Walking down the hallways at Wayland High School, you may recognize senior Tim Spinale. Chances are you’ve seen or heard of one of his many performances as both a WHSTE (Wayland High School Theater Ensemble) member and a singer in the WHS a cappella group, The Madrigals.

In his two and half years participating in WHSTE, Spinale has performed in several productions, including “Beauty and The Beast,” “On the Razzle,” “Footloose” and more recently, “Just So.”

Spinale’s interest in theatre was sparked by his sister when she was in Wayland High and participated in plays directed by Mr. Weingartner.

“I did a little play with her and found that not only did I love the stage, I loved the thrill of just going out there and becoming someone else,” Spinale said. “It was exhilarating.”

In theater, the ability to transform into a new person is a highlight for Spinale.

“My favorite thing is being able to become someone else, learn their interests and know their thoughts, fears and aspirations,” Spinale said.

After being a part of several plays and musicals, Spinale has found that musical theatre is his clear favorite.

“I really love both drama and musical theatre, but I prefer musical, mostly because there is so much more energy, [which] requires you to put in more of an effort in order to get it done,” Spinale said.

In his four productions with WHSTE he has worked side by side with director Richard Weingartner, who has taught him many important lessons along the way.

“[Weingartner] has taught me the importance of accepting who I am as a person,” Spinale said. “He has shown me that even people who have fallen [from] hardships can get back up and keep moving forward, and most importantly, he has taught me that laughing is the best remedy for any sickness.”

Although putting on a play or musical requires a lot of work, Spinale still makes time for another passion of his, a cappella.

“I’ve wanted to be in a cappella since 6th grade. It was my goal for the longest time to get into one of the groups, and I made that wish come true,” Spinale said.

According to Spinale, participating in a cappella with The Madrigals has been incredible.

“In Mads I’ve found that even people you hardly know can be family,” Spinale said. “I look forward to strengthening my bonds with these people as well as making new friends along the way.”

Sadly this is Spinale’s senior year, which means his time as a WHSTE member and Madrigal is coming to an end. In November, after the last performance of “Just So,” Spinale’s last WHS musical was over. His last show with WHSTE will be the spring play.

“I am excited for my last show,” Spinale said. “It’s going to be one of the saddest but also one of the best moments of my life, and I can’t wait.”

After high school, Spinale hopes to continue participating in theater and a cappella wherever he attends college.

“I will not be going for either as a major,” Spinale said. “But I will continue to do the shows at my school of choice, and I will try my best to join an a cappella group there as well.”