Ulrich sets stage for future through wildcat performances
Current senior and future UW-Eau Claire Blugold Irie Ulrich has been making her dreams come true as she prepares to enter the world of music and acting.
“The goal is to make a living doing what I love,” she said. "After college, I want to fulfill my dreams of being a star.”
Ulrich’s ultimate goal is to make it onto the radio and the television screen. This love was fueled from a young age.
“I want to release an album by the time I am 25,” she said. “I started community theater when I was eight years old. That made me fall in love with theater and being on stage.”
Ulrich’s senior year has been filled with all kinds of opportunities.
“The 9-To-5 musical was such a fun experience, probably one of my favorites,” she said. “I have met some of the best people I know through the musical.”
Especially after Covid, Ulrich was thrilled to finally be able to do what she loves again.
“I took a year off from Madrigals when Covid was at a high point,” she said. “Getting back into one of the things I loved most was really special, and I have been very happy with my opportunities to be a leader this year.
For Ulrich, music has become a comfort that others may not always understand.
“I have always found peace in music,” she said. “It makes me feel a certain way.”
Ulrich has had to discover how to separate real life from her characters. Through her abilities to separate the two, she has learned to leave her own issues at the door and give her all on the stage.
“Being able to throw myself into a character helps me deal with my own problems,” she said. “I don't have to worry about anything when I'm on stage.”
Though she is at a high level of ability in her music now, it took years of work, and she had to overcome many obstacles.
“The most challenging thing is the pressure,” she said. “You have so many eyes on you and that can be overwhelming.”
Drama and forensics coach Scotti Thurwatcher values the senior’s drive.
“Irie has a passion for making sure every performance is her best effort, and she is always looking to grow as a performer,” he said. “Irie has tunnel vision when it comes to pursuing her goals.”
Not only has Ulrich thrived in music, but she has been quite successful in forensics this year. From getting several first-place awards in her solo serious acting to making it to nationals and going to Washington D.C. , her success has been rewarded time and time again.
“Making it to nationals is a huge accomplishment for me,” she said. “Qualifying for this is so memorable, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Through the arts, Ulrich has built relationships with the people around her. Her peers have inspired her to keep going, but the directors and teachers in her life have been just as influential.
“Mr. Thurwatcher and Mrs. Meyer are my two favorite teachers,” she said. “They are always there for me and always listen. I definitely am going to miss them both.”
Thurwatcher will be sure to miss Ulrich as well.
“Irie is easily one of the most talented students I’ve ever come across,” he said. “Irie is also ultra competitive, which is both a strength as well as an occasional hurdle in her race to be her very best.”
The future for Ulrich is far from limited, and she is ready to move onto the next chapter. She has set goals for herself and is doing whatever it takes to reach them.
“After college I want to move to the West coast for the opportunities there,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to just follow the dreams I’ve had for years.”
Thurwatcher is more than aware of the challenges that lie in store.
“A career in the arts is one of the most competitive arenas one can enter into. A very thick skin is required to forge through all of the rejection and disappointment one will face along the way,” he said. “There are many opportunities in the arts game, if you’re willing to adjust your finishline from time to time. I believe that Irie has a future in the arts as long as she is aware of the realities above.”
By Erin Fox
March 18 2022
Volume 118 Issue VI