The magic of theater begins as senior actor Evan Esper jumps into the acting experience for the first time in his “Bye Bye Birdie” debut.

“I always had a desire to do something with performing, but I didn’t really pursue it. It never fit and I was always busy with other things,” Esper said. “I thought, it’s my last year to get my feet wet in other things.”

Sports and academic clubs took center stage in his high school career, but his first time in a theater performance taught lessons he didn’t know before. It’s a little nerve wracking for Esper, but he is grateful for the experience.

“It’s awesome working with Evan. He has been working extra hard, because he knows it is something new to him,” music director Julia Holt said. “I’ve worked to make him as strong as he can possibly be.”

Esper never formally sang before thousands of audience members before.

“I have basically learned simple drama 101. I’ve learned to sing and find my voice, all thanks to Mrs. Holt,” he said. “She taught me how to utilize my voice better.”

In addition to utilizing his voice, dancing and learning chreography was another skill Esper needed to master.

“I personally like the choreography, the dancing parts. It’s got to be my favorite part,” Esper said. “It’s fun and it’s very energetic, which coincides with my personality.”

Esper’s energetic personality shined the night of the performance. The audience showered him with appreciation for the singing and dancing showcase.

“It wasn’t as nerve racking as I expected,” Esper said. “It was really fun to feed off of the audience’s energy. I feel everything was really good and the performances started off well and only got better the more we did it.”

Holt’s and Theater director Dave Springer’s work helped Esper discover everything is not as easy as it seems and he hopes to encounter more experiences with theater.

“It will affect me by showing me that I can do anything I work for and have better appreciation for everyone else’s talents,” he said. “The work and effort is something I haven’t been exposed to.”