There has never been a single moment in my life when acting has not been a part of who I am. As the son of two high school theater directors, I grew up surrounded by theater, but since coming to college, I’ve often questioned whether I act because I love it or because it’s all I’ve ever known. After one year at Concordia, I can confidently say that I love acting because it’s me. Being cast as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar was a huge moment for me, not just because of the role itself, but because it was my first out of high school production, and I earned it on my own. The rehearsal process also reminded me how important it is for actors to have the freedom to make their own choices and collaborate with directors who trust them. Alongside the show, my acting class introduced me to techniques like Viewpoints, Meisner, and Rosa boxes, which helped me grow physically and emotionally as an actor while learning how to step into a character without losing myself in the process.

        One of my favorite acting experiences was filming a short noir Halloween comedy with my friend Nora for the Fargo Film Festival. What started as a favor quickly became something I was completely invested in. Despite the freezing temperatures, the awkward looks from strangers, and the fact that none of us initially wanted to be there, I found myself having the time of my life. Seeing Nora’s passion made me want to give the film everything I had, and there was something euphoric about becoming a character on camera and creating something together with my friends. That experience, along with Jesus Christ Superstar and my acting class, helped me understand what acting means to me. The film made me realize that I want to pursue acting on camera, while Jesus Christ Superstar revived my love for musical theater. More than anything, these experiences showed me that acting isn’t just something I do because I’ve been surrounded by it my whole life. It’s something I genuinely love, something that makes me feel connected to myself and the people around me, and something I want to keep doing for the rest of my life.