HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA: Hume Fogg's Ray Gleaves

Welcome, dear ladies and 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.

Today, we introduce you to Hume-Fogg Academic High School senior Ray Gleaves, a 17-year-old senior who's been an integral member of Daron Bruce's theater productions, as well as a four year member of the school concert choir (he's serving as president this year), a three year member of The Blue Notes (the HFA show choir), as well as a three year member of both Resonance (the school's men's choir) and The HFA Singers, which is best described as a small specialty ensemble. Among the roles on his theatrical resume are Anxious in West Side Story, Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray, Otto in Cabaret and Simon of Legree/male ensemble in The King and I.

Ray was also one of HFA's students who performed with the Broadway cast of Matilda at the Best of Broadway showcase, held in Nashville last January 2014. Without a doubt, Ray Gleaves is a name you should remember...

My theatrical goal in life is to be able to do what I love (singing, dancing and acting), and inspire people all around the world whether it be on stage or on television. My parents have always told me "Put your mind to it, and you can do or be anything." And I want to spread that type of encouragement.

If I could play any role in any show, I would love to play Collins in Rent, it seems like such a fun show and I love the songs that Collins sings.

My best theatrical experience to date has to be our school production of Hairspray, it was the first time I have ever had a lead. It was such a fun show and allowed me to challenge myself vocally and as an actor, since my personality somewhat differs from the character. I also felt like we had such a great family vibe as a cast and crew, and it was definitely a production I will never forget.

My favorite actors would have to be Denzel Washington and Keke Palmer - I admire their diversity in all of the roles they have played, as well as all of the accomplishments they have made. The Broadway actor Jasond Thomas, has also become a huge inspiration to me.

What show (that you haven't seen) would you most like to see? I have not seen Newsies, and I would love to. I have seen the movie and performed a medley from the musical in show choir, but I would love to see the Broadway musical version.