Wesley is a Junior at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, NE.

Awards/Accomplishments:

-Member of International Thespian Society

-Lincoln High School 3 year letterman in Theatre

-Lincoln High School 2 year letterman in Orchestra

-Cast member of the Illusion Theatre Troupe for the 2009-2010 season

-Cast member of the Illusion Theatre Troupe for the 2010-2011 season

-Nebraska Young Artist Award-2010

-Lincoln High School Outstanding Costuming Design Award Lincoln High

-School Outstanding Makeup and Hair Design Award NSAA State

-Champion Play Production-2007

-NSAA State Runner Up Play Production-2008

-Member of the Lincoln High School 2009-2010Student Thespian  Board-Clerk

-Member of the Lincoln High School 2010-2011Student Thespian Board-Co-President

-Member of the Lincoln High School 2008-2009 Orchestra Council

-Member of the Lincoln High School 2009-2010 Orchestra Council

Wesley talks about his involvement in the arts, "Since arriving at Lincoln High School in 2007, I have been an apt participant in the theatre and musical arts. I have played the violin for seven years and participated in theatre for three. Since becoming a member of the International Thespian Society I have operated our makeup and hair crew for two years for certain shows and have recently found a strong interest in scenic design and costuming. I am a cast member of Illusion Theatre, Nebraska's only professional teen theatre troupe. After having a first hand experience with this troupe I have a great sense of pride in the work we do to prevent and make people aware of bullying, prejudice, sexual abuse and several other social issues that face elementary, middle, and high school level students. The arts have made me a more socially and culturally aware person. I would like to study Theatre of Social Change as well as begin new branches of Illusion Theatre in other parts of the United States. As a member of the International Baccalaureate Certificate Program with a major in Theatre, I have studied theatre from around the world and plan to use my knowledge from both the class and from my experiences at Lincoln High School to be a Theatre Performance and Education major upon leaving Lincoln High. I have a strong musical art interest as well. I have played the violin for seven years and plan to continue playing after graduating from high school."

Wesley's Teacher, Tyler Lamby, talks about his experience working with Wesley,  "Wesley VanHoosen has been involved in every major production at Lincoln High the past three years. This is not a small feat as we perform eleven shows each year. To each one, he brings his tireless effort and dedication. He performs small roles and large roles with equal grace. Wesley is a member of our International Thespian Governing Board, and has been for two years. He is a member of the International Thespian Society and Honorary, that recognizes students for their outstanding talent and contributions to high school theatre. He is a member of Illusion Theatre, the only professional theatre troupe for high school students in the state of Nebraska. This troupe performs for over 30,000 students each year, educating students on such topics as bullying, date rape, smoking, and other important youth issues. Wesley has been a member of this troupe for two years, which requires great dedication--taking two periods of classes and many more hours outside the classroom. Wesley is a member of the International Baccalaureate Theatre Program, a world renowned program where students choose to major in theatre while still in high school. Wesley is an outstanding design artist in makeup, costuming, and scenic art. These contributions make our performances visually exciting. While Wesley spends the majority of his time, he is also an extraordinary violinist and musician who contributes to our orchestra and band in our instrumental music program. Wesley contributes to vocal music as well, being a member of special groups, such as Jazz Connection.  He has contributed so much to our school, and we know as he grows into adulthood, he will truly be a Nebraskan who supports the arts.

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