For some, theater is a hobby. For others, it’s a calling. Hartland High School junior Austin Bickel falls into the latter category, and his role as George Gibbs in the Drama Club’s production of “Our Town” is helping pave the way toward a future in theater performance.
Bickel, the son of Laura and Brian Bickel and sibling to brothers Scott and Eric, has been a member of Drama Club since his freshman year and has experience with community theater. He recently played the role of Quasimodo in Hartland’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and plans to pursue a career in musical theater.
When preparing for his role as George Gibbs, Bickel said he tries to create a story behind everything his character does and truly become the all-American boy.
“I am able to relate to my character in so many ways,” said Bickel. “George is both shy and confident at the same time.”
Through his portrayal of Gibbs, Bickel takes audiences on a journey depicting the life of a young man growing up in small town America — a journey that Hartland audiences should find familiar.
Bickel, who was inspired to try acting by his grandmother, also participates in both marching band and Chamber Choir. He says playwright Thornton Wilder’s message about the human experience resonates with him.
“[‘Our Town’] has taught me to appreciate the little things of life and what little time we have,” he said.
— Jennifer Stang
Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Hartland High School, 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors, and can be purchased at http://hartlanddramaclub.weebly.com or at the door.
