From the CCHS stage to Broadway, Wake’s theatrical passion never wavers

By Eliza Irons

February 13, 2024

In 2004, a fireball entered CCHS named Catheryn Wake. She was a musical force to be reckoned with. Involved in Line n’ Cue, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Orchestra, Wake was a well rounded student and took advantage of  every CCHS music resource at her disposal.

Wake was heavily involved in Line n’ Cue. Her school auditions used to be so important to her. She remembers waking up early before school so that she could run to view the cast list before all of her classes. Her favorite role she played was Little Red in Into the Woods her senior year (2008). She won an award for Outstanding Performer that year from Schenectady Light Opera Company, which she says was the “highlight of my high school career”. 

Music was a constant passion throughout Wake’s life, even from a young age. Not only did she sing in musicals, but she also played the clarinet. 

“I remember participating in the NYSSMA Solo Festival every year for the clarinet,” she says.

Wake’s NYSSMA (New York State School of Music Association) adjudication experiences helped her later on in life with her acting career. She says the NYSSMA adjudications helped her learn how to keep her “nerves at bay”. Coming full circle, she made her Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 with a role that required her to play clarinet! 

Wake’s high school music experiences were provided by many different mentors, including what she calls a “fantastic drama program” led by Michael Mensching, the Wind Ensemble which was led by Lon Walker, and the Symphonic Orchestra, which was led by Peter Cannistracci. 

She still gives credit to Carol Ann Weeks  “For teaching me how to sing, as I was a late bloomer in that area!” Wake says. 

With all of these music mentors, Laura Yerou, her eighth grade English teacher, also had an exceptional influence on Wake’s experience at Colonie. 

She credits Yerou  “For instilling in me the desire to dream big. Without a strong belief in yourself, a career in the arts is not possible,” she says. 

Wake also mentioned having memorable classes at CCHS including her Creative Writing class with Mr. Kachadurian. 

“I finally learned what an education is meant to teach you: that it’s not simply about getting good grades, but about developing the desire to push yourself to become the best you can be,” Wake says. 

Wake’s most recent visit to CCHS after graduating in 2008 was two years ago to teach a masterclass about acting to Line n’ Cue members. 

Currently, Wake is preparing for auditions daily. She sings to stay in shape vocally and exercises regularly to keep her body in shape. 

“As an actor, my body is my instrument, so I work to keep it ready to perform at any time,” she says. 

Wake is currently a voice actor for a video game; she spends time in the vocal booth she has in her apartment where she records her lines and sends them in. 

“As someone who loves to play video games, I can’t wait to come across my voice when I play it,” she says. 

Her normal work day, when in a show, is rehearsing from 10-6 everyday with Mondays off. She is currently preparing for all auditions her agents are sending her; she’s auditioning for shows in-person in Manhattan and self-taping auditions to send in. 

Catheryn Wake thoroughly enjoyed her time at Colonie and is grateful for the way the school helped shape her career, and the person that she is today. With many thanks to her teachers and mentors, she wishes a happy 75th anniversary to Colonie!