While most students may not be comfortable with performing on stage, one student stands out for her passion for the theatrical arts.
Junior Summer Martindale is an active member of the drama department and choir, and has participated in every annual fall musical and spring play. She is also a member of three choirs.
Martindale’s journey to the stage began at a young age.
“My uncle Tanner, who graduated in 2013, was in the theatre program,” Martindale said. “I first saw him perform as Snoopy in the Charlie Brown production we had here.”
After witnessing her uncle’s performance, Martindale’s family pushed her to get involved with theatre. Martindale then participated in the Robinson Elementary talent show her fourth grade year.
“When I did the talent show, I just felt so free, also the adrenaline rush after everyone was cheering or crying,” Martindale said. “Ever since then, I have done the talent shows every year in high school as I have the freedom to pick what I want to sing and get to show what I love doing.”
Martindale joined band as a percussionist, but left after her nana encouraged her to focus on singing.
“I decided to do choir all throughout middle school, especially after being a seventh grader and beating out the eighth graders at a solo for the first concert we did,” Martindale said.
Martindale joined choir at the high school and begin participating in high school theatre, finding the stage to be the only place she felt confident. Her freshman year, she obtained the role of Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible,” and went on to earn a lead role in every spring play. She obtained her first lead musical role in this year’s “Once Upon a Mattress” production.
Outside of school, Martindale enjoys spending time with her family.
“We play games like ‘Jack Box’ together or my uncle brings out his board games, and we play and laugh for hours,” Martindale said. “Those are the most happiest times for me.”
Martindale also enjoys spending time with her nana.
“We go shopping, or she drives around with me,” Martindale said.
Outside of spending time with her family, Martindale practices her vocals and has a passion for history.
“I always liked learning about the past, but it really started when I was in fifth grade,” Martindale said. “I found a YouTuber that goes by Oversimplified. He explains events in history in an easy and comical way.”
Since then, Martindale’s passion for history has only grown.
“I also do my own research about some topics,” Martindale said. “I really enjoy hearing first-hand accounts about those points in time.”
After high school, Martindale plans on becoming a mortician or a psychologist, with plans to attend either Butler Community College or a college in Missouri, depending on the major she chooses. She also seeks to obtain a minor in Theatre with hopes of performing later in life.
“If somehow I get seen, then I will probably focus on music, but those are my plans,” Martindale said.
For her efforts on stage, Martindale has won a Thespis Award for Best Main Actress in “Wizards and Wands” and a Thespis Award for Best Ensemble for “The Addams Family.”
