The dream of performing on Broadway was something that Jayke Workman ’19 wanted, and he knew that The Hartt School would help him turn this into a reality. Since graduation, he has worked in regional theaters and eventually landed a role on Broadway in Chicago The Musical.
Workman cites Hartt and the University of Hartford as key to his success in his career in the arts. The education helped him on a curricular level, and also provided exposure to a wide array of specialties and walks of life on social levels. This is also one of Workman’s favorite aspect of UHart, as he got to know people who are nursing majors, musicians, business majors, and student-athletes, all while refining his skillset and building up his talents as an artist. “The connections I made during my time at UHart were the most invaluable piece of my collegiate experience,” Workman says. “I would not trade my experience at UHart for anything.”
Additionally, the faculty at Hartt forged valuable connections and offered tremendous encouragement of his talents. Workman says he worked closely with Ralph Perkins, associate professor of dance and music theatre, to “sharpen my technique as a dancer; he had an immense impact on my abilities as a performer.”
Hartt’s community and industry connections proved to be crucial to building up Workman’s résumé and experience. While at Hartt, he completed various internships at regional summer stock theaters. During his senior year, he was given an opportunity at Hartford Stage in a world premiere musical, which introduced him to an invaluable group of professional theater artists.
Upon reflecting on his time at Hartt, Workman remains grateful for everything that it provided for him. In addition to his friends and family, his teachers and the community at Hartt encouraged him to “embrace my talents and follow my dream.”
Jayke Workman ’19, The Hartt SchoolThe connections I made during my time at UHart were the most invaluable piece of my collegiate experience. I would not trade my experience at UHart for anything.