Preparing to be a star: Senior Jae Lee has grown as an actor and a person during his time in drama

Back in the day, senior Jay Lee would often play dress up with his neighbor. The young Lee and his childhood friend would put on large capes, grab some plastic swords and fight off the aliens invading the planet.

Thus, it was only natural when Lee’s interest in acting and role play led him to a summer theatre program after fourth grade. The experience at the camp convinced him to go back the next year, and the year after.

With eight years of acting experience, Lee has become an outstanding actor. In particular, students and teachers alike recognize Lee’s talent for physical comedy.

“[He] epitomizes what serious theater and the art of acting look like, which is slightly ironic considering one of his greatest gifts is physical comedy,” drama teacher Kerry Mohnike said.

Being on stage requires confidence, yet Lee believes he has become a more confident person because of drama. It has changed him in many ways for the better.

“For a while, I thought of the drama department as a safe haven where I could just be a geek among geeks,” said Lee. “But gradually, I realized that being recognized as a geek by the world beyond was rather a nice compliment.”

According to Lee, getting into character is essential for an actor and there are many “philosophies” when it comes to acting. To get into character, Lee keeps in mind the character’s objective or mission in each scene.

“For Jekyll and Hyde, I walked around backstage in character. I felt horrible for doing it, because one of my greatest fears is turning into a ‘diva,’ but playing those characters was so different from what I’m used to playing or being,” Lee said. “I didn’t want to run the risk of breaking character ever.”

In his future college, Lee hopes to be able to double major in theater and some other undecided major. Acting has become a part of his daily life.

“The theatre business simply doesn’t provide enough to support oneself,” said Lee. “Unless of course, he or she ‘makes it big,’ so I want to have some sort of a backup plan. But yes, in short, I hope to continue acting in the future.”

Mohnike has often seen all the work Lee puts into drama at school. He has been in “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Black Comedy,” “Our Town,” “The Woman in Black,” “Anything Goes,” “On the Razzle,” “The Flying Doctor,” “Grease,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “There Shall Be No Bottom,” “The Complete History of America (Abridged),” “Peter Pan,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner and School for Scandal.” He supports all the drama clubs, shows and ITS (International Thespian Society) activities.

“He allowed the community to see a strong student excel at something beyond academic endeavors. Jay is definitely a gem in the treasure chest of SHS drama. Beware, Jack Sparrow,” said Mohnike.

Lee looks up to Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. He admires how they always strive to improve themselves, which helps them to “stay young.”

“I never want to become stagnant and stop growing as an actor or a person,” Lee said. “Maybe I’ll be able to inspire other young people like [the actors] inspired me—if I’m lucky.”