Celebration of Music - Talent Search

Carter Strobel’s love of music dates back to his early years. His vocal talent was discovered around age eight during an elementary school musical when he sang a solo. Carter is now just 15 and has performed in 16 shows including plays and musicals, Acting and vocal performance has helped Carter overcome anxiety and the effects of bullying he experienced during middle school years. At age 11 Carter bravely accepted his first major role as Alexander in the Grand Rapids Civic Theater production of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good very Bad Day. From there his acting and musical theater career soared and he has not stopped, often doing shows year round in school and with Stage GR, a children’s community theater. He has had the honor of playing favorite roles such as Pugsley from the Addam’s Family , Burt Healey from Annie and Jack from Into the Woods. His most memorable and challenging roles include Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast and using hand puppets to become Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. Carter is currently in a high school jazz choir and at one time played the trumpet, but his passion lies in the creation of a full musical theater experience where dance, acting and vocal music combined evoke emotion and tell captivating stories. Carter is very grateful to have discovered his love of theater at such a young age. Life is often challenging but singing and acting can give those watching a great escape and for those performing there is no better gift then watching audience members feeling moved and entertained. Thank you to Ethan Bortnick and PBS for this awesome opportunity!