Hannah Jensen (2020)
From Sandra Dee to recording artist and teacher
Hannah Jensen of Hastings was one of the first participants in the Boxcar Youth Theatre program (formerly HJCT) when she took the stage as Sandra Dee in the inaugural performance of “Grease” (2008). Since then, both Boxcar and Jensen, have grown and changed significantly.
Proving that you don’t always have to move away to be successful, Jensen has since graduated with degrees in music, become a sought-after music teacher and recorded albums containing her original music.
Hannah, who also worked with Boxcar as a music director while in college, said she enjoyed creating art with friends during Boxcar productions.
“We all cared about it,” Jensen said. “We all worked hard and made each other better. Being creative in a safe space taught me a great deal about myself as a performer. I also learned how to merge differing creative processes. Boxcar strengthened within me the desire to perform and heightened my appreciation of being in artistic community with others.”
To learn more about Hannah Jensen, see https://www.facebook.com/hannahVjensenMusic/
Take a listen to her most recent album on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3gkSy7sxtc4x1VYvQn6VjZ…
Amelia Stoner (2020)
Theatre stage to political arena
Putting your children on the stage doesn’t mean he or she will drop out of school to seek an acting career! In fact, participating in theatre teaches a myriad of skills, including improved reading, public speaking, confidence and love of community. Amelia Stoner is proof of that.
This smart and sassy college student has a political career in mind for her future. And, she credits Boxcar with teaching her some of the skills she will need to get there.
“Participating in Boxcar Youth Theatre Company was one of the most rewarding things I did in my primary and secondary educational years,” Stoner said. “I enjoyed playing several different roles on stage, as well as volunteering off-stage. I learned that I love to teach (as I choreographed and taught Emma! The Musical), and I love to have an audience. This discovery led me to my current choice of major: Political Science. I really should have known all along that I was born to be a politician! I am so lucky to have had my experience at Boxcar shape me to be who I am today. “
Good luck in your career, Amelia!
Christine Cottam (2020)
Moving on up!
Way, way back in 2008, a small group of dedicated individuals formed what would eventually become Boxcar Youth Theatre Company. The organization was the brainchild of now Lincoln resident Christine Cottam.
While Cottam has since left Boxcar, she has used much of what she learned in forming the organization as a foundation for her job as Director of Operations at Lincoln Community Playhouse.
“Boxcar Youth Theatre Company was born from passions for community service, theatre and the belief that youth need a space to learn and grow,” Cottam said. “Boxcar helped me focus those passions in a creative and constructive way, paving the road to articulating my life’s calling.”
A music major at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Cottam eventually changed her focus to receiving a theatre degree.
“Boxcar taught me an entire life and another degree of lessons. From building a company from scratch to the social work that is community theatre, I credit Boxcar with providing the space to explore, learn and lay the groundwork for truly helping others in a way suited to my strengths and gifts.”
“Boxcar is the foundation of my work today as a leader in the community theatre field, and will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The Peshek family (2020)
Love of theatre runs in the family
Tanner Peshek’s mother, Rita, is a theatre buff/community theatre actress who served on the early Boxcar Youth Theatre Company board. Even so, Rita said she was surprised when her eldest child, Tanner, decided to major in theatre at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Tanner, who graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 2013, participated in numerous Boxcar shows, even serving as a student director and mentor. When it came time for college, he chose a theatre major with a dance minor. He now lives in Kansas City, where he works in the theatre industry, most recently as a follow spot operator in “For Fun Home.” He has spent summers interning for Shawnee Mission Theatre in the park and works several shows with Kansas City Rep Theatre. He also holds a part-time job at the Box Lunch store.
Tanner’s sister, Olivia, is a nursing school student who also participated in Boxcar and community theatre productions.
Rita tells of a recent trip she and husband, Scott, plus Olivia took to see one of Tanner’s shows.
“It was so cool to see Olivia moved to tears during the performance,” Peshek said. “And even though she has chosen a career path in nursing, I know she and Tanner’s involvement with theatre will serve them well to be understanding and compassionate people.”
She said Olivia is also still interested in theatre and hopes to audition for community theatre productions, as well.
Caitlin Kalvelage
Sharing her love of the arts
When Caitlin Kalvelage was just 8 years old, she was cast as an orphan in the community theatre production of “Annie.” She wept when the show was over, having been bitten by the performance bug.
At the time, there were no options locally for youth in theatre. That’s why she was incredibly excited when Boxcar Youth Theatre Company was created. Kalvelage, who graduated from Hastings High School in 2013, participated in numerous Boxcar shows, directed several shows, taught a musical theatre camp and served as music director to one of Boxcar’s largest productions, “Narnia.”
Today, she is a K-12 vocal music/band teacher at Silver Lake School.
“Boxcar Youth Theatre Company has helped shape my career in many ways,” Kalvelage said. “I always enjoyed working with younger people, and Boxcar allowed me to step into a leadership role with many responsibilities. This prepared me for some of the same responsibilities in my own career.”
“Public speaking, creating a schedule, being responsible, working with others and getting out of my comfort zone were all skills that were sharpened as I participated in Boxcar.”
“Boxcar has been a wonderful stepping stone for me as a music teacher. It gave me much-needed teaching experience in a safe and supportive environment.”
