CenterStage Spotlight Extra
April 2024
Extra! Extra! CenterStage is well on its way to bringing you CENTERSTAGE AT THE GRAND 2024!
Director Joel Freiberg shared this year’s show theme and ensemble song selections with CenterStage members during the first rehearsal on January 11th.
At the annual meeting on January 18th, we elected one new Board member, James Hawkins, and at the first Board meeting also welcomed new Board member Vicki Her Moua, along with current Board members Reese Aarthun, Jodi Peters, and Ian Robinson. Officers were approved by the Board: Dan Weith, President; Lucas Gajewski, Vice President; Carley Jones, Secretary; and Sarah Verber, Treasurer.
And what do the Board and Officers do? They work with the committees to bring you the annual show at the Grand Theater!
For example:
Membership: Following auditions, we welcomed six performing members: Riley Alcoba, Tina Geissler, Veronica Spahn, Abigail Wierzbicki, Phillip Wyman, and Kristin Zaal and welcomed back Jenn Tomcek. Seasoned performers came forward and will be mentors for this first year to answer questions for the new performers.
And then there is Publicity. In March, CenterStage members began suggesting show titles, which were then narrowed down to two options for voting. The final show title will be shared on the CenterStage Band and Show Choir Facebook page soon. If you “Like” that page, you will be among the first to know!
Publicity shares updates on social media regarding how the show is coming together and the other activities in which members participate. We will be singing for the Honor Flight dinner on April 21st, as we have for every Honor Flight banquet since they began. The Memorial Day Parade is coming up in May and we plan to walk with other local organizations. More activities will be reported in future Spotlight Extras.
Sharing our Talents!
CenterStage members also share their talents in the community. Dale Burgess is on the Board for the Central Wisconsin Children’s Theater, which helps local youth enjoy acting and yes, singing and dancing! James and Paula Hawkins recently performed in the Wausau Community Theatre (theater on the side) production of Outside Mullingar. Dale Burgess and Ian Robinson were part of the Greater Northern Choral Association performance on Palm Sunday. And five members are part of the Wausau Lyric Choir, which will be presenting its Spring concert on April 20th and 21st.
How We Got Involved
Have you ever wondered how members got involved? Well, Spotlight Extra asked and here are some of the replies.
Justin Evans (2nd-year choir performer)
Auditioning for the group was mentioned to me by a number of people, but most vocal about it was Missy Kolbeck [choreographer]. I never imagined that the group would be as welcoming as they have been and have had as much fun as I have. Looking forward to creating even more memories in year 2.
Robyn Tanger (performer since 2018, former Board member and current chair of Publicity)
I saw an ad for the CenterStage show in the City Pages in 2016. I had never heard of the group and admittedly wasn’t sure what to expect of a “free” show at the Grand Theater, but my parents and I attended and were thoroughly impressed. We went to the show in 2017 as well, and my dad asked if I would want to audition. I said that I didn’t know, but in January of 2018 I decided to go for it. I still remember where I was when I opened the email saying that I was offered a spot in the group. I was thrilled.
CenterStage is truly the single best “thing” that has ever come into my life. I felt welcome from the very first rehearsal. The people have become like a second family to me, and it feels like home when I pull into the parking lot. I always dreamt of singing/dancing on stage but never had the courage/confidence until being part of CenterStage. I have learned so much from the talented members and feel so blessed that I found where I belong. I love performing and laughing with this group and want everyone in the area to experience the joy that we share!