Turning Passion into a Career

Story and Soundslide by Jessica Streiler

The spotlight comes on, the curtains part, the adrenaline starts. Show time.

Wearing spandex pants, a scarf around his waist, and a dark red shirt, Zach Wood takes the stage in his role of Mr.Kolenkhov, a Russian dance instructor.

“ Good evening everybody!,” Wood said in a thick Russian accent. “ We have a hot night ahead of us.”

Wood’s role as Mr.Kolenkhov in the 2010 Spring play, “ You Can’t Take it with You” was one of Wood’s most memorable roles and one of his best according to Drama Club President, Katharinie Carney.

“ I think all his roles are good, but the Russian dance instructor was his best,” Carney said.

According to Wood, ever since he came out of the womb he has been fascinated by acting, show biz, and one day being a famous actor and talk show host.

“I want to be an actor that brings back show biz, I want to bring back the talent,” Wood said.

Wood first got interested in acting when he was a kid and would be home alone by himself.

“Well I was a weird kid, not the cool kid, so I made up characters to keep myself entertained,” Wood said.

Wood’s first role he ever played was the father in “ The Gingerbread Man” in his third grade play at Harvest Ridge Elementary.

“It was pretty awesome,” Wood said.

Wood is a member of the drama club at Francis Howell North and has stared in six or seven roles in North’s drama productions. Wood has played many different roles from a Russian dance instructor to Mr. Phylenopolous, a therapist, in the one act skits.

“His character in ‘You Can’t Take it with You’ or the therapist in the one acts were his best roles,” Drama Club Vice President, Lauren Smith said.

Wood’s talent is not only seen by spectators in the crowd, but also from members in the drama club.

“I think Zach is a very talented actor,” Carney said. “Probably the best one at North.”

According to Jeff Tandler, theater teacher and Drama Club sponsor, Wood’s passion for acting is obvious to anyone who watches him.

“Zach is extremely passionate about acting,” Tandler said. “He gets upset with himself when he doesn’t think he’s doing good enough.”

To come closer to his goal, Wood is taking steps such as running for Drama Club president, auditioning for everything, and getting his name out there.

“I’m working my butt off, I do everything I can,” Wood said. “I tell myself every day I am a star, I am somebody, and I believe myself.”

With family and friends standing behind him, Wood is dedicated to reach his goal and make theater and the stage into his career.

“It’s not only acting, it’s theater in general,” Wood said. “It’s what I’ve done forever and what I will do forever.”