Student Profile: Jesse Hinton

Although Spring Awakening is sophomore Jesse Hinton's fifth production at Theatre UCF, it is his first musical. Though a gifted singer, the BFA Acting major has not had any official music training, so his first musical—a production in which he has a leading role—has been eye-opening for him.

Voice director Tara Snyder and the rest of the cast have been extremely supportive through this process. Jesse says that "trying to find your inner rockstar is kind of different" compared to his other roles. Since the play is set in the 19th century, but also has contemporary rock music, Jesse is seeking ways to balance the two aspects, and is really enjoying it. Jesse has participated in one show per semester—Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music; Bury the Dead; No Sex Please, We’re British; Good Boys and True; and now Spring Awakening—that he's been at UCF, and has had lead roles in all of those productions.

He was nominated for the Irene Ryan Award for Acting for his performance as Brandon in Good Boys and True, which earned him a spot to participate in the the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. At the competition Jesse was bestowed the award for Best Comedic Actor. Jesse says that while he had a great time, the Festival was a lot of work. In between performances, he was preparing for the next round and making cuts to his pieces to stay within the time restrictions. There was always something to do.

Once he graduates, Jesse is thinking about moving to either Chicago or New York. In the meantime, Jesse reports he loves the commitment of the Theatre UCF faculty and he’s having a great time…but it's a lot of work. Just like the Festival.

By: Elle Sullivan