Gavin Stevic, a senior at Cypress Creek High School, is a prominent figure in the theatre program. He is known for his dedication and talent. As he prepares for his final performances, he reflects on his journey in drama, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the joy of bringing stories to life on stage. With a focus on both his own growth and supporting his peers, Stevic is set to leave a meaningful legacy in the school’s theatre community.
When asked about what first made him realize he wanted to get into acting, Stevic said, “Actually it’s kind of dumb, but when I was young, I went to see the new “Iron Man Three” movie. I was so wowed about how awesome it was, I wanted to be in a movie.”
As he navigates his dream of becoming an actor, the excitement of performing can quickly turn into a daunting reality when faced with criticism. Initially, the allure of the stage fills him with confidence, but the moment he receives feedback, whether from directors, peers, or even audience member, he now realizes that the path to success is often paved with challenges.
“At first, it’s hard to take criticism. As a freshman, you take everything personally, but eventually you realize it’s only to help you. You just need to filter out the good and bad critism, and try to apply it to your performances,” said Stevic.
Criticism in acting, while challenging, is a crucial steppingstone to effective collaboration. When actors receive constructive feedback, it encourages open dialogue and fosters trust among the cast. This shared experience cultivates empathy, allowing performers to better understand and support one another. Ultimately, embracing critique not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the collective dynamic of the production, transforming the process into a true partnership, when working with others.
“Working with people is something you really must be hard on yourself about. You need to have an open mind, no matter what. If you don’t like who you’re working with, or if you don’t like your director, you must have an open mind. You all have a common goal, and if you just focus on getting to it, you will make it to the top of the totem pole.”
Collaboration in theatre is key to amazing performances. When actors share insights and support each other, they create an environment that encourages emotional depth and exploration. This energy leads to raw, captivating moments on stage, transforming individual talent into a powerful collective experience. Ultimately, it’s this unity that turns theatre into an unforgettable journey for audiences. And with that, Stevic was asked about a time he felt most alive while performing.
“I remember one time when I was practicing the song “Heaven Helps the Man” for “Footloose”, and I just remember I was so immersed in the song and character – I genuinely forgot who I was.”
With the ending just beginning, Stevic shows all he has learned from his years of experience in theatre, with his roles, tips, experiences, and more. With his reflection on the journey, he has gone on through his seven years in theatre, and with that he was asked the question, how does he feel about it all being over soon?
“It’s odd, I mean for the past four years I’ve been here, after school, sometimes even before school
but I don’t regret it. Theatre has led me to so many great people, discoveries, and more but it’s time to take that, and apply it to my future.”
