Taking Center Stage with Teagan Loots
Love of the arts; Loots has developed a passion for the fine arts
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For Teagan Loots, the fine arts have helped her develop many skills and provided more time to be around her peers.
Growing up, watching musicals was something she did and grew into something she became a part of.
"I remember growing up watching different plays and musicals and loving it," Loots said. "I always knew I wanted to be involved and be a part of the amazing environment it brings."
In her final year at Fort Dodge Senior High School, Loots has been involved in multiple activities in the fine arts as well as athletics.
Currently she is the drumline captain and snare section leader for the Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band. She is also involved in all other bands.
She is also a part of the Fort Dodge swim team and tennis squad.
She sings in the choir, is part of both speech groups, fall plays and musicals.
"It is important for me to be involved because I can connect with so many different people," Loots said. "Being involved has also taught me many different qualities such as leadership and being able to roll with the punches."
Getting involved in the fine arts was built on her surroundings.
"I was surrounded by friends that were involved," Loots said. "I joined to connect with them and fell in love with the fine arts."
Currently Loots can be seen at halftime during Fort Dodge football games as well as the marching band competitions.
"I love band," Loots said. "It can be very stressful, but I still love the feeling of performing something we've been practicing for so long.
"I also love the family feel it brings. I love that I always have someone to turn to for help and have fun with."
For fall plays, Loots has been in "Once Upon A Fairytale," "Quirk of Fate" and this year's play "Cactus Pass."
She has also been in "Tuck Everlasting," "Anastasia" and "The Addams Family" as part of FDSH musicals.
"Even though I have only had small roles or just in ensembles I have so much fun throughout the season," Loots said. "I love the environment that it brings and the amount of time I get to spend with friends doing something I love.
"It is so cool to see how much we progress from the beginning of the season to the final show," she added.
Loots said she has grown a lot because of speech.
"The biggest benefit of speech is being able to pivot when something goes wrong," Loots said. "Each room is different and we need to know how to carry out blocking or project loud enough to fit the room.
"It's a lot of fun to be involved in and I figured out how to manage the busy seasons. I love being out of the house doing things I love with my friends even if I am busy."
In the athletic realm, tennis and swimming have been something she has loved doing.
"I started swimming freshman year and tennis sophomore year. When I first joined it was before they switched tennis to the fall so it was much easier to manage both."
With the move of girls tennis to the fall, Loots has been inside swimming and then stepping out on to the courts.
"I enjoy competing with them both. I love both of my teams and how different the sports are," Loots said. "It does suck that I don’t get as much practice as others but I have learned to communicate with my coaches and let them know when I will miss a practice or a meet."
The marching band is also in the same season as tennis and swimming.
"Marching band is also pretty stressful, the music is much harder this year so a lot more of my time is spent working on music," Loots said. "It doesn’t conflict with my sports as much, the practices are after my sports and (Director Al) Paulson is understanding when I let him know I might be late or miss part of a practice due to tennis or swimming."
Loots plans on continuing her education at Iowa State University in English education.
Vacation destination: Greece.
My everyday role model: My mom. She manages everything while taking care of my family and supporting us.
I can't go a day without: a fun drink (Alani, coffee, refresher)
Where do I see myself in 10 years?
Working as a high school teach with a husband.
Something that would surprise people: I procrastinate my work until the last minute.
Dream piece: Dream Girls with the role of Janis Ian.
Favorites…
Song: "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette.
Class: Outdoor Rec.
Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You.
Book: Murder mystery books.
Phone App.: Snapchat.