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Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Congrats 2010 Graduates!

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre takes pride in all of our volunteers but each year at this time we like to give special recognition to our high school seniors. Congratulations to all and best wishes in the coming years!


Wil Deleguardia is a Grant High School graduate who worked as an intern in the Volunteer office for most of his senior year. Wil will be attending DePaul University this fall as a Technical Theatre major. Wil’s favorite memory would be working everyday in the offices and learning the day to day operations of a theatre. “There is a lot more to theatre than just acting on stage.”




Becca Hansenis graduating from West Catholic High School and will be attending Central Michigan in the fall. Becca will be majoring in Communications, Theatre & Interpretation with a minor in American Sign Language. Becca’s favorite memory would be participating in High School Musical. It was her first show and when she auditioned she really had no idea what she was getting involved with and ended up making unforgettable friendships. And that’s what Civic is all about, creating everlasting friendships, and experiences that last your whole life. “I threw my whole self into show after show and continued to create memories. I’m truly blessed to have been able to have these opportunities and I’ll never forget any of the shows I’ve worked in or any of the countless friendships I’ve made.”


Mark Iacopelli is a graduate of Catholic Central High School. Mark is Civic’s fourth Iacopelli family member to graduate while volunteering at Civic Theatre. Undecided where his career path will take him, Mark plans on attending GRCC in the fall transferring after a year for something in the Business field. Mark worked many shows as a backstage crew member (on the deck or in the fly rail) but his favorite memory would be working The Foreigner and his on stage appearance as a Klansman.

Jacob Loader
Jacob who has been involved with Civic since 2004. A Rockford High School Graduate, Jacob is still undecided to which college he will attend but has narrowed his career choices to include History, Political Science, Literature or Theatre. Jacobs favorite memory can be summoned up on two words: Silas & Josh.


Jenna Pope just graduated from Forest Hills Central High School and plans on attending Central Michigan University majoring in Special Education with minors in Child Development and Spanish. Jenna has been on stage, backstage and has worked in our Education office in the summers. Her favorite memory from Civic would be when the entire cast of Scrooge had a sleepover at another cast member’s house. “Absolutely every member of the cast was welcome and a great majority attended. That cast was the most bonded and probably the nicest that I have ever been a part of. The entire night was incredible and we all felt so comfortable around each other. I loved the familiarity and the willingness of all to be friendly and inviting with one another. That cast was my favorite and that sleepover is my favorite memory because of the tight-knit cast, which included people I am still astoundingly close with.”


Allie Soave graduates from Forest Hills Eastern High School and is planning to attend Saint Louis University with a major in Entrepreneurship with double minor in Marketing and International Business. Allie has been involved with Civic since the 2004/2005 season. Allie’s favorite memory of Civic would be flying across the stage while playing a Flying Monkey in The Wizard of Oz (2005). “It was such a unique experience and definitely something I will remember doing for the rest of my life. All the shows I have participated in, either on stage or backstage have been a blast and I am so thankful for all the opportunities Civic has given me."



Sabrina Petkus is currently graduating from East Grand Rapids High School and her original plans were to get out of state as soon as possible. “So where am I going to college? Aquinas, a short walk away from home. It seems as if I’ve wanted to be everything, an artist, a hair designer, a race car driver, an astronaut. When I finally thought that I found what I wanted to be, I realized that being an actress would not pay the bills. So I’m doing the next best thing. I’m going to study to be a nurse, but in my free time I’m definitely going to be near the stage. Before high school I didn’t do a single bit of theatre, and then I found the Civic. I’ve met so many wonderful people, all of whom make it that much more difficult not to make theatre my major, but at the same time they make me feel fine that it isn’t. I have so many wonderful memories from the shows I’ve done, on and offstage. Theatre is my addiction, and I have no intention of quitting anytime soon.”

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts provides opportunities for people to enjoy live theatre performances and our comprehensive theatre arts education program is available for all ages. More information about the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, our shows and programs, can be found by going to the theatre home page. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us,