HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA: Hume-Fogg's Jessie Gholson

Welcome, kind ladies and dear gentlemen and all supporters of theater (both local and otherwise) to our freshest installment of High School Drama, in which we introduce BWW Nashville readers to some of Music City's hardest working teenaged actors. Living in a city made all the more unique and interesting by the creative people who live here and create art every day, we are especially to be blessed by scores of talented individuals who make a night in the theater both compelling and challenging.

Throughout Middle Tennessee, high school theater is growing by leaps and bounds, challenging all manner or preconceived notions. Led by outstanding educators like Mary Ellen Smith, Matt Smith, Paula Flautt, Daron Bruce, Jenny Noel and Will Butler, student actors are making their mark on the theater community, not only in academic productions but in community and professional projects, as well.

This week we introduce the lovely and graceful Jessie Gholson, a 17-year-old senior at Hume-Fogg Academic High School. She recently completed a run in the school's fall production of The King and I, playing the leading role of Anna Leonowens. Her previous roles at HFA include Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray and a Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret. Jessie is also a member of The Blue Notes show choir for the third consecutive year.

What is your theatrical goal in life? Right now, my short-term theatrical goal is to participate in theater productions at the college I will attend. I would also love to teach drama and theatre at some children's summer camps and help other girls who may be shy to discover their voice through theatre.

If you could play any role in any show what would you choose? I don't have to think about this one. I would play Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical.

What's been your best theatrical experience to date? I loved playing Anna Leonowens in my high school's production of The King and I, even though the giant hoop skirt was quite a challenge!

Who are your favorite actors? My favorite Broadway actor is Kristin Chenoweth. She is so tiny, but she still fills the room, commands the stage, and captures the audience. Her performance as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked was spot on.

What show that you've never seen would you most like to see? My high school Show Choir recently performed a medley of songs from Newsies. I hope to see this musical when it comes to Nashville next year.