Three of Iola High School’s standouts in theatrical arts are taking their talents to Allen Community College.
Iola seniors Max Andersen, Donovan Nee and Maya Shaughnessy signed letters of intent Wednesday to attend ACC on theater scholarships.
Joining the three were their parents, several current and former teachers, and dozens of classmates.
Regina Chriestenson, IHS drama and speech teacher, and Tricia Stogsdill, Allen’s theatre and film instructor, were effusive in their praise of the trio.
Stogsdill recalled her initial reaction to seeing Andersen perform in the IHS production of “Elf Jr., the Musical” two-plus years ago.
“I immediately asked Regina if we could get him,” Stogsdill said.
Perhaps, Chriestenson replied. But she’d have to wait because Andersen was still just a sophomore.
Andersen’s performances continued to astound the ensuing years.
On top of that, he’s won four state medals in high school forensics — competitive speaking and acting — including back-to-back state championships in oral interpretation of prose. Andersen is gunning for his third straight state title in May.
“It’s been a joy to see him continue to grow to become this extraordinary vocal and acting talent,” Stogsdill said. “I was so excited when Max told me he was willing to stay in town to continue his education.”
NEE HAS made a name for himself both on and off the stage.
He was voted the IHS male rookie performer of the year when he arrived on campus as a junior for his work on stage for the production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” Since then, he also played a supporting role in “Shrek the Musical Jr.”
But Nee’s work on the technical side has been just as impressive.
Jeff Jordan, technical director at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, has taken Nee under his wing as an intern this year.
Nee’s talent handling sound and light controls has developed to the point he was tasked with running tech controls for Saturday’s show from illusionist Rick Thomas.
