Whiz Kid: Albertville Performer is the Consummate Gleek

Whether the term “gleek” means something to you or not, you can’t help but be impressed with the vocal abilities of 13 year old Grayson Ziegler.  

With a maturity that belies his years, he handles difficult choral pieces with confidence and ease.  A student at Acting Out Fine Arts Studio in Albertville, Minn., Grayson has been given many opportunities to showcase his skills in show choir and theatre.

Grayson’s interest in performance choir started when most kids were still singing the Eensy Weensy Spider with their preschool teachers.  He was only four years old when he first saw the Land of Lakes Choirboys.  

Grayson knew then that he wanted to be part of something so grand – something much bigger than himself. Yet it was not just the singing that appealed to Grayson and kept him in the choir for more than half his life.

“I was impressed with their singing ability yes, but it was the traits they teach that were the most valuable part.  They taught lessons about discipline and working hard,” he said.

After 7 years with the Choirboys, Grayson moved onto pursue different vocal opportunities and more theatre roles.  He had parts in Beauty and the Beast as well as Robin Hood.  

The appeal of acting for Grayson, was being able to “put yourself into a totally different character and personality than your own.”

When asked what the most challenging part he ever played was, Grayson answered with his standard politeness and wit, “Well I was Thyme – as in the spice – in Beauty in the Beast.  So I’d have to say being a “spice” was the most challenging part, because I was…well…a spice”.

How does Grayson prepare for a theatre performance?  “I practice.  A lot.  So I don’t have many nerves before I go on stage, because I feel prepared.  I’ve never really forgotten my lines, I try really hard to be prepared,” he said.

In addition, Grayson also plays both acoustic and electric guitar taking lessons at LIV Music in Albertville, Minn.  He plays percussion in his middle school band and he is a straight A student.  His dream is to be a professional singer one day – be it American Idol or the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre – if someone wants to hear Grayson sing, he wants to sing for them!

You can click on the link below, to hear Grayson singing a piece from Sweeney Todd.  In this particular performance he is Anthony, to fellow student Olivia Lock’s, Johanna.

“Grayson is just so insanely good!” gushes Shaylee Carlson, Director at Acting Out Studio.  “He is one of our most dedicated students.  Not nominating him for a Whiz Kid write up was just not an option.  To see a guy in the arts – so amazing and so not ashamed of loving to sing his heart out – it’s the best thing in the world!”

Co-Director Chelsea Klinkhammer echoes Shaylee’s thoughts.  “He’s just the hardest worker and the greatest kid.  We can’t wait to see where he’ll go in life.  We are really proud of him!”  

Grayson is currently rehearsing their upcoming performance – Show Choir – with his fellow cast members.  Directors Shaylee and Chelsea motivate the kids as they lead by example in a rousing rehearsal complete with arm pumps and big finishes.  The kids readily match their teacher’s enthusiasm – this is performance arts with gusto.

You can see Grayson, and the entire talented ensemble, in their upcoming performance of Show Choir, Mar. 4-5 at Middle School West.

Contact Acting Out Studio for more information and to purchase tickets.