One new teacher this year is teacher Andrew Varela. He took over for Eric Christiansen who retired last year. He graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a degree in Economics. But over time slowly changed his career to theater and teaching.

Varela has worked at dozens of schools all across the country and wants to share his experiences with the younger generation through being a theater teacher. “The challenge interested me and I had reached a point in my artistic development that I wanted to share the lessons I’ve learned with the next generation of actors,” he said. “After having lived in NYC for 25 years, I want to contribute to the people of my adopted home, Wisconsin.”

Varela also has experience himself when it comes to acting. He has been a professional for over 30 years, working on Broadway and has National tour credits. He has been in many plays over the years, such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Little Women, and Sunday in the Park with George.

His biggest enjoyments of being in the district have been the students and the teachers here at GHS. “I enjoy interacting with the students and have found that all of the teachers are really great people,” he said.

Varela has many other interests besides theater. “My hobbies include military history, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and playing ball with my dog,” he said.