Profile: Focus on FutureStars performer Mary Ziegler
Pioneer’s Mary Ziegler will be performing (hosting) in the upcoming FutureStars talent show on March 13. The senior, the daughter of Lisa and Tim Ziegler, has a 3.9 GPA and is part of Comedy Troupe, Pioneer’s popular improv group. “Improv is something I really enjoy, and I’m glad that we’re still meeting even though it’s online,” she says. “I also am in choir and have been for all of high school.”
Tickets for FutureStars are available at showtix4u.com.
Mary shares her thoughts about the upcoming FutureStars:
Have you participated in FutureStars previously?
I have not. Each year I have opted to do the straight play instead. This year will be my first year doing FutureStars and I’m super excited.
Tell me about what you will be performing and how you got interested in that? I’ll be hosting FutureStars. I got interested in doing that after I learned that they write their own intros/the opening skit. I write a musical every summer and put it on with my peers so writing material for theater has always been an interest of mine. Every obstacle this year has caused people to think outside of the box and I wanted to be a part of something that hasn’t been done before.
What were your initial thoughts about participating in this virtual FutureStars 2021? Obviously, this situation isn’t ideal. I was on the fence about participating because being on zoom each day is very draining. Right now I’m so thankful that I did. I was able to work with a creative group of people and come up with something fun even with our limitations.
Which artists have most inspired you? I’m not sure if this counts but Tina Fey has been an artist who inspires me. She was SNL’s first female head writer and has written a lot of hilarious content. It’s nice to see a woman succeed in comedy which tends to be a very male dominated industry.
What will you always remember about your senior year of high school? I actually got hired as a nanny at the start of the year so I flew down to Puerto Rico to work. Because school was virtual, this experience was possible. I’ll always remember this super unique opportunity that emerged during an unpleasant situation.
What are your plans for next year and beyond? I haven’t committed to a school yet and I’m still unsure about my major but I hope to continue doing theater wherever I end up.
Pioneer Theatre Guild’s FutureStars presents first-ever virtual production
