| Yara
Farahmand |   |
 Other
than a freshman year stint playing volleyball, senior Yara Farahmand has been
all drama all the time at Wellesley High School. She has participated in every
production since spring of freshman year. "My favorite moment is opening
night when the musical overture begins, and the pressure to perform is on."
Yara handles pressure like a pro, which is why WHS Drama Specialist Stephen Wrobleski
nominated her for a POPS Performing Arts Profile. "Yara goes above and beyond
what is expected of her every time," says Wrobleski. "She is also a
wonderful leader who inspires the students around her to reach new levels."
Yara
is often involved in multiple "roles" within a single production. In
2010's "Chicago," she performed on stage, in addition to helping with
costumes and makeup. Yara successfully handled her on-stage role as a psychiatrist
as well as that of lead costumer in the 2011 production of "Shadow Box."
And, she'll be a student co-director and cast member of this year's winter and
spring plays. Her favorite stage-role to date? Arrogant, out-of touch, bigoted
Velma in last fall's "Hairspray." "It was an out of body experience
to play Velma because she's so many things I'm not." The
Mass. High School Drama Guild recognized Yara's acting skills with an Honorable
Mention Award at last fall's monologue competition. She also competed in the 2011
Boston Shakespeare Competition. She is co-president of the WHS Drama Society,
a Senior Drama Intensive Student, and a member of Wellesley High's Improv Troupe.
Additionally, she sings with Song Sisters, Keynote Singers, and Acapella Anonymous. After
high school, Yara is undecided whether she'll pursue theater or a health degree
and dental school. She's applied to programs in both areas, and assures me that
all the health programs also have theater programs. And, what does Yara take away
from her WHS drama experience? "I've learned how important it is to listen.
And, as Wro often reminds us, even though public speaking is people's number one
fear, remember that getting laughed at is not the worst thing in the world."
And with that, this confident, multi-talented senior heads off to her next rehearsal.
- Cindy Buser Last
modified 1/16/12 | 