The harsh lights are practically blinding and it’s a full house. Most any ordinary teenager would be intimidated by the massive crowd waiting for them to step out in the spot light; then again, sophomore Sean Hardin is anything but ordinary.
“Music connects souls for reasons we can’t even understand,” said Hardin, “The thought that something coming from my body can affect other people and show such strong emotions is just amazing to me,”
He began his extensive acting career in 2006 when he landed the starring role in “Oliver!” Performing as Oliver was only the beginning and since then, he has gone on to perform in Camp Rock: The Musical, Hairspray, Tommy and George Ranch’s spring 2011 production, Grease, to name only a few. To date, he has participated in over 30 productions.
Along with being an actor, he is also a dedicated musician and vocalist. He has acquired the skills to command the strings of both the ukulele and guitar, along with the keys of the piano. Hardin even has a YouTube channel that he fills with video-blogs, covers of songs and even a few original works.
“I just love taking a song and changing it to make it my own. I’ll sing anything from Chris Brown to Jason Mraz,” said Hardin, “It’s all about what I feel emotionally. A good song is one you can personally relate to.”
His passion for singing has even resulted in two singles released on iTunes: By Your Side and Alive. “Different people in my life have influenced my lyrics,” he said. “There’s times when you feel so strongly about things you can’t help but sing. That’s one of the main reasons I enjoy writing [songs]. It lets others share and relate the emotions I feel.”
Hardin’s resume is already very extensive as a sophomore, and he has big plans for himself, which include auditioning for the TV show “The Voice” next year. Until then, he will be showcasing his talent in a new musical called “Vote” at Theatre Under the Stars in downtown Houston September 16-17, before making a vocal appearance at the Fort Bend County Fair at the end of the month. “And after that, I’m going to be dedicated to Little Shop of Horrors here at GRHS!” Hardin said.
With big plans and serious passion, Hardin has the ambition to go far in whatever he does, whether it be serenading the world with song or guiding us through a story acting on stage.
“Both music and acting are so much fun, and a great way to express yourself. There’s nothing like stage lights on your face with a full house. And then again, I can’t explain the feeling you get from rocking out and singing your heart out,” Hardin said. “It’s such a rush performing in front of huge audiences, and getting to either play a character or just being myself. I just feel at home out there.”