Arts Student of the Week: Camryn Bell

Camryn Bell's love of theater stems from the community within it. "Like any other extracurricular," he said, "doing theater is being in a team. It's exhilarating to perform for an audience alongside people who have worked incredibly hard with you for months prior. Putting the work in and getting to share your effort with the world is truly an unmatched feeling."

The Niwot High sophomore went into high school with no intention of doing theater. He was more focused on sports, but then he had a change of heart due to some knee issues, and decided to pursue theater.

Laura Walters, Choral Music Director at the high school, complimented Bell on his musical and dramatic talents. "Camryn has been doing a wonderful job in choir and theater this year," Walters said. "He has an amazing voice and is one of the leaders of our tenor section. He is very passionate about performing and is an awesome Ren in 'Footloose.'"

Bell's brother, Dustin, who participated in theater at Niwot more than twenty years ago, and his aunt, who had a love for drama, inspired Bell's passion for theater from a young age. Bell loved listening to musicals and watching them. Thanks to his aunt, who lived in New Jersey, Bell got to see shows in New York with his family every summer when they visited her.

Bell began performing in theater in the seventh grade, when he performed in a production of "Descendants: The Musical" at Sunset Middle School. He has been in multiple school choirs since middle school and has always loved singing.

At the beginning of his second semester in ninth grade, he auditioned for "Shrek the Musical." "It was an awesome experience," Bell said. "The people I've gotten to work alongside have changed my life and I've gotten to know so many people in our theater department, including both the actors and technical theater crew members. Despite it all being new and scary, I've had such wonderful support from classmates in every theater related thing I've done."

"Hamilton" was the first musical Bell fell in love with. He knew every word by the age of ten and since then, it has continued to be one of his favorites. He also loves "Alice by Heart," a musical based on "Alice in Wonderland."

"The music from it is incredible," Bell said, "and I've gotten to perform songs from it twice at past events at ThesCon and Musical Theater Review."

Bell says that every actor he has seen live in New York City led to his choice to pursue theater in high school. "I wouldn't be where I am today without having seen the amazing shows I saw throughout my childhood, such as 'School of Rock,' 'Aladdin,' 'Hamilton,' and more."

Bell has not yet explored work in theater venues outside NHS. "So far, I've only focused on in-school theater programs," he said. "With all my other activities, it is challenging to find time to do community theater. This is totally fine with me, because doing it with school helps me maintain balance and keep room in my schedule for the other things I love to do."

"I've had an incredible time being a part of Niwot's production of 'Footloose.' I've had the honor of playing Ren McCormack, the lead role, and it has been such an exhilarating experience. Being a sophomore, I did not expect to be cast in this role, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I've loved every minute of it, even when it was hard. Considering that it is a dance musical, it has been very physically demanding, mentally demanding, and I've had to learn a variety of new things, including basic roller skating and new dance skills. With over two hundred lines, multiple songs, and multiple dance numbers, the rehearsal process has been keeping me beyond busy, but it has also been so rewarding."

NHS English/Language Arts teacher Ashley Mouw, who choreographed the show, was impressed with how effortlessly Bell tackled the role. "Cam has done a great job stepping up into a lead role," Mouw said. "It has been really special to see his growth from Freshman year to Sophomore year. Cam has really challenged himself in singing, dancing, and acting. Furthermore, Cam has been a terrific cast mate during this process. It has been so fun to work with such a special kid like Cam."

Bell participates in Niwot's Evenstar choir, and he is the Niwot Choir Social Media Manager, as well as a part of Niwot's Theater Leadership Team, where he serves as a member of the fundraising team. Bell is also a member of the NHS student council and an honors student.

"He has such a big heart and has grown so much as an actor and performer over the past two years in theater," Walters said. "Can't wait to see where it takes him the rest of his time in Niwot Choir and Theater."

"Footloose" opens at NHS on April 3 at 7:00 p.m. The show will also run on April 4, 10, 11, and 12. Tickets can be purchased at vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/51235?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaOJptUlk0cUy2TQQj1P7zsNyqD7gJtPnguF_0J1O4yOBj_18M3tWgwcHA_aem_lG_h_lVcTYLUWBPmgvJHZw" target="_blank">this link, or visit vancoevents.com.