Addie Bass pushes the boundaries of theater, combining an optimistic point of view with intriguing gender fluidity. By Nina Dang
T
rembling from behind the curtain, her palms are slick as excitement wells in her veins, and a heady sense of nervousness throbs in her abdomen. She wonders to herself, “Why do I do this?” before stepping out from stage right. The anxiety she felt only a few moments ago melts away, and her question is answered as she finds her way beneath blinding spotlights. Addie Bass ‘17 breathes in the world of theatre, delving into both City High and community drama programs. “To be able to tell someone else’s story in front of hundreds of people is just amazing,” Bass said. “It’s scarier standing on the side of the stage right before you go on than it is actually performing. When you really get into it you just lose yourself in the character, or the music, or the dancing.” While her wistful passion is prevalent among many fresh faced actors her age, there is a stark difference between Bass and most high schoolers. She is known for taking on unconventional roles in her acting career, pushing the boundaries of theatre by playing both male and female characters. “I think there’s a lot more room when you’re playing a guy to just fool around and do what you want,” Bass said. “It’s an ironic portrayal of how you view the opposite gender. It’s always been a lot of fun because, from what I’ve observed, when girls are in theatre it tends to be a lot more competi-
tive than when guys are in theatre.” Bass began her acting career at a young age. “In sixth grade I was a lost boy in Peter Pan at City High. A couple Young Footlighter shows later, I was in a show called Blackbird,” she said. Bass also appeared in Oliver!, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and, of course, The Diviners. Now in her second year of high school, Bass encourages students to get involved in the many programs that City High offers, although she was herself hesitant to join during her freshman year. “I didn’t really get involved in anything first tri of my freshman year,” Bass said. “The biggest advice I could give to anyone in high school is to get involved, because life truly does begin outside of your comfort zone. If you had told me in middle school that I would be friends with the people I am with now, I would say, ‘No, I’ll stay with my little group,’ but branching out has really widened my view on high school.” Her plans for the year are simple. “Next is just keeping a cool head on things and focusing on school work,” she said. Beyond high school, her goals are somewhat more complex. “I’d like to be happy and successful. I really want to get some place in life. I don’t want to stay in Iowa, even though it is a wonderful place. I’d like to go out and see the world, and really experience life through other people’s perspectives, as well as my own.” PHOTOS BY KIERRA ZAPF
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