The spring show Sherlock Holmes was a time of firsts and lasts, as Senior Jordan Nelson says goodbye to the theater program he reflects on good memories and leaves his many years of wisdom and advice for future members. And although this has been a hard goodbye, Freshman Henry Keibler takes to the spotlight, keeping the theater program full of talent.
“We get more talented freshmen every year, and we love welcoming them to the program. However, no one can ever really be replaced, especially not Jordan Nelson,” Connor Dennis (27’) said.
Every show starts with the casting, and with casting comes rejection. Rejection is something we all have to face. Whether you’re trying out for a sport, submitting an application or auditioning for a play it can be hard to put yourself in the position of potentially being rejected. Nelson has done 21 shows and had to put himself in that distressing position every time. Nelson has several mental reminders to keep his confidence high and performance level even higher when auditioning.
“You’re going to feel stupid,” Nelson said. “But if you know that you will enjoy doing it, regardless of what part you’re gonna get, then just go give it all you got. And don’t forget the casting decisions are dependent on what the director’s vision for the show is. So if the role wasn’t meant to be, it’s okay it happens.”
Both Nelson and Keibler got big roles after auditioning, Keibler being Watson in and Nelson being Moriarty. And to say the least, taking on a big role is a lot of work, you’ve got to show confidence and leadership —those are traits both Nelson and Keibler possess. But keeping your head high while being younger than some of the cast and having to still be a leader can be difficult —nevertheless, Henry still executed his role beautifully.
“Being a freshman you have less experience in the theater, than the people who have been doing it for a while longer. And when you have a bigger role, it’s a lot harder and there’s a lot more pressure.” Keibler said.
As several students expressed, seeing senior Nelson leave has been difficult, and made everyone who knew him on and off stage heavy hearted.
“Jordan will absolutely be missed,” Dennis said, “Jordan has been a pillar for so many others in the program, and he really served as a role model for me at times. We all love Jordan and the theater program really won’t be the same without him.”
Although goodbyes are sad, Nelson looks back at memories from his several years of performing. And the ones that are most significant to him were the calm moments during the chaos.
“My favorite memories are just sitting backstage at a rehearsal when they’re trying to figure something out, and everything’s on pause, and I might just be laying on the floor in the dark for about an hour and then yapping up a storm about whatever it’s the moments between the seriousness that I had the most fun and that I will certainly miss.” Nelson said.
As emphasized earlier, freshman Keibler Keibler is very talented. And although Nelson will leave a big hole in the theater program, there is no doubt in our minds that Keibler won’t do his best job at filling that hole and keeping the program booming with talent in his following years to come as he expresses excitement and enthusiasm for future shows.
“The fall musical is White Christmas, and I’ve watched it every Christmas, it’s a great movie. And I’m really excited to audition for it, and I’m going to keep auditioning in later plays because it’s just really fun.” Keibler said.
