Scholar Taking the Stage

Being young and placed into sports, Harrison Lind and family would’ve guessed he would be the next basketball star Scottie Pippen, not the lead role in Highland High’s play Pipin. Trying everything from football to basketball, Lind became tired of the field and court and found a new love on stage.

All four years of high school, Lind has participated in the school plays, always striving to show people his talent the best he could. Now a senior Lind is Highland High’s Sterling Scholar for the Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics department. Anyone who speaks with Lind on the topic of theater notices how quickly it becomes apparent that his passion for theater and the stage life is very compelling.

“The thing that made me connect to acting was being able to get inside a characters head, when you read a play you have what is given to you but, the thing you have to do to be able to push it is, get into this imaginary persons head,” Lind said.

Starting early in fourth grade is when Lind found his desire for the stage life in a class composed opera, following that with his devotion to his Elvis character in Joseph and The Technicolor Dream Coat the next year in fifth grade. This is when his parents noticed a “spark” in Lind. With his charming voice, and his dancing flair, the crowd had nothing but the idea that Lind was a shoo-in for Hollywood. From then on, Lind knew this was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

Many years has passed, with many rehearsals, auditions and long night script rehearsing. But Joan Lind proud mother of Lind says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I just believe in him, in his talents and abilities. I can feel his passion for what he does in his performances,” Joan said.

Joan’s expectations for Lind’s performance in Pipin and for his future are simply greatness. Utah’s High School Musical Awards and the Utah Theater Association attended the play which gave Lind a little boost to perform the best he can. As soon as Lind stepped out on stage, his passion for his character became contagious throughout the entire theater. The gleam in his eyes wouldn’t let anyone’s eyes wander off him.

His co-lead Dylan Kime expressed his love for Lind with the simple words “he’s amazing and so passionate, it’s amazing to watch him.”

The two on stage together are the ultimate dynamic duo, with Kime’s sassy melodies, and Lind’s hard hitting notes their dual ship is unforgettable. Closing night Monday, November 16, was Lind’s last performance on Highland’s stage.

His appreciation to Mrs. Price the plays director brought many smiles throughout the packed theater. Congratulating Mrs. Price on such an amazing play, she responded with, “Oh no, that is all them.” Now that the play has come to an end, Lind is looking forward to his big plans for college. Applications have been sent to many schools, including many in California. At the end of January, 2016 Lind will be traveling to California to audition/apply for scholarships, he will also be auditioning for Westminster and The University of Utah.

Within the cast of Pipin, Lind was nominated for best leading actor by the Utah High School Musical Awards and the Utah Theater Association. Although that doesn’t guarantee his spot, Lind has high hopes that this award could get him noticed by many colleges. Mrs. Price’s and Lind’s close friendship has become a major benefit for Lind, as she has been writing him amazing recommendations and giving him crucial advice. Lind couldn’t help but express his appreciation for the cast, and his respect for their amazing performance.

“I feel like what I got out of this play was an introspective situation where I’m able to look at myself as my own character kind of going through life, because I relate to Pipin’s story so much,” Lind said.

The rest of Lind’s story has yet to be written, but chances are it will unfold in front of the eyes of a captivated audience.