Dalton Hedrick

The official logo of 2016 #CCUfamily

Name:  Dalton Hedrick

Hometown: Fredericksburg, Va.

Year in School: Sophomore           

Major: B.F.A. Physical Theatre 

Dalton is a B.F.A. Physical Theatre student.

                                                                

Dalton's Video

Dalton Hedrick will say he is passionate.

Tell us something we didn’t know!

When it comes to Dalton, you don’t even need him to say a word before the reality hits you. All it takes is a split second of eye contact before it becomes plainly obvious that he oozes passion. A B.F.A Physical Theatre student, Dalton is one of those talented students who auditioned for his right to come to Coastal. It goes without saying that those admitted into the program don’t lack passion to begin with, but Dalton just takes it to a different (and completely genuine) level.

A sophomore from Fredericksburg, Va., Dalton enjoys his academic discipline because it allows him to discover new and exciting ways to use his body while also giving him a thorough education on all components of theatre. The fact that he gets to study at Coastal Carolina University, a place he says has a great grasp on its identity, is icing on the cake.

Ask Dalton what he wants to see more of in this country and he won’t blink an eye. A greater embrace of the arts in the United States is absolutely critical, he will argue. Adding that the nation needs to find its “American Voice” when it comes to areas such as theatre and music, he is optimistic that a renaissance of sorts can occur.

However, if that renaissance comes about quickly, Dalton might not be around to see the start of it. He will spend all of next academic year studying abroad in Arezzo, Italy, an incredible opportunity that he admits will most likely transform his aspirations and pursuits. Needless to say, it will be a treat to sit down with Dalton upon his return from Europe and see if his passion for life has increased even more. 

Dalton is a sophomore
Dalton will study abroad in Italy next year.

Q&A with Dalton

How did you hear about Coastal?: I heard about Coastal from my high school drama teacher.

Why did you come to Coastal?: When I visited campus for my audition into the program, a unique feeling of family struck me. I felt welcome and wanted before I had even been accepted.

Favorite professor: Gwendolyn Schwinke. She is a professor of Acting and Voice here at Coastal, and her attention to detail alongside her specificity of language really helps facilitate the growth of my own process as well as emotional breakthroughs.

Favorite class: Intro to Physical Theatre (THEA-372). This class is the first real look into what our major is all about. We are constantly creating in the class, and for me, this helps me grow not only as an actor but as an artist. There are pieces that I made in that class that I still use today!

Favorite aspect of Coastal?: We are a mid size liberal arts university on the outskirt of a booming tourist area. There are so many communities of people from all aspects of life with all sorts of passions. For me, this is what I need to grow as a human. I also find that academia at this school is very malleable in the sense that you can personalize rigor, involvement and opportunities with no restrictions but your own work ethic.

Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: Because this is a tourist area there is a plethora of things to do in the immediate area. I personally am a huge fan of the outdoors opportunities in the area (Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and a classic, the Atlantic Ocean).

Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am the vice president of UPSTAGE, which is a non-departmental theatre organization here on campus. Our goal is to bring theatre, workshops and performance opportunities to anyone at CCU who loves theatre, or wants to learn more! I also am involved with CCU’s improvisational club, THE IMPROVOCADOS. Finally, this year I founded the Playmasters Ensemble. This non-commitment organization reads a new play every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Edwards 105. We talk about theatre literature and the world, come drop in!

Plans after graduation?: Too early to say! I spend all of next year in Arezzo, Italy, and I would judge that the experience of living abroad for a year will probably change me and my aspirations. So, for now I am simply trying to remain present in my work and enjoy my time here!

What are your hobbies?: I love nature! Hiking, running, piano, cycling, parkour, exploring, philosophising, dreaming, rapping, painting, designing, talking, helping others.  

Do you have any hidden talents?: No, I have talents I tend to turn them into hobbies, that way they strengthen, and if I want new talents, I tend to turn them into hobbies, in hopes that they will strengthen.

Bonus Info: I am currently very lucky to be working on CCU’s production of BIG LOVE playing the role of Constantine. Come out and experience love, gender and the human experience in a way that is as new as it is old!