For West Haven High School seniors Travis Dyer and Barrett Welch, their experiences in the arts have taken different forms, from theatre productions to choral performances, while giving both students opportunities to discover what they enjoy and where they hope those interests may lead them after high school.
Travis has been involved in theatre since before his freshman year at West Haven High School, with his interest in the arts beginning in eighth grade when he participated in the Disney musical Frozen. Barrett has been part of the West Haven High School Choral Department since her freshman year. She started in Chorus before moving up to Bel Canto as a sophomore. “I started out in Chorus, where I fell in love with choir. I then moved up to Bel Canto sophomore year and have stuck around ever since!”
For Travis, his freshman year production of Newsies stands out as his favorite theatre experience. “It was my first year being part of a high school cast, and I had the opportunity to perform in the musical Newsies.” He said the production helped him discover what theatre had to offer and gave him the opportunity to meet many of the friends he has today. “More than anything, Newsies was the experience that made me truly fall in love with theatre. It was during that production that I realized I wanted to continue pursuing this passion and see where the arts could take me.” Barrett’s most notable experience with Bel Canto came through performing in the Octavo Series Chorus at Carnegie Hall. The group had a short window to raise more than $20,000 and was able to reach its goal. “Learning such rigorous repertoire over such a short period of time was very challenging, but in the end, extremely rewarding!” Barrett said. “Actually performing in the Stern Auditorium was such a surreal experience that I wouldn't trade for the world!”
Their involvement in the arts also extends beyond their primary programs. Travis has taken numerous AP courses, participated in cross country, recently joined the National Honor Society, and has been involved in student council, athletics, volunteering, and other school activities. He also serves as a sports captain. “Wherever I go, however, I make sure to carry a piece of theatre with me,” Travis said, explaining that the creativity, confidence, and dedication he developed through theatre continue to influence how he approaches each experience. Barrett is also involved in theatre outside of Bel Canto. She serves as secretary of the WHHS Theatre Workshop, performs with Pantochino Productions of Milford’s Teen Theatre, and is a three-time Seven Angels Theatre Halo Award winner. She has also been an Irish Step Dancer with the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance since age seven, currently assists with teaching beginner classes, and participated in a two-week dancing tour of Ireland in 2025.
Looking ahead, both students hope to continue pursuing the arts after graduation, though they have different goals. Travis plans to attend college and pursue a major in either Acting or Musical Theatre. “While I have not yet decided which path I will ultimately choose, I know that either one would allow me to continue doing what I love and further develop my skills as a performer.” He has not yet decided which college he will attend. Barrett plans to study Theatre Education with the goal of eventually becoming a high school theatre teacher and director. “My goal is to build a vibrant drama department where students can freely express their creativity.”
The people around them have also played a role in their experiences. Barrett credits her mom as an important source of support throughout her journey as a performer and as a person. “My mom has been the ultimate anchor for my journey both as a performer and a person.” She described their close relationship and the support her mom has provided, including regularly driving her to rehearsals. For Travis, his experiences in theatre have extended beyond performing and have become something he carries into other parts of his life. He said the many activities he has participated in have each taught him something different and helped him grow both as a student and as an individual.
For Travis and Barrett, their time in the arts has become an important part of their high school experiences, with each finding different ways to pursue their interests both inside and outside of West Haven High School. As they prepare for college and their future careers, both are looking ahead to opportunities that will allow them to continue building on their experiences in the arts.
