ASPI is proud to highlight two young members of our theater family! Each of these dedicated thespians have graced the stage and developed their talents as growing artists! Victoria Athey, 2021 high school graduate, and Eleanor Finger, future 2022 high school graduate, have left their marks on our community theater!
Victoria Athey
Victoria is a 2021 graduate of Oconto Falls High School and is currently in her freshman year at St. Norbert College, De Pere. She will be pursuing a minor in theater and Spanish. In middle school, Victoria fell in love with acting, and it was a passion she continued to pursue throughout high school. With no declared major, Victoria hopes to figure out what drives her and then go wherever the world may take her!
In 2015, Victoria made her first appearance on the Abrams stage in the The Wizard of Oz (Ozian, a crow, and a winky). After interest in dance and cheer began to dwindle and with no interest in sports, Victoria’s mom suggested she might enjoy acting and that she should audition for The Wizard of Oz. After landing a role in the production, Victoria fell in love with theater!
Other productions on Victoria’s theater resume include Annie (Bonnie, a maid, and homeless person), Meet Me in St. Louis (chorus), and A Christmas Story (an elf and adult chorus). Victoria was also involved in her high school’s production of The Sound of Music.
Being involved in ASPI has meant a lot to Victoria! Through theater many friendships were formed, she found her passion, and many of her best memories were made.
Eleanor Finger
Ellie is a current attendee of Oconto High School, where she participates in cross country, track, LifeSmarts, and in an auditioned choir group (Momentum). Upon her 2022 graduation, Ellie hopes to pursue a major in Arts Management and Business Administration at either Carroll University in Waukesha or the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.
Ellie desires to work with the business side of theater. While not sure yet where it will take her, she is very excited for the future possibilities! Ellie knows that for the near-term she would like to stay involved with ASPI, whether that’s on or off the stage.
In 2013, Ellie began her ASPI career when her mom saw an ad in the newspaper for The Sound of Music auditions. With a little encouragement, Ellie auditioned and landed the role of Brigitta von Trapp. Ever since that first production, ASPI has felt like a second home and family to Ellie.
Ellie’s theater productions also include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Geminae Twin), The Wizard of Oz (coroner, Ozian, and flying monkey), Shrek the Musical (young Fiona and fairy godmother), Annie (rising star, servant, and radio singer), Oliver (Bet), Meet Me in St. Louis (ensemble), Singin’ in the Rain (ensemble), A Christmas Story (ensemble), and Footloose (principal).
Ellie has also worked backstage for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and she was the assistant production coordinator for Elf Jr. the Musical. When not on stage or backstage, Ellie could be found working as an usher or attending theater workdays.
One of Ellie’s favorite musical lyrics is from Hamilton, “There’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait…just you wait!”
Victoria and Ellie, we know you both have many exciting adventures ahead to experience! And we know you will look back fondly on your time with ASPI (both have a special memory of playing hide and seek on Saturdays between shows). Whether through community theater or school productions, theater has been a valued part of their lives. Wherever their future dreams take them, we are excited to know that theater will be at the heart. Many congratulations Victoria and Ellie and break a leg as you make the world your stage!