Ethan Compton
Ethan Compton got a late start in theater — his freshman year at King University. “I did not have any prior experience. I began with a student position as a theater shop assistant and quickly fell in love. I began stage managing, then acting, then sound designing, then directing.
“What I love most about performing on stage is how I can use my creativity to transform myself into someone else entirely. The process of experimentation with creating a character that exists to tell a story is incredibly exciting to me,” he says.
His next opportunity for performance is auditions at King University. He is also going to be stage carpenter at Barter Theatre’s Smith Theatre this summer.
In July, he is the sound director for Theatre Bristol’s “Red, White and Tuna.” “It is a great privilege to be able to work as a sound director for Theatre Bristol, as I’m a very big fan of the work they do. I will be collaborating with the director in making a sound design that aligns to the director’s vision and provides the necessary assistance to the story being told,” he says.
Compton is more interested in directing, sound designing and playwriting than acting. His influences are his professors Chris Slaughter and Heather Eisenhart at King. “They have taught me everything I know, and I am incredibly grateful for their support in my creative endeavors,” he says.
His favorite acting roles are Scratch from “Witch” by Jen Silverman and Wizard Whately from “The Dunwich Horror” by H.P. Lovecraft. His favorite playwrights are Samuel Beckett, Sam Sheperd and Martin McDonagh. In general, he prefers dramas, but he loves many styles and genres. He love plays about people and what it means to be human. He has many varied interests in theatrical styles such as Irish theater, surrealist theater and absurdist theater.
“There is so much that I love about theater. In my opinion, it’s the best art form for storytelling. It provides a way for many creative people to join their talents and interests together to create something truly magical. Theater is my passion, and I love what theater is able to give to all of us,” Compton says.
Compton is also a musician; he plays the guitar. He is the 20-year-old son of Brent and Kathy Compton. He is from Bristol, Tennessee. After he graduates from King University, he plans on attending graduate school and getting a Master of Fine Arts degree.
