On the Launch Pad, Jay Alter is ready to Blast Off to Fame
NEIRAD enilno edition
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When Jay Alter walked into Darien High School for the first time in August, he quickly focused on his goals. No, it's not being a star basketball player, an honor student, or a member of the golf team (Although he does intend on accumulating all those achievements). Jay's main aspiration is to become one of the greatest actors ever to pass through DHS's doors.
Such focus and drive is not new for this 14-year-old. The young actor has said, “It is definitely my tendency to work extremely hard for what I want.”
The talented freshman has a history of being intensely involved with school activities. During his years at Middlesex, Jay was an executive member on the student council, and hosted the variety show that raised money for students in Darien, Panama. Oh yeah, he also took part in all three school plays. In 6th grade, he was King Penguin in the play "Fable". In 7th grade, he took up the part of a dancer after many people begged him to come back to acting. Finally, Jay cemented his theatrical legacy at Middlesex playing Oz in "The Wizard of Oz" (a play in which this writer took part in as a lousy stage crew member who pushed all the heavy stuff around).
Jay is now tackling his fourth play, “Dead Man Walking.” This Theatre 308 production is expected to be his acting tour de force. Jay will make his debut on November 20. "There is so much more to a high school play now than the Middlesex plays. It's very serious this time,” Jay said.
Jay auditioned a few weeks ago and received the part of Jim. He has already knocked off one achievement just weeks into his high school career; an impressive victory because it is rare for a freshman to land a big role. But achieving isn’t anything new for Jay.
For instance, Jay received the honor of being “Student of the Month” three times at Middlesex. He made the Honor Roll all eight times; he currently contributes to Neirad, and is working towards the position of anchor for Blue Wave News.
However, nothing overshadows his life on the stage. For instance, Jay can be found acting out in his drama class almost everyday. “It takes up my study hall, but it’s definitely worth it.”
Ms. Nancy Herman, Jay’s drama teacher, has noted that “Jay has terrific potential, wonderful energy, and natural curiosity.” Jay was given his current role because Ms. Herman sees him as a young actor with “raw talent, but a willingness to work.” Hoping that Jay’s small but important development role will help him shape his talent, Ms. Herman sees Jay’s acting future very bright.
Not only is Jay popular with his teachers (he does get straight As though), he is a hit among his fellow performers. Many of his contemporaries have said that Jay “is a pleasure to be around.” Kevin Koenitzer, another freshman in this year’s play enjoys Jay’s presence because he is “funny and witty.” Not only does Ms. Herman think Jay has potential, many of the students he has acted with during the past couple of years think he’s got the “stuff”. When asked if Jay will go far in his career, Kevin replied “I think so, if he works hard enough, which he has been doing for four years now.”
But this role is just one small step, Jay said: “The dream of getting a lead is just one of my goals to fulfill in my career of fame,” Jay said.
Can't get enough of Jay Alter? Check out Neirad Enilno's next issue live on December 1st, for Part II: King of All Media by Taiki Miki.
