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CCHS drama alum shares theater journey

Brian Bauer — Contributed photo
Brian Bauer — Contributed photo

By Kate Hayden | khayden@charlescitypress.com
This weekend, students in the Charles City High School drama department present their fall play “Miracle Worker”. For some seniors, this year might mark their last in group theater –– but according to Brian Bauer, a 2006 CCHS graduate, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Now president on the Mason City Community Theater (MCCT) Board of Directors, Bauer didn’t start his involvement at the speech and drama department until junior year of high school after a couple of friends asked him to join Reader’s Theater and one-acts.
By senior year, Bauer ran the sound design for the production “Arsenic and Old Lace” and stayed involved in speech through the year.
“It was just fun to see the different parts of speech competition,” Bauer said.
Bauer graduated from Iowa State University in 2010, and didn’t immediately plan to join the MCCT, but when his sister called about an open male role in February 2012, Bauer felt a pull back.
“She said, ‘well you liked drama and stuff in high school, right?’ But the show opens in three weeks,” Bauer said. “I thought, ‘ooh, that’s a little soon.’”
Bauer didn’t audition for that role, but after attending a few productions he joined the cast of “Father of the Bride”, which opened in June 2012. Bauer’s involvement with the theater grew, with lead roles in shows like “Leaving Iowa”, production work in “Music Man”, and joined the Board of Directors.
When the presidency opened up for applicants, Bauer took the chance to be more deeply involved.
Most recently, MCCT wrapped up production on “Social Security”, of which Bauer was an associate director.
“After that first show, I gained so many friends and relationships,” Bauer said.
For students interested in staying involved in college or community theater, it’s important they learn to stay flexible and take constructive criticism. After a typical six-week rehearsal schedule, cast members can form a family relationship from time spent on- and off-stage.
“In the past, I’ve had a few shows where the last week before we open is generally the one where the show comes together,” Bauer said. “Each day it becomes 100 percent better than it was the day before.
“I continue to tell my actors, do not get too stressed about it, just let it come as it is…if you dwell on mistakes, you always are looking at your failures.”
“It’s something to get outside of your comfort zone. You might enjoy the heck out of it,” Bauer said.

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