Arts Student of the Week: Allison Gundmundson

When Allison Gundmundson was in elementary school, she learned that Candlelight Dinner Playhouse hosted acting classes that included children. Whenever she could find the time, Gundmundson would join in.

Her theater repertoire expanded quickly, with roles in the junior production of "Mary Poppins," and roles in "The Aristocats," and "Beauty and the Beast." She also worked in two junior shows at Longmont's Jesters Dinner Theatre, including "Alice in Wonderland" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

Gundmundson remembers clearly her first solo, in "Mary Poppins." "I was playing the bird woman," Gundmundson recalled, "and I was extremely excited that I was able to have my own role, let alone one that has her own song. When our cast was watching the recording of our show, everyone was encouraging each other whenever they showed up on the screen, and it was really wholesome and sweet."

"Allison is a sophomore, and she is truly a positive light in our theater program," said Amanda Foust, who teaches drama at the high school. Foust selected Gundmundson as Arts Student of the Week.

Gundmundson finds the experience as a theater student at Niwot High School rewarding. She has taken all three drama classes the school offers and a production theater class. She is currently in technical theater, where she is working with other students to build the set for the fall play, "Puffs." She has enjoyed every minute of it, she said, and she is very excited to explore more during the time she has left at NHS. "I've still got the rest of this year and two more years to go," she said. "And I'm very excited for it all. I've always enjoyed school, and Niwot has really been a great place for me. Lots of my teachers have been extremely nice and treat me great."

"Allison started last year in Drama 1," Foust said. "She was very unsure and shy but soon she blossomed and took her place in this program. Allison has moved into Drama 2, and now Advanced Drama, where she shows exceptional understanding of dramatic literature and acting skills."

In the class, students help after school to build the set, so Gundmundson is always up and doing something, along with everyone else. There is always something to do in the theater and the students try their best to get the job done as best as they can. Gundmundson helps out with any task she is asked to do, because she loves being involved and helping others.

According to Foust, "Allison has also joined Technical Theater and she is awesome. She is willing to step in wherever needed and does a wonderful job at getting the job done. Allison is a wonderful student to have, and she will continue to shine in our program."

There have not been any particular actors who have influenced Gundmundson's work but she finds that, since watching a clip of "Heathers: The Musical," she has been inspired by Barrett Wilbert Weed, who played the role of Veronica Sawyer. "I loved how confident and natural she was on the stage and thought it was really cool!"

Gundmundson's favorite show is "Alice by Heart," with music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater, and a book by Sater and Jessie Nelson. The musical, inspired by Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," tells the story of a girl who retells the story of Alice to one of her friends during World War II. "I love the feel of it and how everything is portrayed in it. The choreography in the show is what really blows me away though, because of how smooth it is."

Gundmundson feels theater offers such a wide variety of opportunities that it is perfect for almost anyone. Someone could work behind the scenes, she says, or on stage. Both, she acknowledges, are equally fun.

Gundmundson's hobbies and interests include reading. "I love reading because it gives me a whole new life and world that I can focus on for a long period of time. A book that I'm currently reading right now is called "If We Were Villains" by M.L. Rio. One day I want to try and write my own piece, but that is not my main focus at the moment."

Although she is not sure what her future holds, Gundmundson hopes that whatever comes her way will be good. She does know that she would like to continue her education after graduation. "So maybe I'll figure it out then," she said.