Evan Greenberg
Riverwood International Charter School, senior
On April 17, at the Shuler Hensley Awards for Excellence in High School Theater, Evan Greenberg received the award for Georgia’s best actor.
The Dunwoody resident was nominated for the character of William Barfee, the socially awkward, rude and blunt character in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Evan has always wanted to be nominated for a Shuler Hensley Award, and when it happened this year, he was “glad to get recognition. It was like a final triumph.” He competed against five other nominees.
The Shuler Hensley Awards took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. WSB-TV’s Jovita Moore and Fred Blankenship hosted the event while nominees and friends and family walked down the red carpet before the show began.
“It was amazing because it was the biggest audience I had ever performed for,” Evan said. “I loved that everyone was so nice, and everyone was so supportive backstage.”
Evan also saw the event as a learning experience.
“I think being around people that are better than you really helps your game. It makes you step up and really appreciate theater,” Evan said.
By winning the Best Actor award, Evan has the opportunity to travel to New York City this summer to compete against 60 other actors for a college scholarship. PBS is also creating a reality show based on Broadway-bound kids. Cameras will be following the winners of the Shuler Hensley Awards, along with winners from other competitions across the country, while they are in New York.
Evan has always had a passion for the theater, but became more involved during his sophomore year of high school. Other shows that he has been a part of include “Les Miserables” and “Blithe Spirit.”
He says he’s always loved to entertain.
“I like the fact that you can make people enjoy you up there,” Evan said. “You know that you are making those people laugh.”
Mary Beth van der Hoek, Evan’s drama teacher, has been working with Evan for four years. She says he has a special gift for comedy and it is apparent that he loves to perform.
“Everyone loves [Evan] and he is one of the most humble actors I have ever worked with here at Riverwood,” van der Hoek said. “He will be missed!”
After being announced Best Actor, Evan told the audience: “I did not expect this in a million years, I didn’t even expect to get nominated, and look where I am now,” Evan said. “It just proves that if you set your mind to something, you really can do it.”
What’s Next:
Evan will attend The University of Georgia in the fall. He is planning to study Communications. Evan says he has no plans to major in theater, but he believes that he will always have acting in his blood.