By Gianna Ferace ’25
This week, I interviewed Mr. Aaron Swiniuch, the director of the Beverly Middle School spring musical. This year, the musical will be Disney on Stage! Below are the questions I asked Mr. Swiniuch and his responses.
Were you in any musicals/plays when you were in middle school and high school?
I was in LOTS of musicals and plays in both middle and high school. This was one of my favorite parts of school because we were able to create a “show family” with the cast, crew, and pit.
What was your favorite play and what role did you play?
My favorite show that I took part in during middle and high school would have to be Aida during my freshman year. The show takes place in Egypt and gives a different kind of look at the story of Romeo and Juliet. When it comes to my favorite role, I would have to say playing Clem Rogers as a senior in Will Roger’s Follies. This role gave me the chance to be in every ensemble number, as well as to truly find my niche in comedic acting.
What inspired you to become a theater teacher?
Theatre was always my safe place. The show, the cast, and the experience was where I could go to be myself and thrive. This feeling and experience is why I chose to be a theatre teacher. I want to make sure that students in my shows have the same feeling and experience when they are a part of a show that I am directing/a part of.
Why do you teach here in Beverly, or how did you end up here?
Being that I grew up in Beverly, I always wanted to teach here. Secretly though, I always wanted to be Ms. Pilanen-Kudlik because she was one of the best teachers and mentors I could have had. The way she taught her classes, directed her choirs, and created her shows made me want to do that one day. Luckily enough, I am now teaching at the middle school but also have the privilege of being the choreographer each year for the high school’s musical as well.
