I cannot tell you just how excited I am for you to see all of the hard work from our amazing Theatre students finally come to fruition! They have spent many long hours in rehearsal to create this incredible show for you to enjoy. You may be wondering, who is this Mr. Waid that our kids are spending all of this time with learning about theatre? I'd love to tell you a little about me!
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Aside from teaching, Jacob Waid is an American opera singer and musical theatre baritone who has portrayed leading roles all across the country. He is most notably known for his many productions of Les Misérables as both ValJean and Javert, the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, and roles encompassing a broad range of shows; Sweeney Todd, South Pacific, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray, Sister Act, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more! Jacob is an alumnus of performances, residences, and programs with Houston Grand Opera, Seagle Music Colony, Chautaqua Opera, Dolora Zajick's Institue for Young Dramatic Voices, and orchestras around the country! Jacob's operatic credits include leading roles in: Le Nozze di Figaro, Roméo et Juliette, Falstaff, La Bohéme, Don Giovanni, and more! Jacob is also the winner of the regional Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera.
Jacob spent the last several years before coming to Valor in a residency with Sight&Sound Theatres in Branson, Missouri playing the leading role in their production of MOSES. He then moved to New York City and worked as a performer and producer. Jacob premiered two Off-Broadway shows: Ramona and Anne Frank, the musical, during his time in NYC. He was also in the midst of producing and starring in a new revival of Sweeney Todd before Covid-19 shut it down. Jacob and his wife then moved down to Nashville to begin a new chapter in their lives in 2020. Jacob continues to perform professionally as a soloist with nationally renowned Symphony Orchestras across the United States.
Jacob has a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a Master of Arts in Teaching.
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As I finish up my third year and fifth show with Valor as the Theatre Teacher and Director, I think about just how lucky and blessed I have been to be able to create theatre with your amazing students. They are truly some of the hardest working kids I know. Thank you for letting them be a part of the VCP Theatre Department productions. These last 3 years have truly been an honor.
The Addams Family will be my final show as the VCP Theatre Teacher/Director. However, I am excited to announce that I won't be going far - starting in the summer 2023, I will be one of Valor College Prep's new Assistant Principals of Culture.
Thank you all so much for your love, support, kindness, and grace.
Mr. Jacob Waid
