ELLIE SAHUTSKE
After beginning performing in 6th grade, senior Ellie Sahutske tackles her last spring play as Fantine in the musical, “Les Miserables”. All the way from being an Oompa Loompa in the production “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, Sahutske ’26 is thrilled to be expanding her experience with lead performances.
Coming in a bit unknowingly, Sahutske has found her role as Fantine to be the perfect finale to her senior year. Fantine’s role in the production stood out to her, so with little background, Sahutske decided to audition.
“This was the role that I auditioned for, so I’m really excited about it,” Sahutske said. “Honestly, I didn’t really know anything about the show before. So I just auditioned for Fantine because that’s what everyone told me to, but I’m really happy I did because I love it.”
The role of Fantine to her shows the struggle of a young woman and attempts to express that as much as she can while performing.
“She’s just kind of like a tragic character,” Sahutske said, “Fantine is only present for 6 out of the 30 songs but has a really important role.”
With the time and effort Sahutske has placed into her acting career, she has found a great deal in what prepares her for the next performance. Each new role is an opportunity for her to show the amount of work she puts into rehearsal.
“Honestly, just for a performance, I like getting ready by just hyping myself up to have fun and be chill,” Sahutske said.
ZACH NEME
The start of theatre in high school can be later for many. This is the case for current senior and spring play lead, Zach Neme. Still new to South’s theatre program, continuing his acting career has shined a new light onto his final performances.
Though not intending to audition for the part, Neme found that the role Jean Valjean was a great fit. Exploring this role has done a large deal with preparing him for this part and ensuring a demanding performance.
“Booking the male lead kind of made me realize I could prosper in the program,” Neme ’26 said. “It was not my preferred role, I actually wanted to play Javert, the conflicted police inspector who has to balance his rigid duty with humanity and compassion.”
Neme finds that this role is especially important due to its complexity in the plot. With many other relations to other roles, the role of Jean Valjean has helped Neme pursue his emotional captivation on stage.
“Jean Valjean’s main presence is that of renewal and second chances,” Neme said. “[Jean Valjean] finds purpose and uplifting others and fighting for the [French] revolution.”
Coming into new performances, Neme has found his way to stay in the zone and focused on the role at hand. Working alongside voice teachers and fellow peers has helped Neme keep tension loose in the theatre. These morals have helped with the personal bio’s each lead presents in the shows programs.
“I make sure to reframe my anxiety as excitement,” Neme said. “Even regarding the programs, I find a way to include my past roles and the positions I fulfill in my different groups in a funny way or a way appropriate to the show.”
