Acting keeps pulling Haynes back in

Many people don't know what they want to do with their lives, but theater major Micah Haynes hopes the curtain on his career doesn't fall any time soon.

Haynes said he started at a young age with University Interscholastic League competitions. His teachers noticed his talent and pushed him to continue acting.

"My teacher saw I had a knack for talent," he said.

Haynes is not the only entertainer in his family. He said he has an acting family who has helped and influenced him through out his education.

"I've been inspired by two of my aunts," he said. "I've looked up to them my whole life."

Haynes said although his passion is in theater, musicals are another avenue of acting he enjoys. Despite his multitude of talents Haynes said he dealt with some issues in high school as an actor.

"Everyone considers you un-cool in junior high and high school so I was picked on," he said.

Throughout his scholastic career Haynes said there has been several times where he has wanted to hang up his acting robes for good, but cannot. After high school he said he would stop acting and after leaving Paris Junior College he said he was done, but the call of the theater has not ceased.

"As hard as I have tried not to do it just keeps pulling me back," he said.

He came to Texas A&M University-Commerce in fall of 2009 after spending the first two years of his collegiate career at Paris Junior College.

Haynes said after he completes his bachelors' degree he intends to take a year off before going to graduate school. During this time Haynes said he will audition for plays, movies and commercials.

"As long as I'm acting I'm happy," he said.

He landed his first role at A&M-Commerce in last semester's production of The Bird and The Bee.

"It was my favorite show I've done," he said.

Although The Bird and The Bee is Hayne's favorite work he said the production was intimidating.

"I didn't know how to take on playing different people," he said.

The director of the play, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing Dr. Carrie Klypchak, was the reason Haynes said he pulled off the performance.

"She's an amazing director," he said. "She is very capable of bringing out the best in every actor."

Klypchak said Haynes is a talented actor.

"Micah is very enthusiastic and dedicated," she said.

According to Klypchak, Haynes has a good chance at having a successful future as an actor.

"When you have a combination of dedication and talent you have potential for a great career," she said.

Theatre major A'Mari Rochealeau, who worked with Haynes on The Bird and The Bee, is currently practicing with him for the American Theatre College Festival.

"He is one of the best actors I've ever worked with," she said.

Rochealeau said Haynes has helped her get through some tough scenes as well. She said the two of them do not go into every scene seriously which helps with the process.

Currently Haynes is not performing in any shows on campus, but is waiting to audition for a performance of Skipan.