OU’s Musical Theatre Department is losing a talented and
beloved young man.

Jared Watson, musical theater senior, will graduate in May.

During his time at OU, he has been in five major performances
and has had an effect on many students and faculty. He will move to
New York to pursue his career and passion in musical theater.

Becoming a Sooner

When Watson came to audition at OU from Louisiana, he knew OU
was where he wanted to come. He said he loved the people and the
faculty.

Watson applied exclusively to OU and was accepted.

“It was meant to be,” he said.

He was cast in the ensemble of “Guys and Dolls” his
freshman year and has played a major role every year since. His
other roles were Bobby in “Good News,” Henrick in
“A Little Night of Music,” Bobby in
“Cabaret” and Freddie in “Chess.”

Lyn Cramer, associate professor of musical theater, said Watson
was already talented when he came to OU. She attributed much of his
success to his ability to learn at a fast pace.

“He’s quick. In this business, that will get him
far,” she said.

Watson’s peers also recognize his talent and passion for
the stage. Annie Funke, University College freshman, said she feels
lucky to have met Watson.

“[Watson] is the most talented actor I have ever met.
He’s incredible,” she said.

KeLeen Snowgren, musical theater senior, agrees. She described
Watson as a “triple threat in musical theater.”

Watson began acting when he was 8 years old and living near
Kansas City, Mo. He said he was acting all of the time by the time
he turned 11.

“I decided that is what I’m really passionate
about,” he said.

Watson said he enjoys the story-telling function theater
provides and cites music as a way to enhance the storytelling.

“Music heightens it. That’s exciting,” he
said.

Watson took voice lessons through high school, paid for by his
grandmother, Virginia Joyner. He said his grandmother is his
biggest supporter.

Joyner said when Watson was growing up, he was singing and
dancing everywhere, “not just on stage.”

“He loved singing and dancing,” Joyner said.

As part of her job, Joyner would take Watson to Dallas and New
York with her tour groups to watch plays and musicals. In New York,
Watson would either be watching a show or walking along Broadway,
she said.

Leaving friends

Watson’s friends and teachers agree letting him go will
not be easy, but they know it’s something inevitable.

“It’s what he needs to be doing,” said Andrew
Franklin, musical theater junior. “He won’t have a
problem getting work.”

Funke said she knows their friendship will last but it would be
hard letting him go. Snowgren said everything Watson has done has
been in preparation for New York and his life in the future.

“I’ve worked with some amazing dancers, but never a
mind like Jared’s. He’s an exceptional young
man,” Cramer said.

Watson will remember OU as he departs to New York.

“This has been the best four years of my life,
that’s for sure,” Watson said.
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