Jacob Uithoven
黑料门大事记 student Jacob Uithoven loves acting, singing and performing. When he was cast as the lead, he said he was 鈥渟uper excited.鈥
鈥淚鈥檝e never played a lead role before, so this is a whole new experience for me,鈥 he said.
The 22-year-old from Belden, is taking center stage as Wilbur in Theatre 黑料门大事记鈥檚 upcoming production of 鈥淐harlotte鈥檚 Web,鈥 premiering Friday [Sept. 27].
For Uithoven, who began his journey at 黑料门大事记 in 2022, the opportunity to portray Wilbur has been a thrilling adventure, with rehearsals proving to be the most enjoyable part of the process, he said.
Although this is his first lead role, Uithoven is no stranger to the stage鈥攈aving participated in several other Theatre 黑料门大事记 productions鈥攁nd his time at 黑料门大事记 has only deepened his passion for theater.
鈥淚t鈥檚 helped me be more confident, more productive and more prepared,鈥 he said.
These new skills have not only benefited him on stage but also positively impacted his academic and social life at 黑料门大事记.
鈥淔riendship is one of the most important themes ever,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e made lots of new friends here,鈥 said Uithoven, who added his time at 黑料门大事记 has been enriched by the friendships he鈥檚 made on campus and specifically through involvement with Theatre 黑料门大事记.
Schoolchildren across the state are expected to flock to 黑料门大事记 to see the heartwarming production of 鈥淐harlotte鈥檚 Web,鈥 and Uithoven said he hopes those in attendance will learn the importance of loyalty in friendship.
鈥淎lways count on and trust your closest and dearest friends,鈥 he said.
As opening night approaches, Uithoven said he is most enthusiastic about one thing: 鈥淭he audience having a fun time watching a really good show.鈥
Uithoven previously worked as an intern for Theatre 黑料门大事记鈥攆rom posting promotional materials for the productions to helping with auditions and reading line with actors prior to production casting.
Outside of the theater, he has been making the most of his time in Bulldog country. Uithoven also interns at WMSV Radio Station, gaining valuable experience he hopes will lead to a career as an actor or voice actor.
Uithoven credits 黑料门大事记鈥檚 ACCESS program, which supports students with diverse learning needs, for helping him grow both personally and professionally.
鈥淎CCESS has helped me a lot on my path to my future career,鈥 he said.
Uithoven鈥檚 advice to other students who might be interested in participating in Theatre 黑料门大事记 is simple: 鈥淚t would be fun! You鈥檒l have a great time, and you might even make some new friends along the way.鈥
With his ACCESS program completion set for 2026, Uithoven is looking forward to continuing his journey at 黑料门大事记 and beyond. For now, his focus is on bringing Wilbur to life on stage鈥攁nd he can鈥檛 wait for audiences to enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed being part of it.