Megan Webb

Adam Karluk and his cast mates posing for a picture in their costumes for the musical “All Shook Up”. Left to right: Elijah Eckert, Adam Karluk, Carter Armstrong

Senior Adam Karluk is a go-getter, always putting his best foot forward, overcoming whatever obstacles come his way. A multi-talented individual, Karluk is experienced in singing, acting, playing guitar, and surfing. You will likely recognize him for his roles in the Buena High School Drama Department Spring Musicals and Fall Plays; Karluk has been a part of the “Spongebob” musical, “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and most recently was cast in a lead role as Chad in “All Shook Up”. 

Karluk was successful in finding his passion for theater after being placed in drama class his freshman year. Although he was not immediately thrilled and only ended up in the class because art was full, he eventually grew to enjoy the class and it has become an incredibly influential part of his life, meeting his best friends and girlfriend and even wanting to pursue acting as a career.

After nailing his audition for “All Shook Up”, auditioning with the song “Power of my Love”, theater director Karen Rodrigues was in awe with Karluk’s performance. 

“I always tell my students that an audition begins outside of an audition room,” Rodrigues said. “We knew that he could pull this off and he was the best suited for the job.” 

Karluk admits that playing Chad in “All Shook Up” is not his favorite character, but it was one he really wanted to play.

“I love bringing a character to life,” Karluk said. “It’s an enthralling experience, creating a human being out of just words.”

Karluk’s personality is admired by many, his ability to sympathize with others and overcome anything that comes his way not being overlooked. 

“He’s a great friend and he is awesome to be around,” Senior Carter Armstrong said. He admires Karluk’s dedication and positive outlook in life.

Karluk is known for his role in theater, but there’s so much more than meets the eye. Aside from his life under the illuminating stage lights, you can catch him under the blazing sun on a summer day hitting the waves. Karluk has been surfing for as long as he can remember, and says that he was “born on a surfboard”. At just three years old Karluk knew what he desired to do in the future, and although that has now changed, surfing continues to be a huge part of his identity. 

With graduation  just around the corner, Karluk has a plan in mind. He will be attending Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), where he will study acting and film. With his persistence and determination, Karluk is paving his path for success.

 Karluk’s admits that his character is a result of the obstacles he overcame in high school, losing his father when he was just 15, and processing his grandfather’s recent cancer diagnosis. 

“Things like that tend to play a big role in your mind and heart in a way that shapes you until it can either break you, or it can shape you into a better person,” Karluk said. “I think it has shaped me into a better person.”