle Hudecek, ’14, is venturing in to his final role for drama. Being a part of drama for some years now, Hudecek plans to go out with a bang.

Hudecek has made a name for himself around campus this year. Not only has he made countless classmates laugh, he also was announced Homecoming King this year.

Hudecek will be cast as the leading role, Conrad Birdie, in the second semester drama performance of “Bye, Bye Birdie.” The drama department, taught by Susan Ainley, is looking forward to having Hudecek starring in this semester’s performance. Since Hudecek has performed in “Bye, Bye Birdie” before, Ainley thought he would make a good Conrad Birdie, due to his familiarity of the musical.

Hudecek began his drama career at the young age of 12. Although he did not willingly enter the play, his career in theater was started.

“My first performance was back in the sixth grade,” Hudecek said. ” I was a brother in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coast. I guess you could say that my jr. high teachers got me started in drama.”

Having already performed in “Bye, Bye Birdie” in seventh grade, Hudecek is more familiar with the essence of the musical. He is able to pick up the songs and overall themes for the play much quicker.

“I memorize the music faster,” Hudecek said. “I’m able to pick up on the themes quicker and I know what one addition of it looks like so I can offer criticism and critiques if needed.”

Senior, Aliciana Quintana, who will also be playing a lead role in the upcoming musical, has been a classmate to Hudecek for the last three years. Quintana compliments Hudecek on his lively spirit and method of acting.

“Kyle is the perfect person to be cast as Conrad,” said Quintana. “He becomes so alive when we are in drama class. His energy really influeneces everyone in class to try their best. I’ve seen him progress greatly in drama and it’s so fun to watch him perform on stage.”

Every actor experiences his own kind of emotions. Hudecek explained the feelings that he has every time he steps on stage.

“I feel a lot of different feelings when I act,” Hudecek said. “At first I feel fear because I have to perform for so many people. Once I get into the performance though and begin to get into character, I feel excited. I really begin to enjoy myself.”

Although Hudecek is sad to be performing on stage for the last time in high school he understands the necessity to move on. He looks forward to what is to come and plans on continuing his drama career in the future.

“Ending my drama career is a sad but necessary step to move on to a different chapter in my life,” Hudecek said. “I mean it allows me to appreciate what it’s like to be in a play so I’ll still be involved in the theatrical side of culture. I’ll have physical experience from high school so I’ll be bale to relate to the actors and roles more, so it will help me appreciate theatrical roles as I progress through my life.”

The performance dates for “Bye-Bye, Birdie” are March 7 which will be during school for students. Then there will be a 7 p.m. performance open to the public, March 8. The final performance will be a matinee also open to the public, March 9.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @NhojNamood. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.

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