Freshman Ian Bejster is a normal student by day. He goes to class, does homework, participates in after school sports, and plays video games. However unlike most high school students, he also acts in community and professional theatrical productions, and his upcoming show “On Golden Pond” with the Purple Rose Theatre began rehearsals May 22nd. The Purple Rose is a small, professional theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, that streams successful artists such as local celebrity Jeff Daniels into the professional theatre world of New York City.
“The Purple Rose is considered the top theater company in the midwest,” Bejster
“The acting is top notch. The sets are professional. The theater seating is very close up and
intimate and pulls the audience into the play.”
Bejster has worked with the director of “On Golden Pond,” Michelle Mountain, on other
shows with Wild Swan Theater as well as having her as a teacher for a Purple Rose class called Teen Intensive.
“I attended the class in the summer of 2010,” Bejster said. “The workshop taught me
relaxation and breathing techniques.”
Though he has long rehearsal hours and a lot of hard work to put into his performances,
Bejster said it is worth the effort.
“You make many new friends, gain a lot of confidence, laugh a lot, and get pampered,” he
said, “One of the best things is greeting the audience after your performances, still dressed in
your costume. You get praised by the adults and the kids are just in awe and many times ask for your autograph. Sometimes you pick up a newspaper or magazine and see your picture along with an article promoting the play.”
In addition to acting, Bejster enjoys things that many other high schoolers enjoy: airsoft,
hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing video games. He is also a 3rd degree black belt in Tae
Kwon Do and a 1st degree black belt in Hap Ki Do.
much pleasure anymore from the day to day routine is revitalized when a young, somewhat
arrogant city boy (Billy Ray, played by yours truly) stays with him and his wife at their summer
cottage. They develop a bond over time and each soften and begin to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. And come on, you can only play so much airsoft and video games, right? So come on out and see ‘On Golden Pond.’”
through September 1st, 2012.
Congratulations Ian! Good luck with the show and have fun!