Jacob Toole ’25 is a star on the rise, currently playing Hermes in Salpointe’s production of Hadestown Teen Edition and having recently joined Tucson’s Rogue Theatre for their production of The Skin of Our Teeth. Jacob is a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, student council leader and member of Salpointe Thespian Troupe 5370. We had a chat with Jacob to learn about the achievements he takes pride in, what inspired him to get involved in theater and how Salpointe has supported his journey.
Tell us about your recent theater accomplishments.
I recently had the pleasure of being part of the Rogue Theatre’s production of Thorton Wilder’s classic, The Skin of Our Teeth, where I played multiple roles. It was a wonderful experience and a fantastic professional opportunity to work with a respected theater in Tucson, for which I am truly grateful. However, my greatest pride comes from other endeavors. Last year, I founded the Rigby Theater Company as a production company dedicated to staging works written by local high school students. Earlier this month, we had our first full-scale production at the Catalyst performance venue here in Tucson, sold out both nights, and raised thousands in scholarships for the student playwrights and directors. An entire community of student artists rallied around this cause, and all of us benefited immensely. Plus, the show itself was fantastic and a joy to be a part of. If there’s anything I define my current accomplishments by, it’s gotta be that. More to come – rigbytheater.com
What initially interested you in performing arts?
A coin flip. That’s not a joke. It was between auditions for the school musical (Disaster!) or tennis. I’d like to imagine divine force is what coerced its flip toward the former, because the theater is the area in which I feel most fulfilled of any. It’s the only fundamentally collaborative art, wherein you cannot produce anything without it being witnessed or participated in by another person. If you’re doing it right, most of your artistic choices don’t come from yourself at all, but rather are reactionary to every subtle movement of your scene partner or every slight gasp of the audience. That fascinated me, and it never stopped, leading me to spend all my free time in the Corcoran Theater. I wouldn’t wish to squander it on anything else.
How has Salpointe helped you meet your goals?
Have you seen the plays here? They’re fantastic. They look fantastic, because Mrs. Krikawa is a genius in her set design approach, and because Mrs. Quintero places us all so expertly within those constructions. Sure, I had a lucky coin flip, but I was rubbish to start. If anyone reading this has seen me in my earliest productions, they’d know. I am nothing as a performer without the mentors who gave me a foundation to work with, and Salpointe provided every connection that led to mentors and that foundation. Not to mention, I was astounded to see that Salpointe also promoted the Rigby production. Thanks, guys!
What do you currently hope to do after you graduate in May?
College, hopefully. I’ve tried to apply myself artistically and academically to the greatest possible extent that I can, but all of these arts programs are ridiculously difficult to get into. Fingers crossed! Regardless of anything, I’ll always be performing. If I can’t find an opportunity for my art to be displayed, I’ll make one. I’ve found a very large community of people here who seem enthusiastic about seeing the work I put out, just as I am in creating it, and to whom I am eternally grateful. If I can foster that wherever I wind up, no obstacle will be so insurmountable to my continued work on and offstage.
Anything else you’d like included?
Go see Hadestown at Salpointe.* If it’s already passed at the time of your reading this, know that I forgive you, but you’ll have a hard time forgiving yourself for not seeing it. It’s good.
*There are still a few chances to catch the show this weekend, so be sure to check it out! Purchase your tickets here.