Truman Thor
Ashwaubenon High School

Parents: Mary and Sean Thor
Area of Interest: Theater

When did you first get involved in theater? What got you interested?

In the 7th grade for the school musical. The magic behind the tech of the theater in sound, lights, rigging and how a show is produced, directed and run. Since then, I have worked almost every professional show at the Ashwaubenon PAC and been involved with every school production.

What do you like most about theater?

My favorite part of theater is working at the dress rehearsals from a tech perspective because you can see the final product being created as sound, lights, the actors and stage crew all work together in a chaotic situation to create a beautiful final product. Out of chaos, beauty is born.

What has been your favorite experience related to theater so far?

Working professional shows at the Ashwaubenon PAC has been an amazing experience, but my favorite is working all summer at St. Norbert College for Next Stage as I get to work with high school and college students who share the same love for theater that I do. I also get to work in a professional environment with people who are great mentors and just all around amazing to work with.

What’s something you hope to do/accomplish as a performer in the future?

I would like to work professionally doing technical work in a large scale production. With such large productions like Hamilton, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera there is such amazing technology that is rarely seen or highlighted, and I would love to have the opportunity to be the ringmaster of it all.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into theater?

Just get involved ASAP. After Covid, a lot of actors, producers and crew left theater because it was one of a few industries that truly shut down. Everything else during the pandemic was still operational to a degree, but live performances completely shut down. Right now, there is a huge need for people due to this; everyone needs people to work shows as a stagehand, and they need extras in productions. These are amazing ways to get your foot in the door, and there is room to learn and grow.

What six words would you use to describe yourself?

Tenacious, acquiescing, critical thinker, personable, resilient and indulgent

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have the ability to deduct and visualize things from very little information. It comes in handy when problem solving and troubleshooting, and is one of the reasons I am so good at tech, because I am in tune with all of the hundreds of active parts in the system and can control them with ease.

What subject do you enjoy most in school?

Mathematics, because I can understand numbers and there is still so much I have yet to learn and explore. The fact that I am not the best at it makes it my favorite.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

When people don’t have the ability to admit that they were wrong, act like they were right and don’t have the ability to comprehend that they were wrong.

Where do you hope to travel one day?

I want to see Europe and Latin America, because there is so much history held in the walls and streets. I want to experience more culture to relate to others.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

When the world seems like it’s crashing down on you, take a step back and push back harder than you ever have before.

Who is your role model?

My grandma and grandpa because they had eight children, moved here from South Dakota with nothing and they worked for what they had. They ran their own business while raising their kids and taking care of other family members.

What plans do you have for after you’ve finished school?

I am admitted to Northern Michigan University for a major in information assurance and computer science for cyber defense. I also plan on getting a major in theater tech and a minor in mathematics and Spanish.

Do you have any pets?

I have a German shepherd dog named Dakota.

What’s one skill you think everyone should have?

Patience. Some people just need more time, others might be having a bad day. Some things will get better with time. Patience is necessary in everything a person does.

Are you a Green Bay Packers fan?

Oh ya der eh!

Favorites
Song: “Good Grief” by Bastille

Show: Hadestown

Color: Blue

Season: Fall

Time of day: 3 a.m. It is quiet and peaceful.

Local restaurant: Jake’s Pizza

Snack: Avocado toast

Candy: Mr. Goodbar