Reece Hilt
Reece Hilt has always wanted to be a filmmaker or director. When he was 9, he wanted to audition for a show, but the pandemic intervened. The first auditions after the pandemic were for Theatre Bristol’s production of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” He auditioned and got a part. By the end of this year, he will have performed in 18 different productions.
While Reece started with acting, he has added singing, dancing and playing instruments. He also has developed an appreciation for backstage parts, such as stage management.
“I enjoy when everything comes together — watching it grow and get better until opening night. It brings a feeling that is unimaginable. I have had the privilege of doing many shows with Theatre Bristol on the ARTSpace stage, Paramount Bristol and the grand reopening of the Cameo Theatre. I have also performed in productions with Bristol Academy of Music and performances at my school (E.B. Stanley Middle School). Coming up, I will be playing the role of Royal Campbell and working as the assistant stage manager in ‘The Mockingbird Sings’ with Theatre Bristol. This will be my third time performing in that show, and it is one of my favorite musicals. In December, I willbe in Bristol Academy of Music’s ‘Elf the Musical, Jr.’
“I have learned a lot just by working with so many talented actors and musicians in theater. Camille Gray and everyone at Theatre Bristol have been great mentors. Before auditioning for my second show (‘The Sound of Music’), the director, Glenn Patterson told me, ‘If you do one show, it’s probably something that you just want to try out, if you do two shows, it might just be a phase, and you’ll get out of it, but if you do three shows, you’ll be doing theater for life.’ He was right and I’m so thankful for getting to work under his direction for two of his shows so far,’ Reece says.
One of his favorite roles is Beetlejuice which he performed at school. His favorite musical is “The Sound of Music.” Musical theater is one of his favorite genres, but he also enjoys comedy because it gives the actors and audience a chance to laugh together.
“To me, theater should be a place where you can let go of all stress. A place where even after the worst of days, you’ll be able to forget about all of that and have a great time and share that time with people who feel the same way. My approach is to really make the character my own. Everyone has a role that’s perfect for them. And once you find that role, you’ll truly feel in another world. Whether it’s on stage or off stage, there is something for everyone in the arts. Don’t be afraid to try something new,” Reece says.
His next step is to get more experience and take any opportunity that is offered. He is researching colleges and would like to get a degree in filmmaking or stage directing.
He plays the French horn at school and is learning how to play the banjo. He is taking voice lessons and provides safety tips on WCYB’s “Kids Who Care” segments.
Reece is 13 and is in the eighth grade. He is the son of Denton and Bethaney Hilt.
