He said he found the professional challenge fulfilling.
"I've never shied away from playing darker, grittier
roles," Watson said. "It can be really interesting to delve
into the truth of what that character is."
The opportunity to delve into complex characters is also something
Watson said he quickly came to appreciate about Shakespeare when he
arrived at Grand Valley. His work with Shakespeare not only gave him
good training while on campus, but also an opportunity several years
after graduation to write a play specially commissioned for the 25th
anniversary of the Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival.
Watson's play, "Defy the Stars" was presented as a staged
reading that relied on alumni in all areas of the production, said
James Bell, associate professor of theater and managing director of
the Shakespeare Festival.
"The play was really beautiful, and it just created a wonderful,
memorable overall experience," Bell said. "Scott was really
generous with his time and energy and very humble about his work."
Bell described Watson as a skilled, detail-oriented actor. He said
some of his favorite memories of Watson performing at Grand Valley
include in the role of "Bottom" in "A Midsummer Night's
Dream" as well as when Watson performed in Bell's own play,
"Autumn in the Valley."
"He’s a fantastic Grand Valley success story," Bell said.
"We were fortunate to have him here and for his contributions to
our productions. His success continues to benefit our program."
Watson credited Bell as well as retired faculty members Karen Libman
and Roger Ellis for playing key roles in his success. He said
"getting on stage with good instructors" while at Grand
Valley gave him crucial preparation, adding that higher education is
an ideal time to stretch as a performer.
"If you take big swings and big risks, that's exactly what it's
supposed to be – a safe environment for you to try something, possibly
fail and grow," Watson said.
Not all schools offer theater students significant opportunities to
be on stage, he said. He said the hands-on experience at Grand Valley
with different, meaningful roles meant he was "performance
ready" when he arrived in New York City shortly after graduation.
But Watson also is quick to note that Grand Valley's liberal
education foundation allowed him to also explore writing, film and
other subjects. He encourages students interested in acting to study
any academic areas that interest them while also making time in their
busy schedules to enjoy the friends, campus activities and other
features of being a college student.
"What makes us good actors is a fully rounded life," he said.
