A young dreamer from Fargo, North Dakota, once had his sights set on the stars, but fate had a different adventure in store. Meet Reed Sigmund, a man who found his calling not in the vastness of space, but on the vibrant stages of theater. This is the tale of a local boy who became a beloved actor, embodying characters from the swashbuckling to the grouchy, and now, he's stealing the show as the iconic Grinch in Minneapolis.
As a child, Sigmund's aspirations were cosmic, aiming to be an astronaut. But a lack of mathematical prowess steered him away from this path. Instead, he discovered his true passion at Horace Mann Elementary School, where a musical production of 'Johnny Appleseed' ignited his love for the stage. Despite his shyness, his loud voice landed him the lead role, and the thrill of performing captivated him.
Sigmund's journey continued through various schools, including Trollwood Performing Arts School, where his talent was recognized by a Forum reporter, who praised his 'obvious gift for physical comedy' in a Shakespearean play. Yet, he remained humble, downplaying his abilities and considering theater merely a hobby.
But fate had other plans. After enrolling in child psychology at the University of Minnesota, Sigmund found himself drawn back to the theater, where he discovered a community and even met his future wife, Autumn Ness. This led to a pivotal decision to switch his major to theater, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Fast forward to the present, and Sigmund is an integral part of the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, where he's been for 25 years. This year marks his eighth time portraying the Grinch in 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!', a role he finds both fun and deeply meaningful. But here's where it gets thought-provoking: Sigmund believes the Grinch's story is about more than just holiday cheer; it's a reflection of the real-world struggles of people dealing with hate and a reminder that change is possible.
And this is the part most people miss: theater, according to Sigmund, is a powerful tool for teaching empathy. By portraying diverse characters and telling stories about acceptance, he believes theater helps audiences, especially children, develop this essential skill.
Sigmund's versatility is evident as he effortlessly transitions from playing pirates to princes, and now, the Grinch. His dedication is remarkable, often juggling multiple roles without a break. But for Sigmund, it's a joy, not a burden.
So, is being a Grinch better than being an astronaut? For Sigmund, it's a dream come true, and his journey is a testament to the power of following your passions, wherever they may lead.
Controversy Alert: Do you agree that theater can be a powerful tool for teaching empathy? Are there other art forms you think serve this purpose better? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's spark a conversation about the impact of the arts on our lives!
