Collegiate Theatrics: Belmont University's BOBBY HOGAN

It's been a typically hectic semester for Belmont University senior Bobby Hogan: he completed his run as Davey in Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre's production of Newsies, started rehearsal on his next show, began preparations for his own senior show next semester and continued as a varsity cheerleader at the school.

And now, with Side Show set to open this Friday night at Belmont's Massey Auditorium, he's been working on his magic skills, perfecting some tricks for his role of Harry Houdini while refining his howling technique to play the show's Dog Boy. Clearly, Bobby Hogan is a young man who embraces a challenge.

A native of St. Louis - he graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School - Hogan's already looking ahead to what the future holds for him once his time in the Belmont University Musical Theatre program comes to an end.

Today, he shares some memories of his time on the Nashville campus and tells us what stands out in his mind about his experiences via our Collegiate Theatrics series of interviews with some of the most promising young actors on American college campuses. Of his role in last spring's production of On The Town, we wrote: "Hogan is enormously appealing as Ozzie, the "ladykiller" sailor who falls for the intellectual, if libidinous, researcher/author Claire De Loone." Now, here's your chance to get to know Bobby Hogan a little better:

What's your college experience at Belmont been like so far? Nonstop. If anything has been consistent these four years, it's the constant grind. At times it can get overwhelming, but it's definitely worth it.

Has it lived up to its advance hype? What's your favorite thing about studying at Belmont? Yes - 100%, but, of course, it's what you make of it. My favorite thing about studying at Belmont has been the crazy amount of opportunities that exist at a liberal arts university like this one. At most schools, if you are a musical theatre major, that is all that you are. However, over the course of my college career, I've been a Musical Theatre major, Belmont Cheerleader, personal trainer, in Belmont's dance company and a fraternity, while also doing shows in Nashville.

What does the future hold for you and have your aspirations changed since you're now an experienced college student? My aspirations have more or less remained the same - I've always wanted to be involved in both stage and film/television - the only things that have really changed are I'm much more prepared.

What collegiate theatrical moment looms largest in your mind? Senior Shows! They are some of the best and most stressful parts of the year, and mine is coming up in a couple months.

What advice would you offer to high school students considering making the plunge? Start studying up now! Read plays, watch musicals, learn music. Be as well-versed as you can, as soon as possible. But above all else, find something that makes you different and continue to be a well-rounded and real person.

What's your latest theatrical project and what comes next? My latest theatrical project was Newsies at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre, where I had the privilege of playing Davey. Next up, I'm doing a little magic and learning to howl as Houdini and Dog Boy in Belmont's production of Side Show!

photo by Michael Scott Evans

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