High School Drama: Siegel High's BRANDON HOYT

Even as a high school student, Brandon Hoyt is something of a renaissance man: he sings, he dances, he acts - and he's into information technology, he's a whiz at math and science, he's considering a college career that includes any number of top level universities and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. And he's a 2016 First Night Most Promising Actor, part of a cadre of young actors from area colleges and high schools who have already distinguished themselves both onstage and offstage.

Brandon Hoyt, you see, is a good guy and you might be well-advised to keep your eye on him as his future unfolds. One thing is certain: The Siegel High School junior (a proud member of the Murfreesboro high school's Class of 2017, where he's been a member of both the concert choir and the chamber choir) going places and makes him the perfect subject for this week's much-anticipated return of BWW Nashville's High School Drama...

Last year, he was a member of the ensemble (and the Torchbearer) in Siegel's production of Pippin, directed by 2015 First Night Star Award winner Brenda Gregory and Wendy Paine, and he's currently in rehearsal for the pair's upcoming production of The Who's Tommy. In addition, he was part of 2015 First Night Star Award winner Kim Powers' summer production of West Side Story, starring Corey Shadd and Crystal Kurek.

And now in his third year in Siegel's Army JROTC, Brandon is a second lieutenant. Clearly, there's a lot to learn about this young man and now is your opportunity to get to know him...

What's your theatrical goal? Although I have not given my theatrical long-term goal in life much thought before this question was asked, I know for sure that my life must contain the stage. I just want to act. Between AP classes, JROTC responsibilities, Hip Hop classes and being one of the youngest in my junior class, Theatre acting provides much needed stress relief. I just love being on stage!

What's your dream role?I would choose Elder Price, The Book of Mormon.

So, to date, what's been your best theatrical experience? My best theatrical experience to date was playing The Torchbearer in Siegel High School's Pippin in 2015. Although I was nominated for and won Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards - Standout Ensemble Actor, for that production, as the Torchbearer I was slapped in the face repeatedly by the wonderful Ellen Robertson, and who could forget that. I estimate a total of 21 slaps between performances and rehearsals.

Who are some of your favorite actors? My favorite actors are Andrew Rannells (Elder Price, Book of Mormon) - who, in my opinion has one of the best stage voices. A close second is Sydney Lucas (Small Alison Bechdel, Fun Home) - despite her chronological age, she portrays a character who is very dynamic and she kills it on the stage - moves me to tears during the finale!

What show would you most like to see - that you haven't yet seen? The show I have not yet seen on Broadway is Fun Home. Although Sydney Lucas is no longer in the production, I am planning on seeing it in NYC this summer while I am there for college visits.

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