WAUSAU – The 16 graduating members of The Grand Theater’s and Overture Center’s Jerry Ensembles, two premier musical performance groups representing the Jerry Awards, have declared their post-high school education plans. Seven of the seniors are from central Wisconsin.

“It’s extremely competitive to get accepted into a performing arts program,” said Gail Becker, director of the Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble. “Students must go through a lengthy audition process, which is usually 8-10 months of grueling preparation, study, research, travel, polishing, material searching, training, coaching and, finally, performing.”

Following is a list of the local Jerry Ensemble seniors and where they will be attending college:

Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble

  • Riya Bolander, Marshfield High School – State University of New York Binghamton, psychology and music
  • Ethan Hanson, D.C. Everest Senior High School – North Dakota State University, musical theater
  • Isabella Kneeland, Antigo High School – Saint Norbert College, biology/pre-med
  • Maegan Mansfield, Northland Pines High School – UW-Milwaukee, acting
  • Jarreth Schaefer, Marshfield High School – UW-Stevens Point, English education
  • Somerset Seymer, Northland Pines High School – UW-Eau Claire, theater
  • Tristin Thompson, Lakeland Union High School – Oklahoma City University, musical theater