Alumni

"Troy Theater has changed my life for the better in more ways than I can imagine. I started as a little freshman, with different hopes, different dreams, different friends, different values and even a different self-identity, but because of Theater at Troy, and more importantly the people who I was in Theater with, including Mr. Huff himself, I've been changed for the better in every aspect. Theater opened me up to more diverse people of all walks of life. It gave me a better sense of humor, a better self-image and helped with both personal and professional skills that I carry with me to this day. It literally got me through high school and made my high school experience the best one I could have ever asked for. All of my best-friends today, four years later, are friends that I made in this theater program and the bond between us can't be broken because of the experiences this program put us through together. I keep fond memories of Troy Theater very close to my heart and I wouldn't change a single aspect of the experience I had. From having a role with two lines to having the lead role, Troy Theater changed my life for the better, and I am grateful for it."

"I first discovered my passion for acting in 8th grade, when I played the Genie in my school’s presentation of the Disney musical Aladdin. I loved the exhilarating feeling of performing onstage in front of an audience. During my freshman year at Troy High School, however, I focused heavily on other classes and did not pursue theater. Something felt missing that year, so in my sophomore year, I auditioned for a role in Our Town. Although I only played the little role of Paper Boy, my passion for theater was reignited. After that show, theater at Troy became a big part of my life. I took Mr. Hufferd’s theater classes and performed in nearly every show from then until I graduated. Some of my favorite shows were The Masked Rider of the Black Hills, You Can’t Take It with You, Rumors, and To Kill A Mockingbird. After graduating from Troy, I continued pursuing student theater in college. I took classes to learn more about this art form and performed in various shows, such as Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Machinal, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Equivocation. I also continued performing in improvisational theater with a troupe in college. Through my arts education at Troy and in college, I developed good listening skills, quick-thinking facility, and public speaking abilities. Theater also taught me much about human nature. Acting allows me to become another person, and through this process of transformation, I experience the unique perspective these characters bring to life. Theater has given me insight on how individuals think and behave providing me with a better understanding of myself. Through the arts, I have acquired an understanding of our human condition, our silliness, our suffering, our virtues, our vices, and our vulnerabilities."

"How could I possibly put what the THS Theatre Department and Mr. Hufferd have meant to me into any sort of eloquent words? My time spent in the department has influenced every aspect of my life, especially my work as a professional actress and singer. Mr. Hufferd provides not only exceptional training in acting, but also gives the students a comprehensive understanding of every element it takes to create an incredible production. He really goes above and beyond to give students hands on opportunities, and I know that personally, some of my greatest growth as an actress took place in the drama classes, and in learning all collaborative parts of the theatre well. As I continue to work professionally, I lean on the tools Mr. Hufferd gave me in creating characters with depth, honest connection, and of course, a sense of humor. Additionally, I wouldn't be doing the department justice if I didn't mention the overwhelmingly kind demeanor of every person involved. High school was not an easy time for me. Sometimes, at lunch, I didn't have anybody to talk to. And, yet, Mr. Hufferd kept his classroom open during lunch for the students, and talked to me every day. His care for his students is unbelievable and heroic, and the passion he puts into arts education is unmatched. Some of my best friends today came from THS theatre, and that, along with all the other gifts it has given me, makes me extremely grateful."

"My time at Troy High would not have been as memorable if it weren’t for the valuable experiences with the theatre department. Being part of this program gave me the opportunity to learn and grow beyond any of my expectations. I not only was given the freedom to express my creativity and individuality, but I learned so many life skills that continue to help me through my studies and work. I am most thankful that Troy High’s Theatre department understands the importance the arts has on a student’s education; I was challenged to critically think, be imaginative, and gain self confidence. It was great developing these communication and problem solving skills at this age because it prepared me to seek a career in public relations. If it wasn’t for participating in the arts, I wouldn’t have learned the value of communication, dedication and motivation all while having fun!"