1 out of 18.

Jacob Bond will represent the Wildkits as he pursues his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California in a program that accepted only 18 applicants from around the world.

“In order to apply, I had to submit a normal application, an application for the drama school, and I had five days worth of auditions. It was really intense,” says Bond.

“Each role has taught me something new and was special in a different way,” adds Bond, who landed a role as Laertes in Hamlet and as Rick in Six Degrees of Separation at ETHS.

Even though Jacob will miss acting at Evanston, he is ready to move to California to pursue a career in acting.

“The program I got into will be a small group of kids, which I really like because there is more focus on each individual from the teachers.”

The program allows him to stop taking typical courses like math and English, which gives him the freedom to focus on courses specific to acting. He will be able to take courses about theatre history, performing, voice, and stage combat, to name a few.

“It’s a while away, but after college I hope to live in Los Angeles and hopefully start acting immediately,” says Bond. “I’d like to mostly do film and TV and then stage acting when I’m not doing that. As long as I am always working on a project, I will be happy.”