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A standing ovation

IntervIews by CAssIe MIChelottI And dongdong guo / Staff Writers Photos by Dan o’brien anD alana KasinDorf / LimeLight editor and Photo editor

Involved Northstars discuss past and future theater involvement

The Westword: What prompted your involvement with theater?Talia Robinson: I fell in love with a show called Wicked in seventh grade and it just continued from that point. I did my first play that year, and although I wasn’t very good, it was still a lot of fun.TW: What does your future in theater look like?TR: I think it’s going to be difficult to get paid jobs in theater, but it doesn’t mean I won’t try to be involved for the rest of my life. Of course, I won’t immediately be on Broadway, but it is a good goal to look forward to.TW: What does theater mean to you?TR: Theater is all about telling a story. It is a chance to bring out peoples emotions by showing them things they may not be able to to face in real life.

talia robinsonThe Westword: What prompted your involvement with theater?Richard Westfahl: I really enjoy all as-pects of it. It allows you to express your-self, and it is lots of fun to work with your friends on a big production. I started the-ater when I was nine, so I’ve been involved for five years. TW: What does your future in theater look like?RW: I have no idea. I know that I am go-ing to keep doing the Westhill shows, and I’ll see where it takes me.TW: What does theater mean to you?RW: Theater is a way to express yourself. I like that it is a form of art that combines acting with music and dancing.

richard westfahlJosh AnkerThe Westword: What prompted your involvement with theater?Josh Anker: My older brother was involved in theater throughout high school, and convinced me to also get involved. I have been involved in theater for about six years. I didn’t really get into it until middle school.TW: What does your future in tech look like?JA: Although I enjoy being involved with the-ater, I think I should try new things. To me, theater is a hobby, and I do not plan on making it a huge part of my future.TW: What does theater mean to you?JA: Theater allows me to spend time with my friends, because they are also actively involved in it. It is something we have in common and like to participate in together.

The Westword: What prompted your involvement with theater?Miiko Valkonen: I was really bored one day, and I decided to try out for a show ending my freshman year, and I liked it. That’s why I keep on doing it.TW: What does your future in theater look like?MV: I feel I want to do theater in college. I was hoping to do it professionally, but it is hard to make a living from theater, so I probably won’t be able to.TW: What does theater mean to you?MV: I enjoy being involved in theater because I feel like I fit in. I am glad I have been apart of theater and devote lots of time into it.

Miiko valkonen