Areblad, a 21-year-old student from Stockholm, came to Iowa Central in 2024 for the college’s swimming program. However, a last minute switch of classes completely changed his collegiate and career trajectory.

“I was a swimmer my entire life,” said Areblad. “I came to Iowa Central to swim. A friend of mine was in an acting class with Teresa Jackson, and I had a class that I didn’t like very much. He told me that his acting class was fun and they did silly exercises, so I switched classes. I remember vividly taking a tour of the Center for Performing Arts and thinking ‘Wow!’ They were in the middle of set construction for Community Garden. I asked Teresa if I could help and learn, and then I just kept showing up to work calls. I found that I really enjoyed it, even more than swimming.”

Soon after, Areblad grabbed a power drill and learned from Iowa Central theater staff Ashley Garst and Brady O’Brien how to design and construct a theater set, as well as how to set microphones and lights.

“I’ve learned so much from everyone here,” said Areblad. “I found my place and my voice. Academically when I came here, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I just thought I’d take general education classes. But I sat down with Teresa and said ‘well, what if I want to do theater?’ I’ve learned from Brady and Ashley that as much as I like being on stage, it’s more fun working on sets, setting lighting and mic cues. Those things are enjoyable and they make sense to me.”

He was able to put his newfound skills to work in “The Prince of Egypt” as he also helped to construct the show’s tilting stage, rising platforms, and flying cast members.

“That was fun,” said Areblad. “This show has so much happening behind the scenes that people don’t realize. It was fun to work on. It also made me realize how much I enjoy this type of work.”

According to Areblad, before joining Jackson’s acting class, he considered himself to be shy and not one to put himself out there. Aside from class speeches, he’d never spoken before an audience, yet last week, he made his stage debut as Aaron in Iowa Central’s production of “The Prince of Egypt.”

“It’s been fun to find my voice,” said Areblad. “A year ago when my mom came to visit me, she said ‘I didn’t know you could do that!’ But I didn’t know that I could do that either! It’s been such an adventure in growth for myself.”

Last week, Areblad’s mother and father came from Stockholm to watch him on stage as he played the character Aaron in “The Prince Of Egypt.”

“It was wonderful to have them here,” said Areblad. “They’ve gone back to Sweden as my sister is in her last year of high school and they had to take time off to come to see me. It’s great to see them, but I’m also the least homesick person here, I think. I’m busy, but I also really enjoy it here.”

Areblad continues to also swim for Iowa Central. In fact, just hours after “The Prince of Egypt’s” final curtain call on Sunday, he was on a bus with teammates heading to a swim competition in Florida.

“I think maybe things will slow down in April,” said Areblad.

According to Areblad, that one acting class changed his career trajectory and after graduating from Iowa Central this spring, he will attend the University of South Dakota to study technical theater.

“It’s been fun to discover my voice and find out what I want to do,” said Areblad. “I’ve found all of that because of theatre. I’ve been able to have conversations with strangers and people I wouldn’t have been able to before, like a man who spoke Norwegian to me at the downtown Rec a few weeks ago. It’s fun and it’s allowed me to grow and realize work that I’m passionate about.”