Student Profile: Roger Thacher

Roger Thacher is the president of Project Spotlight, a student organization that gives students the opportunity to produce, direct, design, manage, and act in their own shows. It is also responsible for the semiannual One Act Festival (OAF). This event happens each semester and features a variety of short plays. Among the plays performed in the spring of 2012 was Brutal Imagination, which was written by Cornelius Eady. Roger was moved by the production, which was directed by Austen Edwards.

"It gripped me in such a way that I had not experienced before" Roger says. He was so impressed that he asked if Austen would be interested in entering it into the lottery for the 2013 Orlando Fringe Festival an annual event in Downtown Orlando that showcases theatrical artists from around the world. Austen agreed and the piece was entered.

The group did not win a spot, but was put on the waiting list.  After a long wait, Project Spotlight’s number came up and Brutal Imagination was given a venue. The long wait means that Project Spotlight has just three months to prepare before the Festival begins.  Roger says he was a little intimidated at first but his fears have been relieved by an amazing support system. "I have a fantastic and incredibly dedicated production team with me and a very talented cast and director."

Roger plans to move to California after graduation and pursue his voice acting career. What gives Roger real joy and what he wants to spend his life doing is cultivating the artistic talent that he sees in others, much like what he is doing through Project Spotlight.

By: Elle Sullivan