student spotlight
By Madeline Malynn
Something Awarded This Way Comes
Former Pickerington student wins award for Macbeth portrayal
A
wards season is around the corner and Pickerington’s own Ian Larson is not blending into the crowd. The student actor at Miami University and 2020 graduate of Pickerington High School Central was recently awarded best actor from the Broadway Awards for his portrayal of Macbeth his senior year. PHSC puts on big productions in the fall and spring with a variety of smaller productions throughout the year. The 20192020 school year production lineup included Macbeth, in which Larson played the titular role. When preparing for an audition, Larson likes to study the production’s history. To prep for Macbeth, he watched old film versions of the play and familiarized himself with the role of Macbeth, the Scottish nobleman prophesied to become King of Scotland. After landing the spot, Larson then tried to find common ground between himself and the character. “Finding a connection, trying to relate to the character is a big part of embodying the role,” he says. “I wasn’t playing a part; I was playing a little bit of myself projected on (Macbeth).”
Larson was able to hold on to the head and sword, props for his role as Macbeth, and posed with them in his senior photos.
Photos courtesy of Ian Larson
His dedication and hard work in preparing for the role clearly paid off. PHSC’s theater productions are a huge success and much of that has to do with the combined efforts of all involved. Larson commends the hard work of the directors, cast and crew for being able to continually put on successful shows. “The teamwork between all the elements – the choir, the band and orchestra and cast – was what made our productions great,” he says. “The thing I really appreciated about Macbeth was the friendliness of the cast. Everybody got along, something that’s unique for a production. That helped the production so much, this tight-knit cast.”
Larson with fellow Macbeth actors Will Myers, left, who played MacDuff, and Eli Penix, center, who played Banquo, after their final performance together. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Brewing Success Larson’s dedication to the craft started early in high school and was cultivated during the next four years of acting. “I grew up entirely in Pickerington. Freshman year was when I first got into theater,” he says. “I became obsessed with this sort of hobby.” 23
