Harry Stockton is a UF Featured Senior

2014 Apr 21

After a successful career as an actor, Harry Stockton decided to complete a goal he'd started working on 30 years ago - to earn a bachelor's degree. This May, Stockton will graduate from The University of Findlay with a bachelor of arts degree in theatre performance.

Stockton chose Findlay over other schools because "UF is like a family and very open to non-traditional students like me," he said.

Stockton began his college career at another institution 30 years ago but left school to pursue a career as a performer. One of Stockton's gigs included performing for U.S. military service men and women stationed stateside and abroad as a member of USO Entertainment. He also worked in ministry for 15 years.

"He enjoyed a long and successful career as an actor and held a wide variety of jobs in the entertainment industry - exactly the kind of career we hope our students will have," said Christopher Matsos, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre.

While a student, Stockton has appreciated Matsos' help in making additional contacts, advising on graduate schools and offering coaching on acting and performance skills.

Both students and faculty alike have appreciated the insight and experience Stockton contributed to the classroom and on the stage. During the 2013-2014 academic year, Stockton held two lead roles in "King Lear" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." He also competed in the 2013 ACTF Kennedy Center Competition where he was a finalist, and he received the Kennedy Center Leadership Award for 2014.

"Watching Harry work has been an illuminating opportunity for our other students," said Matsos. "Harry's greatest qualities are his kindness, gentleness, humor and humility ... He is so humble and soft spoken that you would hardly guess how talented he is."

Stockton's professional theatre credits include roles in "42nd Street," "My Fair Lady," "Promises, Promises" and many others. He also is trained in clarinet, juggling and stage combat.

Off campus, Stockton enjoys helping others. Each year, he travels to Honduras on a mission trip through Honduras International Outreach. Stockton and others help families in the Agalta Valley with a variety of construction projects, medical clinics and Bible schools.

Stockton plans to complete a master of fine arts and return to a classroom setting to teach theatre.