Grad Spotlight: Max Wetherhold

Max Wetherhold, NCC theatre program graduate, will be this spring’s commencement speaker on Bethlehem campus. Starting as a dual enrollment student while he was still in high school and making his way to the center stage in NCC’s summer theatre program, Wetherhold says his experiences at NCC have shaped the person he is today. 

“I’ve loved my time at NCC, and I am so glad I stayed,” he says of his decision to enroll in the theatre program after high school. “My time here has taught me the benefits of hard work and effective communication, both with professors and my peers. It has given me a sense of community and support that I feel will guide me in my future. NCC gave me time to think about what I really wanted to do academically and artistically in the future." 

As a child, he recalls feeling like he belonged on stage. He describes the electric feeling of seeing an audience react to his performance in real time. “Knowing that you can connect to a group of strangers, whether through playing a character or as yourself, is extremely rewarding. There is nothing like it.” For that reason, he’d like to continue acting in live shows, but he’s also open to acting in any capacity, including television and film. 

Wetherhold performed in the summer theatre program at NCC in addition to performances during the academic year. He says the busy schedule of shows taught him discipline and time management, which he believes have greatly influenced his success as a student. He especially likes that he has had the opportunity to work with many talented individuals.  

Post graduation, Wetherhold plans to transfer to a four-year school to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theatre. He can’t wait to see what stage he steps onto next.