The final school bell rings at 3:23 p.m., and junior Milton Guendica hurries to the Niles West crew, where he spends six days out of the week. It’s rehearsal day in the theatre; the cast is practicing for their roles and the props crew is getting all of the props in position. Guendica walks in as the actors are running through their lines and trying to get pumped before they go on stage. He begins to take a sip of his double-shot espresso, knowing that with it, he will be focused and ready for whatever sort of stress decides to creep up his spine. Feeling a bit nervous and not wanting things to go wrong, he takes out his clipboard and begins to make sure all of the props show up on stage when and where they are needed.

Guendica enjoys being part of the Niles West theatre production, as well as being a good student and working on ceramics in his free time. Every single day after school from 3:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Guendica is at practice, as well as meetings from 10 a.m to 4 p.m on Saturdays. On tech days, which is a rehearsal of the show, Guendica makes sure the actors have the props they need for the show as part of the costume and prop crew. Guendica begins these days by grabbing his clipboard and making sure everything is in the right spot, before and after the rehearsal.

“Milton is always on top of his game. He always makes sure everything is done right, and he always makes sure he does things with his 100 percent effort,” junior Riley Pranian said.

Milton has been part of the theatre program since his sophomore year of high school, and he has been a part of four Niles West theatre productions.

“Milton is a hard worker in both school and theatre. I seriously haven’t seen a kid work so hard to not only challenge himself in school but also in the theater department. Ever since Milton started theater on costume/props crew during last years production of ‘Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,’ he has brought a great vibe to the shop and has made working fun and enjoyable. Whenever he is given a job, he makes sure it’s done correctly and diligently. He is a great person to work with and be around,” senior and fellow crew member Kayla Brill said.

Joining theatre, Guendica had the hopes of finding a club he truly belonged in at Niles West.

“I knew this was for me when I finally found a home in this school. I knew I would have friendships in this department that were long-lasting. Theater is more than just a club; it is my second home. I learned that the relationships that I have with the people in theatre were so strong compared to any other club I’d been in. I realize how happy I am to be part of this club, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Guendica said.

Guendica has become so close to those he works with because of the fact that they spend so much time together on a daily basis. Their bonds are more than just temporary friendships; they are relationships that will last a lifetime. Being part of the Niles West theatre program has introduced Guendica to people who have impact his life for the better.

“It is the bond we have; we all have a strong bond and act as if we are one big family. We’re going to New York in March, and it’s like a family trip,” Guendica said. “The whole theatre department is taking a flight to New York City and we’re staying the weekend to watch Broadway shows. It’ss going to feel like a family vacation rather than a school trip.” 

Guendica has made a big impact on the Niles West Theatre. He tries to relax and take everything one step at a time, and other crew members recognize and love this about him.

“Milton is a great friend. Whenever I’m sad or stressed, I know that I can always talk to him. Every time I see him, we always make the best of the situation and still end up having lots of fun, no matter what jobs we are assigned to do at crew for Niles West Theatre. He never says no to anything, except sushi,” senior and fellow crew member Brendon O’Shaughnessy said.

Besides building great friendships and finding a home at Niles West, there are also many things Guendica learned that he will use in his future years.

“I learned team building, teamwork, and communication skills. I’ve learned how to work with different people in different temperaments. I learned how to work with a large amount of people and be relaxed, because if you aren’t relaxed, the people around you won’t be either,” Guendica said.