Wertner performs on Greencastle stage again
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

The sixth-grade students pay rapt attention to a history lesson coming alive on stage. One of the actors, Andy Wertner, is the son of Greencastle-Antrim Middle School teacher Kathy Wertner. At right, Wertner, as archeologist Howard Carter, consults with Lord Amherst, an expert on Egyptian antiquities. The two actors presented the story of King Tut.

King Tutankhamen came to life for Greencastle-Antrim sixth graders recently. He really did. And he was excited to learn that while his reign was short-lived, he is famous 3000 years later as the boy king from Egypt. The treasures of his tomb continue to fascinate museum visitors worldwide.

Greencastle native Andy Wertner brought the pharaoh's story to life in a stage production of 'Finding King Tut'. He and Steve Seyfried, the creator of an acting company, entertained the students with a presentation that tied in with their studies of ancient cultures.

Wertner portrayed Howard Carter, the British archeologist who in 1922 discovered the mummy in a well-preserved tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Seyfried constantly changed characters as they traced the steps of years of exploring. History was full of visual and verbal humor until Tut finally made his 'live' appearance.

Wertner, a 2007 theater graduate from DeSales University, also participated in drama at Greencastle-Antrim High School until his 2003 graduation. He is pursuing a career in the field while currently working at a box office.

He has paired with Seyfried for a number of twoman presentations in the Philadelphia area.

Though his exact goals "change with the wind," Wertner has a broad-based plan for the future.

"I want to gain independence and creative control in theatre, run a company, do writing as well as be a full- time actor. You end up doing everything anyway," he said. "You can't only be an actor to live."

Wertner, 23, acted in 'Bye Bye Birdie,' 'Flapper' and 'Hansel and Gretel' in high school productions. He made movies with his friends for school projects and for fun. He gained experience in college in all aspects of theatre life. He leans towards comedy and while he memorizes his lines, is able to ad lib when appropriate.

He found it a little difficult to explain why he acts.

"I ask myself that every day," he quipped. "It's thrilling and adventuresome, a risk every time you go on an audition or do a show."

He likes to make people laugh.

A student asked Wertner if he would become a movie star. He replied it was possible but his interest was more the stage. His advice to anyone interested in such a career was to just do it. One could have all the theory knowledge, but the bottom line was "be willing to put yourself out there. Just act. That's the only way to do it."