Post by doctorwho on Jan 19, 2007 8:48:50 GMT -6
While not a huge fan of reality TV - for those who are - at least we have a person to root for here out of the great arts programs at WV :
She's the one that we want
Waubonsie grad gets picked for new 'Grease' reality show
January 19, 2007
By BRITT CARSON staff writer
Jill Macuda dreamed of playing Sandy in a theater production of "Grease."
Not only is that dream now moving closer to reality for the second time in the Waubonsie Valley High School graduate's acting career - but Macuda may get her big break on Broadway as a contestant in a new reality TV series, "Grease: You're the One That I Want."
Macuda impressed the judges two weeks ago with her audition and on Sunday's show is headed to the Grease Academy with several other contestants from across the United States.
While at Waubonsie, from which she graduated in 2001, Macuda was involved in several theater productions, including the role of "Sandy" in the school's 2000 production of "Grease." In the show's program, Macuda wrote that she "dreamed since she was little" about playing Sandy in a production of "Grease."
Dave Calvert, an English teacher who also directed "Grease," remembers Macuda well.
"She was such a delightful young lady," Calvert said. "She was a hard worker and very dedicated. She took any criticism well and learned from it. She was very fun to work with."
Calvert still has a personalized calendar that the cast of "Grease" made for him, including a picture of Macuda playing the lead role of Sandy.
"She was a strong actress and very versatile," Calvert said. "She had to play the shy demure version of Sandy at the beginning of the show and then change completely when Sandy breaks out of her shell at the end."
Macuda, of Naperville, was involved in poms, choir, swing choir and the Orchesis Dance Troupe while at Waubonsie. She was in several high school productions including "Fame" and "Guys and Dolls."
"She always had a very dynamic element and she was always a strong contender for the lead roles during auditions," he said. "She always gave 110 percent."
As part of the reality show, three judges will critique the contestants on their acting, singing and performance on choreographed skits. As the program progresses, viewers will choose who stays and who goes.
After graduating from Waubonsie, Macuda went on to attend North Central College for about two years.
Joy Ross, assistant principal at Waubonsie Valley, said although she didn't know Macuda, the school is buzzing with excitement over her national television debut.
"We are all so delighted," Ross said. "People have described her personality as infectious."
Ross said she hopes students see Macuda's success and realize the opportunities available.
"This is somebody that has gone through multiple levels of auditions and is now on national television, which speaks volumes about her abilities," Ross said. "We have a tremendous level of pride for her and I'm sure this validates all her years of hard work."
Contact Britt Carson at bcarson@scn1.com or 630-416-5269.
She's the one that we want
Waubonsie grad gets picked for new 'Grease' reality show
January 19, 2007
By BRITT CARSON staff writer
Jill Macuda dreamed of playing Sandy in a theater production of "Grease."
Not only is that dream now moving closer to reality for the second time in the Waubonsie Valley High School graduate's acting career - but Macuda may get her big break on Broadway as a contestant in a new reality TV series, "Grease: You're the One That I Want."
Macuda impressed the judges two weeks ago with her audition and on Sunday's show is headed to the Grease Academy with several other contestants from across the United States.
While at Waubonsie, from which she graduated in 2001, Macuda was involved in several theater productions, including the role of "Sandy" in the school's 2000 production of "Grease." In the show's program, Macuda wrote that she "dreamed since she was little" about playing Sandy in a production of "Grease."
Dave Calvert, an English teacher who also directed "Grease," remembers Macuda well.
"She was such a delightful young lady," Calvert said. "She was a hard worker and very dedicated. She took any criticism well and learned from it. She was very fun to work with."
Calvert still has a personalized calendar that the cast of "Grease" made for him, including a picture of Macuda playing the lead role of Sandy.
"She was a strong actress and very versatile," Calvert said. "She had to play the shy demure version of Sandy at the beginning of the show and then change completely when Sandy breaks out of her shell at the end."
Macuda, of Naperville, was involved in poms, choir, swing choir and the Orchesis Dance Troupe while at Waubonsie. She was in several high school productions including "Fame" and "Guys and Dolls."
"She always had a very dynamic element and she was always a strong contender for the lead roles during auditions," he said. "She always gave 110 percent."
As part of the reality show, three judges will critique the contestants on their acting, singing and performance on choreographed skits. As the program progresses, viewers will choose who stays and who goes.
After graduating from Waubonsie, Macuda went on to attend North Central College for about two years.
Joy Ross, assistant principal at Waubonsie Valley, said although she didn't know Macuda, the school is buzzing with excitement over her national television debut.
"We are all so delighted," Ross said. "People have described her personality as infectious."
Ross said she hopes students see Macuda's success and realize the opportunities available.
"This is somebody that has gone through multiple levels of auditions and is now on national television, which speaks volumes about her abilities," Ross said. "We have a tremendous level of pride for her and I'm sure this validates all her years of hard work."
Contact Britt Carson at bcarson@scn1.com or 630-416-5269.
