Taking Center Stage with Amelia Stephan

Creative mind; Stephan enjoys stepping into a role

Building and creating on stage is something Amelia Stephan has enjoyed doing and it's also her life's pursuit.

The senior has enjoyed her three-plus years at Fort Dodge Senior High School and is desiring to pursue a career in architecture as her college career path will begin at Iowa State University in the College of Design.

Being an architect has been a goal of Stephan's since she talked to The Messenger in the fourth grade.

"One of my goals for the future is to be an architect," Stephan told The Messenger as a fourth grader. "I know that I’m going to have to work hard in school for many years. I think that being a leader will help me stick to my goal and maybe I’ll have my own architecture firm someday."

As a Dodger, she has been a singer, performer and musician.

"I have been involved in three musicals at FDSH," Stephan said. "I was Nana in 'Tuck Everlasting,' Countess Lily in 'Anastasia,' and Alice Beineke in 'The Addams Family.'

“What I have enjoyed most about these is when we get to see the set for the first time and I feel like my character has come to life."

Stephan got involved in the fine arts after auditioning for the middle school musical in sixth grade.

"My family has always played many instruments and had a love for the stage," Stephan said. "When I started performing, they loved to come and watch me perform."

Early on Stephan had a few nerves auditioning, but as she reached the halls of FDSH it became easier.

"I was very nervous to audition for the musicals in middle school," Stephan said. "But I'm glad I did because that was what has built my confidence to continue in theater."

Not only has Stephan been a part of musicals, she has also taken her talents to the stage for the fall plays.

"I have been involved in three fall plays, going on four," Stephan said. "In high school. I was a "Fran" girl in 'Once Upon a Fairytale,' Suzie Q. in 'Quirk of Fate,' and Witch No. 3 in 'Macbeth."

Stephan's musical talents can be heard in Fort Dodge's orchestra as first chair violin, which she has been part of since fifth grade.

"I believe it is important to stay involved because it builds relationships and gives you a chance to create something you are proud of," Stephan said.

Stephan also takes part in speech at Fort Dodge Senior High.

"Being involved in speech teaches you many things," Stephan said. "Learning how to perform knowing that you are being judged is super important if you plan to audition for things.

"Being in speech has made me less scared to audition because every speech performance feels like an audition."

As a member of speech it has helped her build her technique and relationships.

"I really enjoy the hustle of speech season because it keeps me busy," Stephan said. "I love to stay at the school and watch my other friends perform in categories I am not involved in."

Stephan is going to miss a lot about FDSH as her high school career winds down.

"I am going to miss Large Group Speech," Stephan said. "I love having multiple things to work on at the same time, and competition days are my favorite.

"Being a Dodger means representing my school any time I am performing."

As one of three girls in her family Stephan has seen herself and siblings take different paths.

"I am the middle child of three girls and my sisters are all very different from each other," Stephan said. "My older sister (Madeleine) was involved in sports,

"I am involved in theater, and my little sister (Cora) is a combination of both."

Stephan has learned a lot from other performers in her career.

"My biggest influence has been all of the seniors in the musicals I have been in because I have been so excited to be in their shoes one day and now I am," Stephan said.

Vacation destination: Scotland

People I would like to have dinner with: Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada

It would surprise people that I: Have never been to a Texas Roadhouse

Performer that inspires me: Grace Caciato

My everyday role model: My Parents

I can't go a day without: Petting my adorable dog

Where do I see myself in 10 years? At an architecture firm in Chicago

What are you listening to right now? The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Shucked

Dream piece or show: Davey in Newsies or Myrtle in The Great Gatsby

A show you binge watch: The office

Favorites…

Musical: The great gatsby

Performance: The Addams Family

Music genre: pop

Song: The past is catching up to be from the Great Gatsby

Instrument: violin

Class: ceramics

Movie: the fox and the hound

Book: the HHunger Games series

Phone App.: pinterest