Throughout the next few months, I will be highlighting several Wheeler Senior Projects. Each student I follow will have a different field of study that I will research, do field work and write reflective journals based upon what I have found. The idea is to give readers the "inside scoop" on what is going on with a variety of seniors at Wheeler High School.

The first person I'm following is my close friend Zachary Corrigan and his mentor Brett Bernardini. I will be covering these two through their acting and performing process and I may even attend one of Zachary's shows at The Spirit of Broadway located in Norwich, CT. The aspiring actor, Zak, is working with Brett, the owner, operator, and designer of this beautifully original and one of a kind building.

Brett, a former teacher, has his Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Golden Gate University and has huge hopes for his new student. Zak who has plans of attending the North Carolina School of Arts, Emerson, or SUNY Purchase University, will be highly involved in some serious projects at Spirit of Broadway.  He should be able to take the responsibility in stride since he is well known for his stereotypical class clown title and has the ability to squeeze the humor out of any situation. A true people person Zak prides himself on the importance that family plays in his life. Residing in North Stonington with his mother, father and kid brother, Zak always finds time to put family first. "I love my family and nothing can compete," said Zak... "Well except of course my five dogs, which are family anyways." 

When I asked Brett what his hopes were for Zachary and what he wanted him to complete during his Senior Project, Brett simply responded that it depended on what Zak wanted for himself. "Well..," said Zak, "what I really would like to do is get more help with the college process, make as many connections as possible, get seen by producers and send my headshots out to everyone that could put them to use."

These are noble hopes for Zachary who has been participating in acting schools based in Boston and Manhattan since 2004. "I want to increase my acting experience in the theatre arts industry. Usually at these schools it's been all film work and commercial experience." A greatly positive opportunity has come to Zak with the chance to perform in the Spirit of Broadway's newest showcase The Klemperer's New Wardrobe which premiered January 9, 2008. Brett has a ton of belief in Zak's abilities and actually just recently gave him a significant role in the play. Zak has a lot of work ahead of him before his curtain call and I am heading onto my next assignment. Stay tuned in for the scoop on another innovative Senior Project experience and an update as Zak moves closer to stardom.