Jonathan Hayes:  

I have gone through many changes -- both physically and emotionally -- since graduation. After many years of personal struggles, I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (Low Spectrum Autism). I am now collecting disability and semi-retired -- but still continuing as a performing artist. I attended MTSU between 1984 and 1987, studying Music, Theater, and Dance. My first major break occurred in 1984, when I joined a Murfreesboro-based, performing arts troupe -- Tennessee On Tour, Inc. -- which traveled to, and performed in, Japan in May 1985. Among the musicals and plays I've appeared in over the past 30 years -- "Jesus Christ Superstar," "The Pirates of Penzance," "Cyrano de Bergerac," "The Chicago Conspiracy Trial," "The Sound of Music," "Oklahoma," "Once Upon a Matress," "Sweeny Todd," "Mame," "Tom Sawyer: The Musical," "Come Sing, Jimmy Jo," and "Disney's Beauty and the Beast." My most memorable roles were in Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite" at Lakewood Theater in Old Hickory (my first romantic lead), I then played Humphrey Bogart in Woody Allen's "Play It Again, Sam" at Encore Theatre Company in Mt. Juliet, and Mr. Musnik in "Little Shop of Horrors" for Mel O'Drama Theatre. I've also appeared on local community access television, one independent film, and most recently appeared as a semi-regular on the internet-based sitcom "Trailer Made," seen on both You Tube and Funny or Die. ...Expand for more