Clayton Ridge student takes the stage at Opera House

By Caroline Rosacker

In early December, Clayton Ridge middle school student Gavin Dettbarn, son of Sean and Arlenea Dettbarn of Guttenberg, took the stage at the Elkader Opera House as part of the cast of the musical The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

The 12-year-old portrayed the tough, combative Claude Herdman alongside a cast of approximately 20 other actors.

"It was the first time I have ever tried out and I got the part!" he shared enthusiastically. "It was a pretty big part with both speaking and singing." 

This marks the third performance for Gavin, who has two younger siblings, Nolan, age 10, and Scarlet, age four. A year ago he participated in the Clayton Ridge middle school Winter Follies and The Muffin Man under the direction of Jason and Avonique Tipsword. 

Gavin's mother, who participated in theatre herself, is responsible for igniting his theatrical career. "I have always loved music and used to sing with her whenever she played music," he remembered. 

Juggling a busy schedule became a necessity for the young student/athlete, who was running cross- country for Clayton Ridge when he got the part with the Opera House Players. "We practiced two hours a night, three days a week and on weekends. I kept my grades up and got all A's except for one B+ in math, which is my favorite subject," he said with a smile. "It was tiring at times, but a lot of fun getting to know the other cast members."

Gavin is member of the Clayton Ridge Choir and Honor Choir. He says he does not experience stage fright, but if he did he would focus and calm himself down. "I am excited to begin high school were there will be more opportunities, and I will definitely try out for productions in Elkader again," he told The Press. 

The talented young actor is teaching himself how to play the piano and plays the clarinet with the school band. "I am pretty impressed with Gavin," says his father. "He has been using YouTube videos to teach himself piano until we can find a suitable teacher."

Oskaloosa camp

Gavin and other Clayton Ridge Student/actors were encouraged by Jason and Avonique to apply for scholarships to attend the George Daily Youth Theatre Camp in Oskaloosa. "We had to communicate in writing why we wanted to attend, and what theatre means to us," Gavin explained. "We stayed with host families and learned about acting, warm ups, and then we put on a performance. Quite a few of us went. It was a lot of fun and I hope to go again this summer!"