At home in the spotlight: Freshman Evan Yao finds new friends and artistic growth at Arts Academy
Yao shares highlights from his first year at Interlochen, from exciting performances to fight choreography.
Evan Yao acts in Interlochen Arts Academy's production of Begets: Fall of a High School Ronin.
When freshman Evan Yao first imagined high school, he pictured rigorous academics and a traditional path toward college. What he didn’t expect was to fall in love with theatre—and certainly not to find a school that could nurture both sides of who he is. But the moment Yao stepped onto Interlochen’s campus, the energy, creativity, and kindness of the community convinced him he’d found something rare.
Now well into his first year as a musical theatre major, Yao is discovering what it means to learn from passionate teachers, perform alongside talented peers, and grow faster than he ever thought possible. He shares how Interlochen challenged his expectations, shaped his artistry, and helped him feel at home almost immediately.
Evan Yao (far right) poses with fellow cast members of Begets: Fall of a High School Ronin.
What first drew you to Interlochen?
Originally I applied to schools that were known for being academically challenging. Then I realized that I also really like theatre, so I found Interlochen. I did a campus visit and felt like this was the place for me.
You take a full academic load along with arts classes. Do you have a favorite class so far?
I don't really have a favorite class, but I really like the arts classes because they're unlike any art class I've ever had before. They’re very in-depth and I learn a lot from them. They help me deepen my acting, singing, and dancing all at once, every day.
How would you describe the Interlochen community?
Interlochen is a very welcoming community. The other students are really sociable. Everyone knows each other and no one is really left out, and I'm really grateful for that.
Guest artists visit campus often. Have any of them made a big impact on you?
I really liked working with Chloe Baldwin, a fight choreographer. It was so interesting to see how fights work and how you can make the illusion of punching or kicking on stage. I like knowing that as a freshman, I already know something about how to stage a fight.
What performances or events have stood out to you this year?
I really enjoy the performances that students put up, especially Collage, where they showcase every major. I’ve also enjoyed seeing the upperclassmen performing 9 to 5 or Alice by Heart. I cried during The Laramie Project.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist and person since arriving?
I feel like I've grown so much that I'm already in my senior year, but the first semester's not even over yet. I’m learning a lot from my teachers and other students here. They're all role models to me—I can look up to them and learn from them and things they do.
Looking forward, what are your plans for the future?
I'm planning to go to a college where I can do both the arts and something academically challenging.
What would you tell a student who’s considering Interlochen but feels nervous about applying?
I would probably tell them that when I was in their shoes, I was also nervous about coming to Interlochen, but my perspective changed once I really got to know the people here, the great teachers they have, the experience they offer, and the in-depth teaching methods they use to teach acting or any type of art that you want to pursue. Interlochen is a great school and I would recommend it.
Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Arts Academy.
