The chill of the freshly fallen snow seeped in through the double doors of the theater wing as I sat across from George Mason High School’s very own Mr. Mason – Alec Reusch. We sat within eyesight of the stage, where the Mason student body, staff, and countless other family and friends have watched Reusch perform since his freshman year.

Prior to our discussion, I thought that I would learn of the senior’s lifelong passion for theater and how the stage was his second home, but I was taken by surprise to learn that this isn’t a completely accurate description of his passion.

“I didn’t always like these kinds of things,” Reusch said. “I hadn’t really grown into it I guess.”

Contrary to my assumptions, Alec had actually little interest in theater growing up and did not consider giving it a try until his father persuaded him to.

“He did shows and stuff during his life. He was a big theater guy,” Reusch said. “I guess I never realized it was for me until I really tried it out.”

Since then, Alec has found himself in just about every musical Mason offered. His success in acting could very much be accredited to his musical background.

“I play guitar. I used to take lessons, but now I just pick it up and play around,” Reusch said. “It really helps with the musicals.”

Like most other performers, Resuch’s experience with music and acting does not stop him from feeling butterflies before plays. For when stage fright does kick in, theater teacher Mr. Shawn Northrip gave him some words of wisdom.

“Everybody gets nervous, everyone has to deal with it, but the second you don’t have that feeling – then why are you doing it,” he recited Mr. Northrip’s line.

Mr. Northrip still has these ideas in mind today as he did when he first advised Reusch.“What’s the point of theater, if it’s not fun anymore and if it’s just work,” he said explained.

Throughout the following years of performing, this is what Reusch has been looking back on to remind him that it’s natural to get nervous before any performance.

“The more I rehearse, the less likely it is to happen,” Reusch said. “Even for a big show, if I rehearse for it, it’s no problem at all.”

Reusch has learned from Mr. Northrip for the past few years since he started doing theater in eighth grade. But according to his mentor, Reusch didn’t need very much teaching from the moment he walked in. Early on, Northrip recognized his natural ability.

“Alec came into the room a talented kid,” Northrip said. “Even as an eighth grader he was enthusiastic, committed, and willing to take any risk.”

After having individual discussions with both Reusch and Northrip,  I could easily spot the mentoring relationship that had grown between the two over the years.

“I think I’ve definitely picked up some of his ideas and philosophies about theater,” Reusch said. “It’s gonna be weird in the future not having the same traditions or inside jokes with other theater people.”

“Alec Reusch does the best to dress up as me on Northrip Day,” Northrip said, smiling. “He hits it spot on.”

Northrip shared another story about Alec and his uncanny ability to portray other characters.

“I remember we did this project that took place in the ‘80’s, and I was like ‘Okay everyone go find ‘80’s clothes’ and Alec came back – jean jacket, jean shirt, jean pants, and his hair was perfect,” Northrip said. “From the very start he embraced the challenge.”

Alec Reusch seems to embrace and conquer challenges time and time again. In Hamlet, the first play that he had auditioned for, Reusch had gotten a small role, which had seemed like a good fit for his first play. However after another cast member had gotten a concussion, the bigger role was his.

“He did a great job with it,” Mr. Northrip said. “He just has all these awesome skills. He’s a surprising guy.”

Since then on Alec has took on essential roles such as Piangi in Phantom of the Opera, Dromio of Ephesus in The Bomb-itty of Errors, and other smaller roles in a number of other plays and musicals. Most recently, he played the lead as Bobby in Urinetown this past fall.

Theater isn’t Reusch’s only calling from the stage. This December, Reusch participated in George Mason’s Poetry Out Loud performance, reading “Let the Light Enter” by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and “Famous” by Naomi Shihab Nye.

“[The poems] just kind of intrigued and stood out to me,” Alec said on selecting his poems.

“I’m not a poetry connoisseur or anything,” Reusch said. “But, I think it becomes more accessible when recited.”

According to Reusch, reciting poetry in the auditorium was a completely different experience than compared to in the classroom.

“Usually I don’t put too much effort into it when we perform for the class, I kinda pick one last minute and memorize it,” Reusch said. “I focus more on enjoying other people’s poems than actually trying to advance myself. But this year I picked a poem early and wanted to actually do a good job.”

Reusch has also been a part of the Mason hockey team for many years.

“Hockey’s just a long term thing that I’ve been doing and have enjoyed,” he said.

“I really like being part of a team, which is part of why I enjoy hockey so much. But there’s actually not a big difference when it comes to theater,” Reusch said. “While it can seem individual, being part of a play is all about being part of a team with everyone working toward the common goal of making a great show.”

No matter the position, whether it’s part of the hockey team or being a part of a theater cast, to Alec, everything is about working together to achieve the best possible outcome. Alec Reusch is truly a team player.