On the Clock, Off Campus

Martial Arts Wade Martin ’24

How long have you been involved in Martial Arts?

I have been in martial arts for about six years.

What is your favorite thing about Martial Arts?

My favorite thing about being in Martial Arts is that I can help kids out in the Kid’s Class and learn myself (about more complicated arts) in Teen’s Class.

What was your biggest accomplishment in Martial Arts?

My biggest accomplishment in Martial Arts was the day I earned my black belt, which took me a good five years.

What is the biggest challenge in Martial Arts?

The biggest challenge in Martial Arts is to spar/fight with the instructor, especially when you need to test for your next belt.

How much time do you spend doing Martial Arts?

In Martial Arts, I generally spend about four to six hours a week at class, and also train at home.

Theatre

Claire Butkin ‘23

How long have you been involved with theatre?

I started taking musical theatre classes in 5th grade, and I was in my first show in 6th grade. It was HONK (the story of the ugly duckling) and I loved it! Shortly after, I began theatre outside of school at Clark Youth Theatre.

What is your favorite thing about being in theatre?

My favorite thing about being in theatre is the community. Working with the same people so closely for months always results in a

family-like bond that is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Theatre has led me to meeting some of the most influential and important people in my life and I feel so lucky to have those individuals to support me in theatre and life.

What was your biggest accomplishment in theatre?

My biggest accomplishment in theatre was performing in “The Wolves” at Clark Youth Theatre. “The Wolves” was an amazing experience because I was able to perform alongside my teachers and learn from them. The show itself was crazy difficult and involved a lot of work such as learning how to play soccer and maintain high energy while being on stage for almost the whole duration of the play, but once the cast was able to see all that hard work pay off, we were so proud of ourselves. We won last season’s TATE award for best ensemble and it felt so good to be part of a show that was recognized by the Tulsa theatre community.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced so far was learning how to operate in theatre in other ways than acting. I stagemanaged the previous two middle school plays and it was cool being exposed to all the hard work that goes into tech theatre. But at the same time, it took a lot of getting used to. Another major obstacle is managing how to juggle school, theatre, sleep, and friends. Last year I had to miss freshman O because of a theatre conflict. It was hard hearing about all my friends’ great time on the retreat, but at the same time, I was happy to be able to be on stage with my closest friends ... just instances like that is what makes theatre a challenge, but the takeaway is so worth it.

How much time do you spend in the theatre?

Pre-Covid I was at the theatre Monday nights until 9pm, and Saturday all day. My theatre schedule shifted based on what shows I was involved in, sometimes it was every day for hours, and other times I was only at the theatre a couple times a week. The cool thing about theatre is that there is so much variety in what you could be doing ... there were days when I was there to just organize props or meet with a director, I wasn’t just at the theatre to perform, and it was kind of refreshing to change it up every now and then. Now, with Covid, I am lucky to be at the theatre once a week. Luckily, Clark has found ways to keep all the students involved by doing online workshops and classes, but I miss being on stage more than anything.

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Holland Hall’s identity is made up of strong, diverse personalities that are put on display every day. With masks, a key part of how we communicate is hidden. The Hallway’s goal is to celebrate the faces of these amazing individuals that make this school a just little more special.