For Fort Dodge Senior High senior Allison Utley that’s exactly why she likes to be on stage.

“I think the best thing about theater, and art in general, is it gives people the ability to see the world and situations through the eyes of someone else,” Utley said. “In order to give a convincing performance, you have to try to express the feelings of your character and where they are in the show, not how you as the actor feel.

“By getting into the habit of reading the dialogue between characters and pretending to be other people, I feel I’ve become a more empathetic person.”

It wasn’t love at first sight for Utley who took to the stage at 7 years old.

“My first time on stage was a Stagedoor production when I was 7 or 8, and I didn’t like it that much to be honest,” Utley said. “That being said, I still knew I wanted to do choir and band in middle school, and it was because of choir that I auditioned for the musical my seventh grade year, and I’ve done it since.

“Despite not still doing either choir or band, they got me into my love of acting.”

Utley just finished Fort Dodge’s production of “MacBeth” for their fall play.

“I was so excited when it was announced it would be “MacBeth,” and it was honestly such a fun show to be a part of,” Utley said. “When the cast is so big, though it can sometimes get chaotic behind the scenes, it creates such a unique, exciting atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable going out, taking risks, and putting their all into their performance knowing their castmates will have their backs.”

Being in other activities also helps tone skills for theater.

“I absolutely think it helps (acting) to be in speech,” Utley said. “To me, speech is much more intimidating than fall play. Not only is it a competition, but the judges are right in front of you. The performance spaces are often small and cramped, and everyone is very visible.

“Once you can perform in front of that kind of an audience, you’re all set. Not being able to see the audience very well during fall play makes me a lot less nervous.”

Also in speech an actor has the chance to work on different styles of performing.

“I love the creative freedom you can bring to speech and all the different categories,” Utley said. “It’s all about seeing what you can do with what the category allows; it’s so customizable to whatever the individual or their director wants it to be.

“Speech has brought me so much joy throughout my high school years, and they are my favorite performances to put on. My favorite speech memories are attending and performing at All-State, and watching other performances by both my classmates and other schools.”

Being on stage and being behind it, gives a performer a different look at the whole production.

“I’m not much of a singer, but I knew I still wanted to be a part of the musical somehow,” Utley said. “SoI talked to (Lindey) Krug (director) and she said they were looking for someone to take pictures at rehearsals, and I offered.

“I had never done photography or anything, but I learned very quickly that I loved doing it and getting to see the show come together through photos.”

While taking pictures and watching the show through a camera lens is a different perspective.

“It is such a unique way to see the show,” Utley said. “The first night is always the hardest to get photos because I don’t know what will happen yet. Once I’m more familiar with the blocking and the show, it’s so much fun.

“Finally being able to get the perfect picture of a scene is such a good feeling, and it’s fun to be able to get photos of the little things that happen on stage or specific people.”

Packing her schedule has given Utley the chance to broaden her horizons.

“I think it’s important to keep busy, and I just think it’s a great way to make friends and spend your time productively,” Utley said. “It’s so important to have hobbies and make time for the things you want to do on top of the things you need to do.

“By taking the time to do things that make me happy, I’m able to bring a good attitude into even the things I don’t want to do.”

Walking the FDSH halls gives students the chance to find their niche and take pride in their school.

“I’m of course going to miss doing and attending all things theater related, and also all of my other extracurriculars,” Utley said. “I’m going to miss going to sports games, and sitting in the library talking with my friends.

“I’ve had such a great high school experience, and I’m going to miss all the people that helped make it that way.”

Being part of the Red and Black is something Utley takes pride in.

“(Being a Dodger) means showing up loud and proud,” Utley said. “Whether you’re at 1 or 100, there will be people that have your back and cover for you.

“Fort Dodge really is such a tight-knit community, and I love when we’re able to come together and celebrate all of the good in our town.”

Utley also shows her pride in Fort Dodge as co-editor of the Little Dodger, where she says, “Not only do I love to perform, I love to write.”

Utley has built relationships that she hopes will last a lifetime.

“My biggest influences have for sure been my friends and family,” Utley said. “My parents and my sister are my world, and I’m so grateful for them.

“I’m also so grateful for all my friends who show up and support me! I’m fortunate to have so many people in my life that push me to be my best.”

After high school she plans on attending Iowa State in the fall to major in Public Relations.

Vacation destination: Italy.

People I would like to have dinner with: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

It would surprise people that I: have seven piercings.

Performer that inspires me: Meryl Streep in literally anything.

My everyday role model: my mom.

I can’t go a day without: my family and friends.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

I hope to be in a big city with a job I love.

Performer that inspires me: Jeremy Jordan.

What are you listening to right now?

“Long Way From Home” by the Lumineers.

A show you binge watch: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Favorites …

Musical: Sunset Boulevard.

Performance: Ethan Hawke in Dead Poets Society.

Song: “Meet Me in the Woods: by Lord Huron.

Movie: You’ve Got Mail or Mamma Mia.

Music genre: Pop or Indie.

Instrument: Piano.

Phone App.: Pinterest.

Class: Creative Writing Lab.

Movie: Donnie Darko.

Book: Daisy Jones and the Six.