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