Collegiate Theatrics: Belmont University's ZACHARY WATERS

Racing headlong toward graduation from Belmont University's acclaimed musical theater program, Zachary Waters (scion of the Calhoun, Georgia, Waterses) has a jam-packed week ahead even before he can take a breath and consider the gravity of his impending college commencement. This weekend, he opens in the role of Uncle Fester in BUMT's production of The Addams Family (running April 1-10 at The Troutt Theatre, with Waters' cast performing April 2, 8 and 10).

Before achieving acclaim (which means he got a good review from me) as Mike Nolte in last December's White Christmas, he'd made noteworthy contributions to Oklahoma! (as Ali Hakim), All Shook Up and Singing in the Rain. And after graduation, he'll be heading up to Indiana for the summer to take on the role of Ring Master in WOW: World of Wonder at Holiday World theme park. And, in between, he and the other members of BUMT's Class of 2016 are preparing for their New York showcase, their first opportunity to let the folks in the Big Apple know that they are well on their way.

For now, the engaging and entertaining Waters is focused on completing his studies - and perhaps most importantly, remembering his lines as the iconic Uncle Fester in The Addams Family - and answering our Collegiate Theatrics questions (with alacrity and maturity), giving him the opportunity for reflection on the impact studying at Nashville's Belmont University has meant to him during his all-too-brief Tennessee theater sojourn.

How's your college theater career going? My college career is coming to a speeding conclusion! We are all working like crazy on our New York Showcase, cleaning The Addams Family, and trying to keep up classwork in the meantime. I am trying to enjoy and remain present in every moment and take every lesson that is presented to me. I would say that my collegiate career has exceeded my expectations of what it could be. I have learned so much from the people and opportunities I have been provided with through my collegiate experiences.

What's been your favorite part of studying at Belmont? My favorite part of being at Belmont, and I'm sure many would agree, is the people I work with every day. Belmont is known as an incredible school for the arts, so I could obviously talk about the incredible training that has helped me grow as a performer more than I ever thought possible, but you can only grow so much if you aren't supported - which is where Belmont is very different than other schools. At Belmont, the teachers and students support each other and celebrate everyone's successes instead of playing the nasty game of comparison and competition. My classmates mean so much to me, and without them I could not have grown as much as I have. It is incredible to be somewhere that pushes you in a healthy way. I know that the relationships I have formed at Belmont will last long past graduation.

Has your career path deviated or have your plans changed since coming to Nashville? I wouldn't say they have changed as much as been affirmed. I have known that I wanted to perform since I was seven years old, sitting in the orchestra section the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. My family went to see Cats, and while everyone else slept or stared at the stage in confusion, I sat enthralled with every movement. I excitedly recounted what had happened to my sister who slept through the show, who promptly replied with, "Cats don't dance and then go to heaven." I didn't care then, and I don't care now - I still want to perform. So the plans have never changed, but now I have the tools to make them a reality.

What's been your most memorable theater moment so far? There are two instances that come to mind, and really they are connected. My first production at Belmont was in Singing in the Rain and I will never forget watching as the title number was performed and the rain fell onto the stage. It was just really a moment for me to think of where I was and what I wanted to achieve. I had never performed in a space where that was possible, so it was really mind-blowing for me. The second moment was in White Christmas, which we just did in December. Not only was my role insanely fun, but to have the "snow" falling at the end of such a beautiful show was breathtaking. It made me think back to the rain, and how much I have grown and it was just a really special moment. Addams Family will also hold a special place in my heart, just because it is my last college show and it is so much fun to perform with my friends!

What advice would you offer a high school student who's considering a theater career? My main piece of advice would be: Don't worry, nobody really knows what is going on. I was always intimidated when I didn't know something and someone else did, but I quickly found out that we are in college to learn. It's ok to know what you know, and not know what you don't know - the key is being open to the experiences and lessons that will teach you. Enjoy every experience, have fun, and be yourself. One of my all-time favorite quotes was said by Judy Garland, and it really reminds me the power and importance of being yourself. She said, "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else." We are entering an industry that can take a toll on us. Always remember that you are special, talented, and capable of anything. Everyone's path is different. Ultimately, buckle up - you are in for the ride of a lifetime!

About The Addams Family:

Belmont University Musical Theatre, at the Troutt Theatre, 2112 Belmont Avenue, Nashville: The Addams Family, running through April 10. www.belmont.edu/music Based on the ghoulish cartoons by Charles Addams, The Addams Family is a musical comedy that will have you laughing TO DEATH! Follow the story of Wednesday Addams as she falls in love and takes the family on a wild ride that has them facing their worst nightmare...one normal night. It's just a simple dinner party. What could go wrong? Come meet the family. We'll leave the lights off for you. Tickets available at the Curb Box Office or belmont.edu/music $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, Belmont faculty, staff and non-Belmont students, and free for Belmont students. For more information, call (6150 460-6408.

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