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When Sol Birkey steps on the stage, it's just like home.
The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior loves to get a reaction out of the crowd, and the love of theater came at an early age from Birkey's mother.
"My mom was the one who got me into acting," Birkey said. "She had me go to auditions in the sixth grade for the Hawkeye Theatre play, "The 12 Days of Christmas," and I fell in love with it from there.
"Although my mom is not here now, she is still a major influence in my life."
Being on stage comes second nature and the chance to give someone the ability to share the performance is what Birkey attempts.
"I love being able to bring people joy," Birkey said. "Many people go to theaters to get a laugh or have a spark of emotion, and I want to be able to give them that.
"I truly feel like the stage is my second home."
While walking the halls of Fort Dodge Senior High, Birkey has a schedule packed with activities.
Birkey is involved in Performer's Club, fall play, Large Group Speech, Individual Speech, A Capella Choir, Comedia Musica, Stagedoor Productions, FFA, SkillsUSA and is also a member of the Dodger bowling team.
"My secret to being busy and successful is to make sure you enjoy doing the activities you do," Birkey said. "I'm able to stay mindful because of my enjoyment. Time management is also important, so you don't let yourself get burned out."
With the stage and microphone a big part of Birkey's life, it's the fulfillment of being a part of something that keeps Birkey wanting more.
"It is important for me to be involved in so many activities because I want to make the most out of my life," Birkey said. "You only get one lifetime to do things, so you need to try everything.
"That is what keeps me motivated to always be involved in many things."
Being on stage and performing starts with the work in Performer's Club.
"I absolutely love Performer's Club," Birkey said. "It has given me a platform to share my love for the theatrical space with others, and I think that is so cool. I started Performer's Club at the beginning of my freshman year because I knew that performing was one of my interests."
Birkey will take their talents to the fall play once again as Fort Dodge Senior High will showcase their skills in "Once Upon a Fairy Tale."
"The difference between singing and acting is that I feel singing is an extension of who I am, and acting is where I get to be a character that someone else has created," Birkey said. "I am playing the Magic Mirror in the upcoming fall play, and I feel like I get to be that person that the playwright imagined.
"They (singing and acting) are both huge parts of my life."
With Birkey's time on stage, there have been many memories on stage and bonds made.
"I am 100 percent going to miss my peers and mentors. I have never in my life been so connected to the people around me, and it will hit hard when I don't see them every day.
"I am also sorrowful to the fact that I am having my last high school performance ever."
Though there are lasts coming, there are still plenty of memories ahead to make.
"I am absolutely pumped for the rest of my senior year, but the best part about it so far is being someone freshmen look up to," Birkey said. "Especially with me being a Performer's Club officer, many underclassmen look to me for advice -- I appreciate them so much."
While entering high school, Birkey saw a performance that truly had an impact on their life.
"My favorite memorable thing is during my freshman year, I saw Josh Meier perform his acting piece for Individual Speech," Birkey said. "I was in total awe of his awesome talent, and I truly have never forgotten it.
"Many laughs were shared between the crowd when he performed his piece. I am thankful for him giving me inspiration to keep acting (I want to be as good as him one day)."
Birkey has had a number of people that have been an influence.
"My biggest influences have definitely been Mrs. Krug, Ms. Rouse, Ms. Wankum, and Mr. Drees," Birkey said. "These mentors have truly influenced me to do great things.
"They truly believe in all their students, and I really appreciate them for helping me through high school.
"I will miss these guys the most."
After high school Birkey plans on attending the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls to get a degree in theater for youth and communities and a minor in music.
After that, Birkey plans on working with children in communities putting on plays and musicals.
Vacation destination: Florida Keys.
People I would like to have dinner with: Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Platt.
It would surprise people that: I only started singing my freshman year.
Performers that inspires me: Mikeal Campbell and Aaron Amhof.
My everyday role model: Ms. Wankum.
I can't go a day without: singing.
Where do I see myself in 10 years? Working in a community theater with children.
What are you listening to: "Seussical" Soundtrack (I'm in the Comedia Musica show of it.)
Dream piece or show: "Legally Blonde."
A show you binge watch: "The Walking Dead."
Favorites…
Song: "Where is my mind?" by the Pixies
Book: "Mosquitoland."
Movie: "The Blind Side"
Class: Theatre
Musical: "Dear Evan Hansen"
Musical genre: Pop.
Instrument: Ukulele.