Most commonly known as ‘The Theater Girl,’ senior Nienna Wittlief is associated with her biggest talent. A lot of work has been put into being a leader in the theater department, and it has paid off for Wittlief.
“When I get into a character and I’m out there on the stage, I love being able to be a memorable part of someone’s life in such an impactful way,” Wittlief said.
Wittlief is among many things. Having been in theater for eight years, her favorite title is president of the theater department, and it’s something she didn’t imagine being called going into high school.
For Wittlief, theater began with the influence of her friends in fifth grade. She figured since they were doing it, she would too.
Before high school, she knew she hadpotential to hold her current talent. Like any kid, she would sing when she wanted to. But she didn’t imagine it would result in a growing passion for theater.
Wittlief was in drama club for four years by the end of middle school. Having this acting experience, she was ready to continue on with it in high school.
Once she found out that high school theater involved musicals, her mother suggested that she take vocal lessons in preparation.
When SHS choir teacher Jaclyn Richardson heard her voice, she immediately knew that Wittlief belonged.
“When I was teaching her freshman year, the first thing I noticed was she had a lot of natural ability singing but did not always have the best confidence,” Richardson said.
Clueless, freshman Wittlief decided to let go of band class and take choir seriously for her sophomore year, leading to an ensemble role in ‘Mean Girls.’
After a successful first musical role in “Zombie Prom,” she fell even more in love with theater. She tried to do as much asto stay involved.
However, after her freshman year, Wittlief faced some mental challenges. With being a strong singer and leader, she felt that she needed to maintain a “perfect” standard.
“It was like if I didn’t sound perfect to myself there’s no point in singing, so I would stop myself every time I would sing,” Wittlief said. “I eventually got out of it after my break, thanks to (Richardson). She calmed me down after a while and (made me realize) that I don’t need to be perfect.”
Despite these difficulties, Wittlief pushed through and continued her theater journey. She reminded herself of how hard she worked to get up to that point and that her love for theater is stronger than fear.
Eventually, this led her to audition for the lead role in “Addams Family” for her junior year, which was a big step up.
During this time, she began to take on leadership roles. Whether it was by leading choir sections or assisting Richardson in teaching, she inspired younger theater students.
Sophomore Anna LaBay has seen these abilities while both were in middle school and looked up to her ever since.
“I just knew that she was amazing at acting,” LaBay said. “She was an eighth grader at the time, but watching her on stage really inspired me to continue theater.”
In her senior year, Wittlief has taken on as many theater-related activities as possible. These include the fall musical, spring play, middle school play directing, Tea with a Princess and theater production class.
While LaBay is disappointed to think of her leaving, she aspires to become a leader and actress just like Wittlief, even though she believes it will take lots of work and dedication.
Additionally, Wittlief is sad to leave the community that she has bonded with. However, she and Richardson have high hopes for her future.
“I hope that she keeps performing and singing, even if it’s just at a community level because she is phenomenal,” Richardson said.
“(She’s) definitely (one of the) top five students that I’ve ever taught.”
Although she’s been wanting to go into theatrical education, Wittlief doesn’t believe that she’ll find a job teaching it anywhere. Because of this, she made the decision to study science while minoring in theater at UIndy.
She plans to get involved in as many theater-related activities and shows as possible to preserve her passion.
Even though Wittlief isn’t fully pursuing her theatrical dreams, she is very proud of how far she has come.
“I went from nothing and I worked my way up, and I think I’m really proud of myself for that,” Wittlief said.
