As the show concludes, dozens of claps can be heard echoing in the PAC, among those clapping are the friends and family of those performing. The work the students have done in rehearsal is reflected in their performance, and among the students in the stage receiving the attention is senior Arthur Ce. 

Whether dressed as a king, in a fancy suit, in a letterman with a golden spatula with googly eyes or even just in his normal attire, since the third grade, Ce said he is always finding ways to express his personality and humor through acting, choir and broadcast.

“I’ve always been captivated by comedy and performance art since it just felt like a good way to entertain myself, ” Ce said. “And after finding out that other people were entertained by me, it was like I struck gold.”

Ce said that one of the aspects of theater that motivates him the most when practicing is the people surrounding him.

“Obviously, I’m not just doing it for the people, but [the people are] half of the reason why I enjoy doing the things that I do in performance art,” Ce said. “Every day that I come to rehearsal or show up to perform a show, it’s always so rewarding to see the looks on my friends’ faces when we make each other laugh or cry either on or off [the] stage.”

One of the key aspects of Ce’s personality is his self-proclaimed “low-bar sense of humor,” which he said has helped him enjoy different types of comedies and inspired his personal work.

“I will laugh at any stupid Instagram reel or skit on YouTube,” Ce said. “In fact, I made some YouTube videos myself on a channel that, in full honesty, I’m too afraid to even tell people about just because that channel wasn’t necessarily made to entertain other people–it was made to entertain myself.”

Ce said that out of all of his performances, he isn’t sure if he has a favorite.

“I have had so many highs and so many lows,” Ce said. “But no role that I have played has had only one or the other. It’s already rewarding in itself to be able to perform with my friends.”

One of the things Ce said he is proud of in his performances is his ability to subconsciously get into character and pick up mannerisms that fit the characters he plays.

“There are many times where I will have a certain line or a stage direction where I wonder ‘how can I show the audience I’m thinking of this character choice?’” Ce said. “And sometimes, it just doesn’t work out, but that’s why I keep trying to improve myself with every performance.”

Ce said that despite the fun he has with friends and acting in shows, his least favorite part are the slow parts of the rehearsal process for shows.

“It’s inevitable that when you do a show, there’s going to be parts that sound way too tasking or not fun,” Ce said. “And that usually ends up being the phase of the show where you know just about enough of your part to where you can think that you know it but once you’re put on the spot and you have to say your lines, you just blank out and embarrass yourself.”

Despite praise from friends and family, Ce said he has yet to win an award for his performances. However, he said he knows there is one dream that will give him the satisfaction he needs in his acting career.

“The biggest pipe dream for me is ending up on SNL,” Ce said. “I mean, I don’t think anybody has any idea how badly I want to be called a genuine comedian. But I’ll do anything to get in. I want to go on Broadway. I want to work in Hollywood. I want to work on TV.”

Ce said he plans to attend Sam Houston where he will attempt to get a BFA in acting and directing, but is considering switching his major to musical theatre at another school. However, his main goal is still to work on SNL.

“I hope people just remember who I was after I graduate,” Ce said. “I don’t really care if I’ve made an impact or not, not saying that I have, but I would just like people to think about me and laugh for a minute and then go on with their day.”