Gracie Stockton, who will graduate from Lake Forest High School in June, was recently nominated as a finalist in the 2017 Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards. She’s served as president of the LFHS chapter of the International Thespian Honor Society, and has been involved with theater her entire high school career.
Q. How old were you when you first got interested in theater?
A. At Twig Arts Camp, through the (Lake Forest) recreational center, we used to do a summer show. It was “Peter Pan.” I was Peter. I think I was in second or third grade. It got me interested.
Q. And after that?
A. “101 Dalmatians” in third grade. I was Lucky, one of the puppies, the one that always gets lost or left behind. My mom made all the costumes for the show.
Q. What aspect of theater do you like?
A. Theater is a study in empathy. You are literally putting yourself in the shoes of another person. Whether it’s a sad plot truth or an emotional truth, it’s kind of amazing. Being able to share stories in an artificial setting is fascinating, and I love it.
Q. How many plays have you taken part in during your four years at Lake Forest High School?
A. Fifteen shows. For some I did tech, scene painting, props for a couple shows, hair and make-up. I student-directed the musicals for the last two years and directed a one-act early in the fall.
Q. What was the most challenging play you’ve acted in?
A. “Radium Girls.” That show got really dark and personal. I shared a name with (with my character). I would wake up having nightmares. It was really physical and I (acted) with my leg in a brace and the character (I played) progressively dies over the show.
Q. What play was the most fun?
A. “The Miss Firecracker Contest.” It was just a funny show and it was so high-energy.
Q. What do most people not know about theater?
A. I don’t think they realize the amount of work that goes into it.
Q. What are your plans after you graduate?
A. I’m going to the University of Minnesota.
Q. Will continue being involved in theater?
A. I would like to. I was admitted for biomedical engineering and then changed to political science. I hope I can double major in theater.
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