Whiz Kid: Shira Wolf Shines In Many Roles

Every week, Patch spotlights young people in the West Bloomfield community who are successful, talented and just plain awesome. We're pleased to introduce this week's Whiz Kid:

Shira Wolf

• Age: 17
• School:
• Achievement: Shira is working double- and triple-time on FJA's upcoming musical, The Wizard of Oz. Not only is she playing the role of Auntie Em, she's dancing in the "Jitterbug" musical number as well as handling the considerable responsibilities of student director and stage manager.
  
  She's got a lot on her plate, and according to Mitch Master, head of the arts department at FJA, she's very capable of handling it all with grace.
  
  "Shira is awesome. When you need something done, she just does it. She is one of the most solid kids I've ever worked with in my 12 years here," Master said.
• Key to Awesomeness: Master was quick to reply, "(Shira's) ability to be accountable. She follows through on everything she does. I can count on her and I don't know too many students her age I can say that about. What's more, she's a sweet, kind person — she's no prima donna."
  
  Shira said she has been in every show at FJA since her sophomore year, besides one. "Since spring of my sophomore year, I've also been able to have a leadership role in every production, as a student stage manager and student director, and that's been great," she said. "It's tough to say which I like more — performing is wonderful, but I love running things backstage, too. When I was a freshman, I had no idea how much work goes into putting up a show!"
  
  Betsy Wolf, Shira's mom, of West Bloomfield, has watched with pride as her daughter has excelled in theatre, dance and choreography throughout her life, from experiences in summer camps, through middle school and into high school.
  
  "Shira has learned so much through her theatre experiences. In addition to performing, she's learned how to run things backstage and how to lead," she said.
  
  "She knows all about the lighting, the sound, the sets and all the technical aspects of the theatre — everything it takes to put on a show. I think her experiences have enhanced her leadership skills — the other students really seem to respond to her. We're very proud."
  
  Shira plans to attend college after her graduation from FJA this spring, and is still undecided as to which school she'll choose. However, she knows exactly what she wants to study.
  
  "I love the theatre, but it's not my first choice for college. I plan to go into special education. I hope to incorporate my theatre experiences into that, perhaps with things like musical therapy."

To see a video trailer for The Wizard of Oz, click here. Stay tuned to Patch later this week for a photo gallery from dress rehearsal.

Do you know a local young person who deserves applause for academic, artistic or athletic achievements? Everyone deserves attention, and we want to tell these stories.

Email nominations to Editor Tim Rath at tim.rath@patch.com, provide the information shown above and include a photo with names and ages. Then, come back for our Whiz Kid spotlight.