In addition to helping to take care of athletes, Jonathan is also one himself. He’s been a part of the Shorecrest football team for all four years of Upper School.
For years, he’s been cultivating his career interest and utilizing every resource available to him along the way. His dedication to physical therapy/athletic training can be rivaled only by his musical talents.
Last spring, when Shorecrest presented “The Phantom of the Opera,” Jonathan’s portrayal of the Phantom connected the audience with the tortured, lovable, misunderstood character. Jonathan recalls, “In Phantom, I really enjoyed learning how to become a character on stage, not just act like one.” Jonathan was so committed to the role, he even shaved his head for the opening performance.
This spring Jonathan took the lead in yet another iconic musical, the most ambitious that the Shorecrest musical theatre program had ever attempted - “Les Misérables.” Jonathan played Jean Valjean to a packed house in the Janet Root Theatre. Jonathan says, “Les Misérables definitely helped me understand what it is to act with emotion and really connect with a character.”
When asked how he finds balance in his competing interests in theatre and athletics, Jonathan says, “Balancing athletics and theatre is both hard but fun! Because I've dedicated so much time into both, it becomes like a puzzle fitting in pieces when necessary and trying to find what fits. Yes, sometimes sacrifices have to be made, but thanks to the administration in both categories, things get a lot easier.”
Jonathan credits his musical theatre directors and coaches with shaping his interest in theatre. According to Jonathan, “My most influential teacher at Shorecrest could not be limited to just one. I actually believe that I have gotten the most out of the musical theatre teaching staff more than anything! They have helped me find a new light in myself and help me reach my potential.”