The West Bend Current

By Shiloh Peters, Current Staff

Mark Barnard is taking his final bow inside the Silver Lining Arts Center.

The West Bend High Schools auditorium manager made plans to leave his position once the fall play “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” was over. The production closed Nov. 17 and Barnard will now depart to focus on his new full-time job. In September, he started working as an AV commissioner for La Macchia Group, an architecture firm in Milwaukee. His goodbye has prompted a wide range of emotions, both for him and for the students who have relied on his expertise since he came to WBHS in 2019.

“Leaving my position at the high school gave me a mixture of feelings,” Barnard said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my job and working with all of the different groups.”

Barnard may be leaving his position as auditorium manager, but he will continue his role with the Drama Club. Throughout his time working with the club, he has made wildly positive contributions. He not only brought back school plays in 2022 after the worldwide fight with COVID-19, but also made it a point to bring members of the community into productions. Barnard encouraged all kinds of diversity and made the drama club a safe space for all skill levels to perform.

“He has made a wonderful impact on our program, and the drama club couldn’t be where it is without the efforts and dedication put in by Mark and his love for theater,” said Shay Fieter, a West senior.

The only minor change happening to the Drama Club is the change in administrators. Mickiah Wolff, an East High art teacher, will take on the title of administrator of the club, meaning she will have final say on what plays and musicals are produced, the time of meetings and more. Barnard will still lead rehearsals to guide students through practicing and performing each production. Since he is no longer stage manager, he can no longer say who can use the stage at what time. While the district seeks a new manager, the club will move rehearsals into the old East Library space.

“From what I saw as a cast member in this year’s play, ‘’ the only impact on the club was that we had to use the East Library for our rehearsals until Tech Week(s),” said Regan Tesch, a West junior. “The library is a smaller space, so we really had to utilize it more than being up on the stage or entrance in the auditorium.”

Despite how much Barnard loved working for the school’s stage outside of the Drama Club, his change in career is partly inspired by a desire to spend more quality time with his family.

“Unfortunately, the hours and tasks that were part of my position drastically limited the time I was able to spend with my family,” Barnard said. “Ultimately, prioritizing spending time with my family had to take precedent.”

Throughout his time at the high school, plenty of wonderful memories were made with Barnard and students who fell under his wing. He holds closest the memories of watching his students grow and further develop their skills on stage.