Seth Ray Hewitt
Age: 24
Year: Senior
Hometown: Norfolk, VA
Major: Theatre Performance
Why did you choose VCU and how did you pick your major?
I came to an orientation with my friend who was planning on going to school here for fine arts. The atmosphere was great and it seemed like a really cool place to be and live — definitely much different than living in Norfolk. My friend, Ricardo, recommended that I look into the theatre program at VCU because I loved to perform and needed to refine my craft. So before I knew it, I was auditioning to be a theatre performance major at VCU as a transfer student.
How long have you been acting?
I have been an actor for about 19 years now. If you want to count the time when I didn’t really know what acting truly consisted of and I performed skits here and there at my church in Norfolk, then I would say about 15 years. But let’s just go with 10!
Do you also sing or dance?
Of course I dance…that is, if you consider dance to be going to Cha Cha’s and bending my knees in a continuous up and down motion. Other than that…no. Although…I am enrolled in a ‘Ballet for the Actor’ class this semester. I’m starting to realize my butt is getting more and more bootylicious every week from dancing. Yay.
As far as singing goes, I love to sing! I also play piano. Go to NO SHAME at Shafer Street Playhouse on the second Friday of each month (I believe). You might see me sing at some point. Who knows! Also, sign up and share your talents with everyone!
What is the most recent show you’ve been in?
Most recent show I was involved in was Macbeth this semester. I played the role of Lennox and kicked ass. Well, not so much as others. But I looked hot! Basically the same thing…
How do you get into character?
For this past role, I used a number of things to help create and get into my character including: physicality adjustments, physical warm ups, inner personal monologues that helped relate myself to the character I was playing and vocal dynamics. Interesting fact: Before each scene I was in, I did 20 push-ups, 20 high knees and pushed into a wall, then ran on stage.
What is your favorite role that you’ve ever played?
Uh oh. Toughy! I’d say my favorite, yet most interesting, role I’ve ever played would have to be the character Ocaninge in an outside production called “1607: The First Landing” on the shore of Virginia Beach. I am white. And I mean white. Being a ginger and all, the last thing you’d expect me to play is an Indian. But I did and it involved sharing and wearing lots of sticky wet makeup all over my body in 100 degree weather.
What advice would you give to a freshman theater major?
FOCUS. Build your resume whenever you have the time. Take Chances! Save money from the start because before you know it you’ll be planning on moving to L.A., Chicago, New York or wherever your path leads you! Know in your heart that this is what you want to do and invest as much time and energy as you possibly can throughout your time at VCU. Talk to the seniors! Introduce yourself. Do not be shy. This business is SO much about the people you know and the people they know. Focus. Connect. And always say YES. (You’ll find out what that means.)
What are your plans after you graduate?
I’ll be hanging around Richmond until my lease is up, saving lots of money, trying to build my resume, then moving in June to Los Angeles with one of my classmates.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can pop my jaw to the tune of Jingle Bells.
Fun fact:
I have a bird named Elvis that I have taken care of for 13 years by myself who has become a pain in my ass but I love him to death!