Arts Student of the Week: Pali Sauer

Every time Pali Sauer talks about the theater program at Niwot High School, she feels overwhelmed by the community and the way the students uplift each other on and off stage. "There is no other community that has been like this," Sauer said, "and I constantly turn to them for everything in my life."

A junior at NHS, Sauer has been a part of the high school's theater program since she was a freshman, when she got a part in the fall play. She has been involved in every production since.

NHS drama teacher Amanda Foust, who selected Sauer as Arts Student of the Week, praised her for her dedication to her craft. "Pali has taken a drama class every semester since freshman year and is always improving and working hard to improve her skills," Foust said. "Pali has also been in all four mainstage shows since freshman year most notably playing the female lead last year in 'Puffs!'"

Sauer points to "Into the Woods" as her favorite musical, a production she has performed in twice. Although she has not been involved in the technical aspects of theater production, Sauer gives a lot of credit to the people who work in tech. "What they do is truly amazing to benefit the show," she said.

"Emma Watson has been a huge role model in my life," Sauer said with admiration for the actress who rose to stardom after landing her first professional acting role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. "Since I was a child. Even though she's not a stage actor, her acting presence has really inspired me."

According to Foust, Sauer is also on the theater leadership team, and will be student-directing this year's fall play, "Murder on the Orient Express." Sauer is very grateful to be a part of the team, for the second year in a row. "Student-directing the play is a huge honor," Sauer said. "It's been so fun so far to lead everyone to be the best version of themselves and help people with acting and technique. I love sharing my knowledge with anyone who asks!"

"Pali is super dedicated and extremely hard working," Foust said. "She is constantly reaching out to new people and is a welcoming presence in our program."

Sauer has been involved in a variety of different local theaters. She has done work at Longmont Theatre Company, Jesters Dinner Theatre, and other local theaters in the area. "But there's a certain community about doing theater at Niwot that I really love compared to other experiences I have had," Sauer said.

When asked about her most memorable experiences at NHS, Sauer quickly noted that the highlight has been "getting to know everyone and having the opportunity to get the lead in the play. My sophomore year has been full of memorable and incredible experiences. Also getting inducted into the international thespian society was such an honor."

When she is not involved in theater projects, Sauer enjoys playing tennis, "because it's a sport that keeps me active and I find so much joy in it," she explained. "Traveling has also been a huge part of my life since I was a little kid and I love spending time with my family when we go on trips."

Although she has not yet chosen a specific institution, Sauer wants to attend college, where she plans to study film, acting, and political science. "College is very exciting to me," she said, "and I really want to go to college out of state."