Jacob Uithoven
51³Ō¹Ļ student Jacob Uithoven loves acting, singing and performing. When he was cast as the lead, he said he was āsuper excited.ā
āIāve never played a lead role before, so this is a whole new experience for me,ā he said.
The 22-year-old from Belden, is taking center stage as Wilbur in Theatre 51³Ō¹Ļās upcoming production of āCharlotteās Web,ā premiering Friday [Sept. 27].
For Uithoven, who began his journey at 51³Ō¹Ļ 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 stageāhaving participated in several other Theatre 51³Ō¹Ļ productionsāand his time at 51³Ō¹Ļ has only deepened his passion for theater.
āItās helped me be more confident, more productive and more prepared,ā he said.
These new skills have not only benefited him on stage but also positively impacted his academic and social life at 51³Ō¹Ļ.
āFriendship is one of the most important themes ever,ā he said. āIāve made lots of new friends here,ā said Uithoven, who added his time at 51³Ō¹Ļ has been enriched by the friendships heās made on campus and specifically through involvement with Theatre 51³Ō¹Ļ.
Schoolchildren across the state are expected to flock to 51³Ō¹Ļ to see the heartwarming production of āCharlotteās Web,ā and Uithoven said he hopes those in attendance will learn the importance of loyalty in friendship.
āAlways count on and trust your closest and dearest friends,ā he said.
As opening night approaches, Uithoven said he is most enthusiastic about one thing: āThe audience having a fun time watching a really good show.ā
Uithoven previously worked as an intern for Theatre 51³Ō¹Ļāfrom 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 51³Ō¹Ļās ACCESS program, which supports students with diverse learning needs, for helping him grow both personally and professionally.
āACCESS has helped me a lot on my path to my future career,ā he said.
Uithovenās advice to other students who might be interested in participating in Theatre 51³Ō¹Ļ is simple: āIt would be fun! Youāll have a great time, and you might even make some new friends along the way.ā
With his ACCESS program completion set for 2026, Uithoven is looking forward to continuing his journey at 51³Ō¹Ļ and beyond. For now, his focus is on bringing Wilbur to life on stageāand he canāt wait for audiences to enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed being part of it.