Read the valuable advice he gave to those scared to try theater or any new experience in general 

By Claire Pordon

SANFORD – How well do you actually know your SHS spring musical’s lead, Jack Van Gieson? As a junior here at Sanford High School he is playing Jack Kelly in Newsies this weekend for the Spring Play. He is also known for pole vaulting during outdoor track and his dual sports in the winter, wrestling, and indoor track. In the Fall, he runs cross-country. Additionally, Jack was also in the fall production of “Our Town”. 

Just because he’s so busy doesn’t mean he’s just scraping by; instead, he is setting big goals for each activity. When discussing track, he said, “My goal for this outdoor season is to clear 14 feet… My overall goal for the track season, in general, is I want to break the school record for pole vault.” 

As for acting, he has been involved in the Sanford theater program since second grade, when his sister invited him to participate in her middle school play, and has “been doing it ever since.” While he did take a break until seventh grade, he started again with Moana and has been “enjoying every moment.” 

When discussing how he prepared for this year’s audition, he explained that everyone chose their own song and had to learn a dance number. This dance was sent to them in a video and was performed in groups on audition day. Clearly, his tactics worked as he was rewarded with the lead. 

When talking about his lead Newsies character, Jack Kelly, he said, “We both kind of try to stick up for what we believe in, but he does it in a much more out there and up front way,” explaining that this way of expression is unlike himself. 

How does he conquer the pre-show nerves? He also told me that before each show, the SHS theater company eats a Skittle and a Mike and Ike while holding hands in a circle. Then a senior starts “the squeeze,” where they squeeze the person next to them’s hand from one side of the circle to the other. He said they do this to be “connected” going into the performance. 

We aren’t the only people who think Jack is an important part of our school. Coach Smith has known Jack since pre-school, as he used to coach his brother, and said he is “very determined” and “goal-oriented”. Additionally, he explains, “Everything he does, he wants the best out of himself.” Varying from peer interactions to what he does individually, he is always striving for the best. 

After high school, Jack does not have any concrete plans yet, but said he would not be opposed to pursuing a career in the arts or in theater. So maybe one day we will see Sanford High School’s own Jack Van Gieson on a big stage. Only time will tell; for now, we can see him on the Sanford Performing Arts Center stage for our spring production of Newsies. Make the trip, it will be worth it.