Ethan Clarke ’26, theatre, found his place on stage early on and has continued to grow as a performer throughout his time at URI. What started as an interest in theatre quickly turned into a deeper commitment, leading him to take on major roles and become closely involved in URI Theatre. Through his experiences, Clarke has not only developed his craft but also found a strong sense of community within the program.

What made you choose URI, and what got you interested in theatre?
Upon receiving a substantial scholarship, touring the beautiful campus, and seeing URI theatre’s performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the deal was sealed. I saw that show, and I knew right away, “I want to do that!” I tried all the sports growing up- not for me. By second grade, it was clear that this stage was where I flourished. The sense of play and community there allowed me to express a part of myself that could only be fulfilled through creating art.

What’s been your favorite URI production? Favorite memory?
My favorite URI production as a whole was Guys and Dolls, the golden age musical we did in April of 2025. That was an absolute blast getting to play one of the leads, Sky Masterson, and more so because of the tremendous joy that hilarious, flashy, golden-age musical brought to everybody in the cast. We were a big, happy family who got to sing, dance, and act ridiculously together every night. The collection of memories I hold fondly is the creation of Peter and the Starcatcher, which the URI theatre presented in December of 2025. The director left much to the cast to create, and we rose to the challenge, overcoming tremendous obstacles, such as absences, bloody noses, and a broken ankle. Seeing my friends take so much responsibility and have such aplomb is a memory I return to when I have doubts about my community and my worth.

What’s something you’ve learned from acting that you didn’t expect?
“Do less.” That’s been the most frequent note (more or less) that I have received in all four years. You don’t have to try so hard. Just trust in your abilities and your scene partner, and let go. The more you let go, the freer you become.

Good and bad acting is technical in some ways, but I’ve discovered that it’s also about who is a blocked and unblocked actor, socially, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Acting takes a lot of soul-searching, and it demands that we reach deeper and deeper into ourselves to express dormant parts and find more truth.

No fear. No distractions. Do the work. Commit to the bit.

What does a typical day look like for you as a theatre student?
A typical Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for me starts at 8:00 a.m., when I wake up and spend an hour warming up and working out. After that, I get ready, grab a quick bite, and head to class around 10:00. From about 11:00 to 2:00, I focus on homework like French studies, running lines, writing, reading, journaling, or preparing audition material, or I spend time rehearsing. I then have acting class from 2:00 to 4:30, grab something to eat, and head back to the Fine Arts Center for rehearsal at 5:45. Rehearsal runs from 6:00 to 10:00, and afterward I stretch, do my physical therapy routine, and sometimes finish any remaining assignments before going to bed around midnight. It’s a long day, but it’s filled with doing what I love.

What are you hoping to do after graduation, or what kind of work are you interested in?
I will be auditioning, auditioning, auditioning day and night, trying to get work. Nothing is guaranteed for an actor, so it’s all about networking and getting your name out there. I would like to eventually make my way to New York City, or even try my hand in London. The bottom line is, there is nothing else I would rather do with my life, and nothing fulfills me the way performing does, so there is no other option. The dream would be to become a regular musical theater actor in a big city! I love all kinds of theater, but the most fun, hands down, is musical theater.

This story was written by Leili Mahrouk, intern for the Harrington School Social Media Agency.