Lakewood resident Max Swarner has made the cut.

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Two years ago, the 16-year-old became a member of the Repertory Company Theatre, chosen from among the more than 100 people who auditioned. The company accepts roughly 50 people each year. Between acting in plays and participating in the RCT’s intern program, the theater is his home away from home.

“Once I joined there, it took over,” Max says. “I’ve been blessed with opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten if I hadn’t auditioned for them.”

Max took theater classes when he was 5, but didn’t think much of it. Then, at the age of 7, he was cast in his church’s play. Soon afterward he garnered parts in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Music Man” in productions around town. After that, he was hooked.

“It was the feeling of performing for someone else, lots of people,” Swarner says.

His parents, Steve and Lori, both sing, and his father plays the piano. Music was frequent in their home, and Max says singing is his favorite part of performing.

“I’ve been singing since I could talk,” he says. “I love every aspect of (theater), but especially singing.”

Debra Carter, artistic director for RCT, has directed Max in several shows and admires his talent.

“His voice has developed very early, which is good for him. The most impressive thing is his singing voice,” Carter says. “Once you get to know him, it’s his maturity.”

Shortly after joining the RCT, Swarner was invited to participate in its intern program to learn the technical side of theater. He now spends his summers at the theater, working every day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During the school year, he’s there a few days a week.

“He pretty much lives here,” Carter says. “Usually whatever you’re good at, you love. That’s the case for Max.”

Currently, Swarner is preparing for two musicals. He will play the title role in “Pippin” at the RCT, and he is “Gaston” in Beauty and the Beast at his school, First Baptist Academy.

When Swarner is cast in a new role, he reads the script, breaks it down and starts memorizing lines. He listens to the CD and will work with his voice coach to master the songs. Rehearsals are often three nights a week for a few hours each night.

Juggling rehearsal and homework from First Baptist Academy, where he’s a junior, isn’t easy, Swarner says. But it’s worth it.

“When you’re singing a song that’s written well,” he says, “there’s nothing like it.”