Community theater: finding purpose in passion
By James Burkhalter
Picture of Austin Tate and Hanna Turley by James Burkhalter
School, at its core, is more than repetitive learning and a regurgitation of facts but rather a preparation for life. Outside of the daily curriculum, there are various extracurricular activities accessible to students so that they may discover a new passion. Some find their lifelong hobbies in school, while others find it later on in their lives; Austin Tate and Hanna Turley are two of the lucky few who have done so as upperclassmen in high school.
Senior Hanna Turley started acting her sophomore year, debuting in Owasso’s production of “Honk!”. The show sparked her love for musicals and performing, which led her to perform in “High School Musical: On Stage” with Owasso and now “Mean Girls” with TheatreTulsa. While this is not Turley’s first show, “Mean Girls” is her introduction to community theatre in Tulsa.
Community theater allows people from all differing backgrounds the opportunity to perform on stages across their city and is seen as the next step forward in theater. Taking this next step as a high school student, however, is a large commitment.
“Having the commitment of a musical on top of a regular school schedule can be difficult,” says Turley.
High school itself can be very stressful, and the addition of a musical increases that tenfold. Some responsibilities that come with a musical include the memorization of numerous songs, lines and distinctive word-specific movements. Juggling the weight of musical theater and high school is a troubling task, but Turley believes the extra effort is worth it.
“I loved getting the opportunity to see theater from a different perspective…I would definitely do a show like this again!” exclaims Turley.
The joy of seeing theater in a different light is paralleled by Turley’s “Mean Girls” scene partner, Austin Tate, who shares a similar view of community theatre.
Tate shares, “It is different from school theater…and it’s good for you to just branch out more.”
Tate, now a junior in highschool, has been acting since he was 12, meeting Broadway legends like Kevin Chamberlin, Kristen Chenoweth and Kenny Ortega along the way. Alongside famous actors and singers, Tate has also found friends across the globe, all because of his care for his craft. Through his years of performing, Tate’s love for the arts has yet to fade. His perseverance can be attributed not only to this immense passion but the consistent effort to be on stage and pursue his dream.
“I love community theatre. I love theatre,” beamed Tate.
Finding passion and love for something in life is the center of a happy one. That love can be writing books, flying airplanes or singing peppy show tunes. Finding a passion doesn’t omit people from struggle or hardships, but it does give them a reason to keep going and keep fighting for what makes them happy.