Arts Student of the Week Micah McGhee

A few weeks before opening night, students from Erie Middle School came to see a special performance of Niwot High School's "Beauty and the Beast."

"All the kids absolutely loved it!" said NHS freshman and actress Micah McGhee. "Afterwards, we had some time for questions. When the microphone was handed to one of the middle schoolers, they said something along the lines of, 'Cheese grater, whoever you are, we love you!'"

McGhee, who performed the part, added, "I will honestly never forget that. I felt extremely loved."

"Beauty and the Beast'' was McGhee's first show. She was both a cheese grater and a villager. "It was such a blast, as well as a perfect experience to learn new things about theater," she said. "With my cheese grater costume, it was difficult at times to dance in it because of its shape. I had to change the way I danced, and it really pushed me to be able to adapt well. I also had to accept the fact that I was a cheese grater!"

McGhee did not have many opportunities to participate in theater before high school. "But I've always been a theater lover at heart," she admitted. Theater instructor Amanda Faust selected McGhee as this week's Arts Student of the Week. In her first semester McGhee completed Drama 1, and she is now immersed in Drama 2. "She showed great promise in acting and continues to strive for improvement," Faust said.

"This semester her acting has improved immensely. She is also a part of 'Beauty and the Beast' and is working so hard to put on the best performance she can." According to Faust, McGhee brings a positive attitude and is a leader in class. "Micah is an amazing drama student and will continue to go far in our program," Faust added.

Theater is an interactive experience, and its collaborative nature is something that McGhee enjoys. "For me, theater is not only a way for me to express myself, but a way that I found many friends who share the same passion that I do."

McGhee's favorite musical is "Hamilton." During COVID, her older sister shared the music of the soundtrack with her and after that, she was hooked. "In March of 2022, we went to see 'Hamilton' live at the Buell Theatre in Denver," McGhee said. "And it was absolutely unreal!"

"Middle school was really hard for me," McGhee confessed. "And I originally assumed that high school would just be an extension of that. Turns out, it's the opposite. I am always excited to go to school, and I have so many amazing teachers, friends, and administrators!"

As a freshman, McGhee feels that her theater experience at the high school has been incredible. "I have met many kind people through theater and I am very grateful that I got to be a part of Niwot High School's 'Beauty and the Beast' production."

In the winter, McGhee enjoys skiing, and she enjoys spending time with her two little sisters, traveling, and listening to music throughout the year. She plans to continue her participation in NHS theater productions, and to continue to take drama classes. Her father would also like her to participate in cross-country next fall, which she is strongly considering. After high school, McGhee said, she would like to attend college and study to become a teacher.