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Get to know TWHS Theater student, Katerina Zukis

By: Doug Sarant
| Published 05/28/2015

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- In venturing away from athletics to find a good subject for our Woodlands Online CISD Student of the Week, we came upon one of the most gifted theater students to ever step foot on the stage at The Woodlands High School.

The term "gifted and talented" when used in respect to students basically means a young person who gives evidence of high performance capability in such areas of intellectual, creative, artistic and/or leadership ability in specific academic fields, and who require activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop such capabilities.

So, when it comes to most gifted students it would seem that they'd just be better off going right from eighth grade to college. Fortunately, our school district consists of some of the most highly rated academic high schools in the state and country. Because of this, we are fortunate to have several gifted students walk the halls within the Conroe Independent School District.

Today, you get to meet one in TWHS senior and soon to be Univeristy of Texas student, Katerina Zukis. In watching "Kat" perform in The Woodlands high school's production of "The Odd Couple" this school year, I couldn't believe I was watching a high school student up on stage. Of course, all of the performers were amazing but I was particularly taken back by Kat.

I had the pleasure of traveling with Kat on a People to People Student Ambassador trip in 2013 titled, The European Odyssey. When you are with a person with no breaks for three weeks, you are forced to really get to know them. In getting to know Kat, it was obvious to me how she was my intellectual superior times ten. Yet, she made me feel like an equal. Not everyone can pull that off, but Kat is just as talented socially as she is intellectually which can be a pretty rare trait.



Let's get to know Kat a little better in this week's Woodlands Online Q&A:

1) How long have you been involved with acting? How did you become interested?

I've been involved with acting since 7th grade, when I played Charlene Bumiller in McCullough Jr High's production of Greater Tuna. It was an incredibly fun show to be in, and it sparked my love for comedic acting. I've always been interested in theatre, and I attribute that interest to my parents. My dad has always loved movies, and he's shared that passion with my brother and I. I remember back in middle school - when I didn't have tons of homework like I do now - we would watch a movie almost every night! It was that appreciation of art, paired with a genuine love for performing, that spurred my interest in theatre.

2) Describe the most favorite character you've played. Why favorite?

Up until this year I would have said that my favorite character was Trinculo from The Tempest, written by William Shakespeare. Aside from my love for the bard, I also appreciated the role because my dream role is Mercutio from Romeo & Juliet - and Trinculo was about as close as I could get! But now, I have to say that my favorite role was Florence Unger from the female version of The Odd Couple. Florence was a genuine joy to play; she was neurotic and emotional and flighty and absolutely hilarious. And I always had a blast playing her because it almost felt like I was playing myself!

3) Why did you choose UT?

I wish I could say that there is some profound reason as to why I chose UT, but it really comes down to what I want to major in! I plan to pursue a degree in Marketing from the Red McComb's School of Business, which is one of the top ranked business schools in the country. Also, the in-state tuition doesn't hurt.

4) What do you hope to be doing upon graduating from UT?

For the past year I was the webmaster for The Woodlands High School Theater Department, which meant that I designed a new website over the summer and updated it throughout the year. That website was one of the most fun and rewarding things I've ever done, and it greatly influenced my choice to major in marketing. The online world is only getting bigger, and I hope that I can use my degree and past experience to expand a business's online presence.

5) Do you like TWHS and why?

TWHS is an amazing school, which you can tell simply from looking at all the amazing students that come out of it. Obviously I'm a huge fan of the theatre department, but TWHS has afforded me many more opportunities as well! I think my favorite thing is the wealth of classes that TWHS provides. My favorite class that I've ever taken is AP Art History, without a doubt. Taking that class sparked a life-long passion for the subject, and since I took it my sophomore year I've made it a personal mission of mine to collect as many books on the subject as possible. But TWHS offers more than just amazing classes, it also boasts prestigious extra-curricular programs in the arts, academics, and athletics. There's truly a place for everyone.

6) Describe the TWHS drama department and why you think it has been beneficial in your acting and production development.

