Artist profile: Blaine’s Nathan Smith directs Lynden musical

Nathan Smith, 17, a senior at Blaine High School, makes his directorial debut with Lynden Performing Arts Guild’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” showing through Saturday, Dec. 6, at Claire vg Thomas Theatre in Dutch Village Mall, 655 Front St.

Born in Seattle, Smith has lived in Whatcom County since he was 5.

Question: What’s your stage experience?

Answer: I have been in 10 shows since I started theater my freshmen year. I also sing tenor in Blaine High School’s chamber choir. One of my favorite roles I’ve done was Captain Hook in a production of “Peter Pan” at a summer stock program in Lynden.

I have competed in many competitions in theater and music. In the recent year, I have represented four counties (including Whatcom) as best or outstanding tenor. I then competed against other regions of counties in the state at the state level and made the top seven of the superior list.

My biggest accomplishment of theater is winning the title for best musical soloist in the state of Washington at the International Thespian society competition, in which high-schoolers from all over the state strut their talent and artistic skills in one giant festival celebrating high school theater.

Question: Why do you like being on stage?

Answer: I enjoy the performing arts because you get to entertain people, be someone you’re not, and play pretend as a teenager or an adult without getting teased or made fun of. It’s what theater is. This is the first show I’ve directed. And I am so very grateful to the board at the Lynden Performing Arts Guild for making my directorial debut possible at the young age of 17.

The joy I love about being on stage is making people laugh! The other thing I enjoy is bringing people joy when they see a show, helping them forget about the outside world for about two hours and coming out feeling refreshed.

I landed on the the stage my freshmen year in Blaine High School’s yearly musical. I then landed my community theater debut in 2013 in “Little Shop Of Horrors” at the Claire vg, where I played the dentist. And I have been hooked on doing theater ever since.

Stephanie Blankers has been a wonderful adviser for this show, my senior project. She has helped me through some tough situations. She has also been my audience and second eyes that catch small details that I don’t always notice.

Question: What’s fun about the show?

Answer: I tell people they should come to the show because it still connects with us today. All of its comedy connects with the new and older generations. It’s fun, fast-paced, great music and has a great cast. I encourage everyone to see one of America’s first rock ’n’ roll musicals!

Question: What are your plans after graduation?

Answer: That’s such a tough question. I will be continuing in theater! My hopes are to join the Actors Equity and start auditioning for Broadway and national tours as soon as I turn 18. I hope to stay and study musical theater in Washington at Cornish College of the Arts or University of Washington.

Question: What else is coming up for you?

Answer: If you would like to see me on the stage, you can see me in Blaine High School’s “Guys and Dolls” at 7 p.m. Jan. 7-9 and 14-15 or at 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Blaine Performing Arts Center. I play Sky Masterson!

This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Artist profile: Blaine’s Nathan Smith directs Lynden musical."