Senior Corban Melder has been enjoying the acting lifestyle for seven years and has starred in several Akins Journey Theatre production. 

He recently began working as an actor in projects outside of school and he plans to study theatre in college. He’s received full-ride scholarships to Stephen F. Austin University and Blinn College. He’s also received scholarships from six different schools including Oklahoma City University, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and Southwestern University.

The Eagle’s Eye asked him a few questions about his activities and plans for life after high school.

Eagle’s Eye: How has it been juggling both theater and football?

Corban Melder: “It was difficult because the football season always overlaps with the theater season, but this year it was a lot easier because my season got cut short really quickly.”

EE: Have you had to make a tough decision between two extracurriculars? 

CM: “Not between theater and football, but I have between theater and track. For the one-act, play my sophomore year, I was given an ultimatum between theater and track and I chose track. The play was Splendor in the Grass.

EE: When did your interest in theater begin?

CM: “In the sixth grade. Because my sister did theater and I looked up to her. Because of her I really wanted to do theater, too.”

EE: Why did you choose acting as a career instead of football?

CM: “I had offers to play football in college this year. But after tearing my ACL, I lost my offers. And then Ms. (Gina Hinojosa) came in and she was like, ‘Hey, you could do theater in college.’ And I basically competed in a Texas theater, student competition thing and I ended up getting eight offers for scholarships from different schools and so I decided to do theater in college.”

EE: What do you like the most about being in theatre?

CM: “Oh, just the grind. Just to see how a product comes together is one of the most satisfying things to me to see all the work be dumped into this like blood, sweat, and tears everybody feels committed? Just to make a really beautiful show.”

EE: What was a role that you enjoyed and would say you did your best in?

CM: “Probably playing Sam and Mamma Mia for (Austin ISD summer theatre). Just because I had a lot of synergy with Mamma Mia beforehand in being cast as Sam. I felt very comfortable in the role.”

EE: What are some of your acting experiences outside of theater?

CM: “I am currently cast in a film. It’s a private film company. But I do films outside of Akins. I also have done recordings for musicals. I was a recording artist in middle school. And, of course, the summer theater series for AISD.”

Corban has been offered two full-ride scholarships to Stephen F. Austin and Blinn College. He’s also received scholarships from six different schools including Oklahoma City University, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, and Southwestern University.