I truly cannot speak highly enough of the drama department. Not only is it home to dozens of talented students and technicians, it is also my own home-away-from-home. (Improv) Troupe 1053 does an amazing job of fostering a warm and welcome environment, no matter how big or small of a part you play. The troupe also makes a huge effort to volunteer in the community. Just this year we volunteered at the JDRF walk, Sound by the Shore, Haunted Trails, and more. I'm also part of the Improv Troupe, which performs shows monthly in the style of the TV show "Who's Line is it Anyway?" The shows all benefit a different local or national charity, including things like the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, Hilarity to Charity, and more. There's so much more I could say about our amazing department. It has not only made me a better performer, but a better leader, listener, and person.

7) Do you have a role model in the field?

I'm not pursuing theatre as a career, so although I have actors that I admire for their talents I must say that my technical director, Mr. Jackubek, is my biggest role model. He has shown me how to handle responsibility and act maturely, all while finding the humor in things. I've had many teachers that have effected my during my lifetime, but Mr. J will always have a special place on that list.

8) What do you enjoy doing away from school and acting?

Since theatre takes up so much of my time, what I do in my free time is pretty boring. I love to read and watch movies most of all. I've always enjoyed learning, and I believe books and movies can be just as educational as textbooks. The only difference is that they can teach you about people and humanity in a way that nonfiction can't quite grasp. Some people may disagree (like the ones that write the textbooks), but I just believe that they haven't found the right book yet. Might I recommend "The Unbearable Lightness of Being"?

9) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do with your life.
The thing I love most about my family is that they've always understood how to be supportive without being overbearing. They come to all my shows and cheer me on every step of the way, but they also know how important it is for me to learn how to be independent. I honestly believe that that simple thing is why I've grown into the person that I'm proud to be.

10) Many high school seniors express how much they can't wait for high school to be over. Describe why you don't feel that way at all.

I can sympathize with seniors who feel like they don't belong in high school any more, because I've come to feel like I've outgrown the hallways, but that doesn't mean I want to leave it all behind me. High school is a period of change - it's awkward and hormonal and sometimes pretty awful - but it's also an exciting four years! I've learned and grown so much during my time at TWHS, and therefore it will always hold a very special place in my heart. To be honest, college is frightening! It's a whole new world filled with new faces and new classes, and I don't think I'll ever feel prepared. Not to say that I'm not excited! But, well... It's just gonna be hard. And that's the honest truth.

11) Three things that people don't know about you.

This question is incredibly difficult to answer. Why? Because I happen to think I'm an incredibly boring person. But I suppose someone must find this interesting!

Well, I guess the first thing is that I actually don't think I'm that great of an actor. I've found that my talents lie in supporting other actors and improvers on the stage. And there's a certain honor in that. Maybe I can't carry an entire show, but I can do a good job making somebody else shine.

The second thing would be that I'm a terrific dancer. Not in the ballet shoes and jazz hands kind of way, but more like the "please get your flailing arms out of my face" way. Sure, my "style" of dance may not be for everyone, but maybe they just need to try caring a little less and waving their limbs about a little more.

The third thing would be that every time I attempt to speak in an accent I sound French. It's kind of hilarious, but it's also very frustrating when I'm in a play about World War II and attempting to speak in an Austrian accent. In fact, I'd like to apologize for being the random French girl in Letters to Sala. I hope all the audience members can forgive my disastrous attempt!

See what I mean....smart, socially gifted and unselfish. Her role model when it comes to theater is TWHS Instructor, Tim Jackubek. He shares his thoughts about Kat...

"Kat is one of the most intelligent and hard-working students I have ever had. She is a talented young lady who has taken our presence on the web to new heights with her design of our department website and her knowledge of social media. She is the kind of student that teachers always hate to see leave but I know that she is moving on to bigger and better things. I wish her nothing but the best of luck in her future endeavors."

In conducting Kat's interview for this story, I was surprised that she would not be furthering her studies in Theater. That just goes to show how diverse, dynamic and flexible Kat is. As you now know, Kat will be studying business at arguably one of the best business programs in the country.

I have some good advice for all of us. Whatever business Kat is involved in when she concludes her studies, we'd be dumb not to invest in her. Living check to check is getting to me so hopefully she'll graduate early.

Hey Kat, good luck at UT and try not to hurt anyone on the dance floor.

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