The day is here and the crowd is ready for a show. The actors are in the back getting their makeup touched up and fixing their costumes. High fives and pats on the back are passed out to calm down those who are stage fright. The theatre is packed and there is not an empty seat in sight. As the lights slowly start to dim and conversation dies to a few anxious whispers, the curtain begins to rise. On stage the characters scurry to get to their places. Then suddenly the dark silent room turns into blinding stage lights and wild applause. Let the show begin.

For senior Valiante Waltz this is a consistent feeling. Waltz has been in theatre since eighth grade, and is on his fifth year of acting. Waltz knows what it takes to be a strong actor, where time, commitment, and hard work is needed.

“I do something with theatre about four hours a day, so about twenty hours a week,” said Waltz.

In theatre there are many productions. One after another, actors switch in and out of many different roles.

“My favorite production was Children of Eden. I feel like it was the show I really came into my character the most,” said Waltz.

Enjoying theatre since she was four, senior Malone Blaich has worked closely with Waltz over the past few years.

“Valiante works very hard. The art of theatre is important to him and the art of music is important to him. He expresses himself through theatre. And where most people just do it for fun, Valiante does it to say something, he does it for a purpose,” said Blaich.

A part of acting is being able to connect well with those around you. Theatre teacher Todd Schnake has been teaching for twenty six years and has seen Waltz work well with others.

“I think Valiante is a great kid as well as a great guy. He is very thoughtful and hardworking with others,” said Schnake.

As time goes on, Blaich continues to see growth in Waltz as he proceeds to branch out in many different ways.

“When Valiante first started out he was just a singer. But since then he has became a great actor as well. Valiante has received many big roles since he started acting, and I think they have been great for self exploration. When Valiante acts he isn’t just playing a character. He embodies that character and becomes that role,” said Blaich.

As a performer, some actors have different strengths than others. Schnake works with Waltz to really encompass his strong points.

“Valiante has an incredible singing voice. He has a lot of other great skills, but his singing voice is definitely a stand out,” said Schnake.

For many actors there are certain times in their career where they stand out most. For Waltz, he has already started to see the rewards for his work.

“My biggest accomplishment as an actor was winning blue star for the second year in a row. The production that won it was Pirates of Penzance, in which I was the lead,” said Waltz.

Waltz will work continue to persevere through the long nights and hard work in hopes of becoming a great performer. Waltz will continue to pursue acting and singing for as long as he can.