The Houston theater scene is booming with fresh talent this season, showcasing a combination of emerging stars and seasoned artists who are making waves in the industry.
In this year’s Ones to Watch feature, we highlight individuals who have caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, all while bringing their unique perspectives to the stage.
**Jazmyn Bolden** is a Houston native who discovered her passion for performance through the Speech and Debate team. Bolden credits her parents for their unwavering support, emphasizing their desire for her to be versatile in her pursuits. With roles in local festivals and a standout performance in the Ensemble Theatre’s production of *Flex*, she captured hearts as Starra, a high school basketball captain.
Bolden plans to explore comedic roles in the future, eager to share her light-hearted nature with audiences.
“I’ve always been the drama queen,” she notes. “But recently, I just started tapping into comedy.”
**Benjamin McLaughlin** made a memorable return to the stage with his performance in Classical Theatre’s *Three Sisters* after an eight-year hiatus. His journey began in high school, transitioning from a shy newcomer to a confident actor leading his drama club.
Graduating from the University of Houston, McLaughlin took several years to focus on building a stable life, but he realized that his heart belonged to the theater.
He is now set to take on the role of Rodrigo in *Othello*, expressing excitement about exploring complex emotions in his character.
**Alexandra Szeto-Joe** transitioned from figure skating to acting, thanks to her childhood involvement in various theatrical programs. After graduating from NYU during the pandemic, she returned to Houston and quickly made a name for herself in productions such as *Three Sisters*, *The Heart Sellers*, and *The Mirror Crack’d*.
Now, she’s set to challenge herself as a swing performer in *A Christmas Carol*, diving into the exploration of multiple characters.
**Elia Adams** has come full circle, having originally auditioned for *Choir Boy* back in 2017. Now, with experience under his belt, he will embody AJ in the upcoming production, which delves into themes of brotherhood and resilience.
His performance in *Camp Logan* earned him recognition, establishing him as a rising force in the Houston theater landscape.
**Olivia Knight** graduated into the pandemic from Virginia and initially contemplated grad school. Instead, she found herself winning accolades, including the Houston Theater Award for Best Breakthrough for her role in *Blackbird*. Knight’s deep connection to storytelling reveals her passion for exploring complex characters.
This season, she will portray Emilia in *Othello*, eager to tackle the multifaceted themes present in her character’s journey.
**Juan Sebastian Cruz**, who made a significant shift from mathematics to theater during his time at Rice University, is now exploring new creative endeavors as a first-time playwright. He reveals that he will not be acting this year, instead focusing on writing and directing *The Legend of Julio Star*, a musical for all ages.
**Andraes Hunt** stepped back into the spotlight with his performance in *Race*, showcasing his nuanced understanding of complex characters. He is set to take on the role of Aegisthus in *Electra*, driven by a desire to uncover universal themes relevant today.
**Cameron O’Neil** emerged from the pandemic with a powerful presence, recognized for his roles in *Spring Awakening* and *Death of a Salesman*. He is excited to help shape new narratives, embarking on creating a character in *Womb 2.0* for the Alley All New Festival.
**Brandon Carter**, who dazzled audiences with his portrayal of Biff in *Death of a Salesman*, brings his extensive experience to the Houston stage. With a deep appreciation for Shakespeare’s works, he will reprise the titular role in *Othello*, eager to explore the psychological intricacies of the character.
These talented individuals represent the thriving arts scene in Houston, blending personal narratives with professional aspirations. The future of Houston theater is bright, with each artist ready to leave their mark.
As this season unfolds, audiences can expect to see these stars shine brightly, each carving their unique pathways while genre and style continue to evolve. With a strong community of mentors and support, Houston is poised to foster even more exceptional talent in the years to come.
image source from：houstonpress
