‘Hamilton’ Performer Jonathan Kirkland to Speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus

May 8, 2023 – Sarasota

Actor and singer Jonathan Kirkland, who portrayed George Washington in about 500 performances of the acclaimed musical, “Hamilton,” will visit the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus on May 15 and 16 for programs organized by the Florida Center for Partnerships in Arts-Integrated Teaching, or PAInT. The public is invited to attend.

Kirkland from 2016 to 2018 played a key supporting role in the Chicago Company’s production of “Hamilton,” which casts people of color in historically white roles and draws heavily from hip-hop and other contemporary musical styles to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The Chicago production marked the first time the show was performed outside New York.

From 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, “An Actor’s Conversation with PAInT,” will feature Kirkland, the son of an opera singer and a basketball coach, discussing his career as a stage, TV and movie performer, with PAInT Director Denise Davis-Cotton. Kirkland also will pose for selfies with attendees and, during an informal session, share acting and vocal tips. Lunch will be provided.

“His presentation will provide valuable lessons learned on Broadway and inspire future artists and the broader community to pursue their dreams,” Davis-Cotton said.

The presentation will be in the Selby Auditorium on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To register, visit https://bit.ly/41tyVsG.

From noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, Kirkland will be part of a virtual presentation, “Reimaging Chicago’s ‘Hamilton.’” To register, visit https://bit.ly/3AjklYU.

The goal of bringing Kirkland to the Sarasota-Manatee campus is to “foster a culture of inclusive excellence,” Davis-Cotton said.

For more information about the Florida Center for PAInT, visit the official website.