Wallin delves into character roles
FINE ARTS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
It doesn't matter what acting role Brainerd High School senior Trent Wallin undertakes, he likes them all.
Wallin, who has performed in every play at the high school since his sophomore year, was named Fine Arts Student of the Week.
Wallin said acting is fun and a chance for him to become someone new, such as his role as Comrade O'Brien in "1984." He played this role as a junior and it is his favorite role thus far. Wallin, who called himself a pleasant person, said his character was mean, played mind games and tortured the main character until he gave up on his love.
"It was the easiest character to get into," said Wallin. "It felt good to be a part of something that powerful."
Wallin played Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice" and was in the "Hodge Podge of Nonsense" play.
Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
Brainerd High School senior Trent Wallin was named Fine Arts Student of the Week for his work in drama.
His role in the fall play, "Our Town," is Dr. Gibbs. Dr. Gibbs, who is in every scene, is the father of the main character and the town doctor.
In rehearsal, Wallin said he likes to "get the basics of the play down. I try to act out the scene and then I work on my lines. The lines are generally not as important as the acting."
Wallin plays off the audience when he acts. For instance, if the audience laughs at a certain act, Wallin will make other similar things happen in the following scenes.
"I try to devote as much time as I can to the play," said Wallin, who juggles drama practice, homework and his job. "I barely get any sleep."
Wallin spends a lot of his time with the drama program. He also is the director's assistant. Director John Wanninger said Wallin's off-stage contributions have been invaluable to the high school drama program.
Trent Wallin
Art focus: Drama
Art activities: Drama and Bards
Year: Senior
Age: 18
GPA: 3.0
Favorite subjects: Creative writing and outdoor adventures
Most memorable fine arts achievement: Role as Comrade O'Brien in the play "1984"
Artist most admired: Chris Martin
Favorite movie: "Super Troopers"
Favorite TV program: "The Simpsons"
Favorite song: "Sleeping In" by Postal Service
Parents: Pete and Paula Wallin of Nisswa
Wallin's passion for drama began when he participated in musicals at Franklin Junior High School as an eighth-grader. He joined the musicals because he liked music. He ended up enjoying the acting portion of the production more than the music.
Now a senior, Wallin is trying to recruit sophomores to join drama. The drama program lost a lot of seniors from last year. He said students should join drama because it is fun and a chance to meet a lot of amazing people.
"We're strange, but we're good people and we have lots of fun," said Wallin.
After high school, Wallin plans to attend college, but is not sure what program he will study. He said it is hard to say if he will join the college's drama program.
"I will be spending a lot of money for my college education so I might wait until after college before getting back into it."
Honorable mentions:
Tia Przybilla, senior, art: Przybilla's art adviser said, "Tia has demonstrated a commitment to quality work and an attention to details and deadlines. She takes each assignment seriously, applies herself creatively and technically and turns in artwork that exceeds criteria on time."
Nicole Roncalli, senior, Fifth Street Journal: Roncalli has taken on several responsibilities with the Fifth Street Journal, including news editor. Roncalli's adviser said she has shown tremendous dedication so far.
Carmen Cummings, senior, creative writing: Cummings was selected by the English department faculty to represent Brainerd High School in the 2004 National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing Contest.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.