High School Drama: Hume-Fogg's ZACH TAYLOR

Never ones to shy away from a challenge, Daron Bruce and Lisa Forbis bring yet another iconic musical to the recently rehabilitated theater at Nashville's Hume-Fogg Academic High School with their upcoming production of Rent, running March 2-4 at the school, ideally situated on Music City's very own Broadway.

As has been the school's theatrical legacy, Rent will feature a cast of talented and ambitious up-and-coming young actors, including Zach Taylor, the senior who will be closing out his high school theatrical career as Roger in the Jonathan Larson musical that is now celebrating its 25th anniversary with an international tour. The Yale University-bound Taylor found time in his harried schedule - what with classes and rehearsals, that's a miracle in and of itself - to take on our High School Drama questions and to offer some background about his love of the stage and what motivates him as he preps a new character for the audience.

What is your theatrical goal in life? My theatrical goal has always been to understand others. Being able to walk a mile in the shoes of whatever character I'm playing helps me not only to understand the character but also other people as well. I try to perform in such a way that people leave the show thinking differently about the show than when they arrived. I like to change people's mindsets.

If you could play any role in any show - what would you choose? That's tough...I always find that I grow as a performer most when I undertake roles that have a lot of emotional complexity. If given the opportunity, I'd want to portray the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. Not only am I entranced by the music, but the emotional weight of that character fascinates me.

What's been your best theatrical experience to date? Undoubtedly, my best theatrical experience is my current role of Roger in Hume-Fogg's Rent. It has been quite the experience to connect with a character of such powerful emotion, not to mention rising to the challenge of singing with equal power. At the end of the song "Your Eyes," as Roger is watching Mimi die in his arms as he cries out her name is the most impassioned and cathartic moment I've ever experienced as a performer.

Who are your favorite actors? Jonny Depp: I admire the way in which he embraces all of his characters, to the point that it's difficult to tell that it's the same actor playing any two of his roles. Depp also is very good at using his eyes expressively. Scarlett Johansson: Her mastery over facial expressions is something to be marveled at. Robin Williams: The sheer versatility of the roles Williams performed so well astonishes me. From the off-the-cuff comedy skits in Good Morning Vietnam to the passionate monologue in Good Will Hunting to the inspiration of Dead Poets Society, nobody knew timing better. James Spader: I admire the way in which Spader owns whatever scene he is in. His stage presence is incredible. Hugh Jackman: "The Wolverine can sing?!"

What show that you've never seen would you most like to see live, onstage? Les Miserables! I know the music by heart but I've never been able to see it performed. I absolutely love it when verses of different songs are sung synchronously, and Les Miz features that repeatedly

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