As a recipient of a theatre scholarship at Southern Arkansas University, Hardy Bates is required to participate in every production performed by the Department of Theatre and Mass Communication.
Hardy, a junior theatre and mass communication-broadcast journalism double major from Waskom, Texas, feels this requirement will help him in the future as he pursues a professional career in the theatre.
“By having a task in each production, this helps students prepare for the real world,” he said.
Hardy has served as assistant manager, assisted with props, designed programs, built sets, and helped with the set dressing.
His first speaking part was in “The Marriage Counselor” as Rudolpho, which Hardy says is one of his favorite roles. He also performed in “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Master Harold…and the Boys.”
Hardy was first bitten by the acting bug when he as a junior at Waskom High School, but did not decided to pursue it seriously until his senior year.
“By then, I wanted to have more knowledge of the theatre,” he said. “I think theatre is an art that is not always recognized.”
With the help of his brother, Will, Hardy decided to pursue a degree at Southern Arkansas University.
“My brother sold the University to me,” explains Hardy. “He was a big influence on my decision on what college to attend.”
After graduation, Hardy plans to pursue a career in professional theatre and attend graduate school.
Although he doesn’t know if he wants to be center stage or work behind the scenes, Hardy knows either choice will be hard work.
“If you are on the stage, you are in the limelight,” he said. “But being behind the scenes is good, too. You still do as much work as the actors, but you do not receive as much recognition.”
