Taking Center Stage with Camden Doster

Passion to perform; FDSH’s Doster enjoys being involved

For Camden Doster, being involved in a lot of activities is simple -- she feels comfortable being around people with the same passions.

In her four years at Fort Dodge Senior High School, Doster has been involved in a number of groups and activities. Surrounding herself with people who have similar interests has helped her grow.

"My favorite part about being involved in theater is probably the community I get to surround myself in," Doster said. "I can always be myself and feel comfortable when I am with the theater kids."

Doster has been involved in fall plays and musicals. She is also in choir, orchestra and band.

To prepare herself for theater, Doster is also involved in Large Group and Individual Speech.

In the halls of FDSH she takes part in Dodger Senate, FDSH Green Team, Performers Club, HOSA, National Honor Society, All-State and Silver Cord.

Even while being busy in school, she also takes her talents to the Fort Dodge Dance Team and is also a goalie for the Fort Dodge girls soccer team.

"It can be difficult to be ready for both (theater and athletics)," Doster said. "I need to memorize lines, memorize dances and plan out my schedule.

"I also feel like each activity I'm in requires a different mindset with the same goal in mind and that's success."

While competing in dance, she has been part of state dance.

"I have been on the Fort Dodge Dance team for four years," Doster said. "Going to the state dance championships is my favorite part of dance.

"Performing at Wells Fargo Arena is such a neat experience that I look forward to."

Not only has Doster grown as a performer and athlete, being involved has also helped in making her a better person.

"Being on the soccer team has been a place for me to improve my leadership skills," Doster said. "I have played since I was little and I can play just about any position on the field.

"Last season I played goalie for the team and even broke the record for most saves in a season at our school."

Along the way Doster has found some influences that have helped guide her.

"My middle school choir teacher, Mrs. Ascherl, was a huge influence on me in middle school," Doster said. "She always encourages me to try new things in choir which pushes me to get better.

"Mrs Krug was also a huge influence for me when it comes to Fall Play and Speech."

Doster started acting in seventh grade when she played a damsel in distress for "King Artie and the Knights of the Rad Table."

But the true love for performing came her sophomore year, when a friend got her to be involved.

"One person who has influenced me the most is my best friend, Lilly Johnson," Doster said. "She pushed me to join the Performer's Club my sophomore year because she knew I did not really enjoy my freshman year.

"She encouraged me to try so many new performing opportunities with her and I truly believe I would not be where I am today without her."

The opportunity to show herself in a new light plays a big part in her love for the fine arts.

"I like being able to express myself in different ways whether it be through playing a character in a story or making up a story through improvisation," Doster said. "The possibilities for expression are endless."

While being in theater and athletics keeps her busy, there is another dimension to Doster, as she enjoys her time in band, orchestra and choir.

"I love singing, so choir intrigues me to improve my singing voice," Doster said. "Being in band and orchestra allows me to learn an instrument which I believe also helps me academically because it uses different parts of your brain to learn and get better at an instrument.

"I have played the violin since fifth grade and I decided at the end of my sophomore year to join the band and play clarinet because I had a lot of friends in the band who made it sound fun.

"I enjoy being involved in choir, orchestra, and band and I feel like being in all three means I never miss a beat. I don't feel like I'm ever missing out on something since I am in all three."

Being involved may seem to be hard and time consuming, but it has also helped her find out the person she has become.

"More people get to know who you are and get to know more about your personality," Doster said. "Being involved in multiple things shows that you have the capabilities and skills to do a lot while also being willing to have a lot on your plate."

While she has made many memories in all of her activities, making All-State has been one of the fondest.

"Making it into All-State Individual Speech for Radio News is one of my favorite memories," Doster said. "I didn't know how I felt about Radio News in the start of the season, but as it progressed I started to enjoy it and ended up having such a good performance at our home speech competition that I was selected as an All Stater.

"It was such a neat experience to perform my Radio News at All-State."

After graduating from Fort Dodge Senior High, Doster plans on going to Iowa Central Community College for two years to earn her associate degree in nursing. After Iowa Central, she will go to the University of Iowa in Iowa City and earn her Bachelor's degree in nursing.

Vacation destination: Bora Bora.

People I would like to have dinner with: Tom Holland.

It would surprise people that: I hate public speaking.

Performers that inspires me: Brett and Eddy from Twoset Violin.

My everyday role model: my mom.

I can't go a day without: laughing.

Where do I see myself in 10 years? I see myself working as a nurse in a clinic or hospital.

What are you listening to: "I'll Be Waiting" by Cian Ducrot.

Dream piece or show: "Phantom of the Opera."

A show you binge watch: Stranger Things.

Favorites…

Song: "Flowers" from Lauren Spencer-Smith.

Movie: Pitch Perfect.

Class: Healthcare and music classes.

Performance: King Artie and the Knights

of the Rad Table.

Musical: Grease.

Book: Two Can Keep a Secret

by Karen M. McManus.

Musical genre: every genre.

Instrument: Violin.

Phone App.: Snapchat.