In 2006 Cody Hernandez took the stage in the Revere Players production of Robin Hood. Although Hernandez had participated in community theatre, Robin Hood was the first real show he had ever done. For Hernandez, the feeling of being on stage and showing all his hard work was what he wanted. This play motivated Hernandez to pursue acting at Kent State University [KSU] where he performed in plays such as Hamlet, Agamemnon, Ragtime, A Chorus Line, Nathan the Wise, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Legally Blonde, Grease and currently, Pride and Prejudice. Eight years since Robin Hood, Hernandez is planning to act on Broadway in New York City. after graduation.

After graduating from Kent State University this summer, Hernandez plans to leave Ohio and head to New York.
Hernandez has always wanted to pursue acting after his first appearance on the stage as a kid in community theatre. He explained what drew him to begin acting.

“The first time I was ever on stage I just felt so welcomed by all of the people watching. There is nothing like the feeling of working so hard on something and then presenting the finished product to an audience,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez’s mother, Karen, described her reaction when she saw Hernandez perform on stage for the first time.

“I was amazed and proud. He has always put on shows and performed at home, but to see him singing a solo at eight or nine years old was just putting himself out there for all to see by himself on that tiny stage,” Karen said.

At Kent State, Hernandez auditioned for the fall play and the spring musical. All of the auditioning generally takes place in the first semester.

“We have auditions for both the fall play and musical. Then we will have what’s called a ‘screening audition’ which is where we present two songs and an acting piece for the entire theatre faculty. Then we have auditions for the spring play and musical and then we go on winter break,” Hernandez said.

During the second semester, theatre students audition for roles outside of KSU and book acting jobs over the summer. This process gave Hernandez a summer job in Strawhat Unified last year in New York City.

“We go to ‘unified’ auditions, which is basically what you would see on any reality TV show that has an audition. You get a number that you wear and you sing and dance for a room filled with directors of theaters and then if they like what they see then you will go talk with them and sing for them again. And based on that they will offer you a job,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez normally auditions for a certain type of character, since he has that “look” that the casting needs.

“I have been cast pretty consistently as a love interest with a darker mysterious side. Casting has 99% to do with the ‘look.’ I will probably never play a bright eyed young and fresh love interest. I have more of a dark and mature look so that’s usually what I go for,” Hernandez said.

For Hernandez, New York was somewhere that he has wanted to go since his first year at Kent State. He expressed his decision to move to New York.

“I figured I’m young and have no attachments so now is the perfect time to take on the ‘Big Bad Apple’,” Hernandez said.

When Karen first heard about Hernandez’s plans of New York, she knew it would be difficult but she supported him.

“When I found out [Hernandez] wanted to pursue a career in acting, I was not surprised, but knew the odds of making it or being able to feed yourself in an expensive place is very difficult. But we told [Hernandez] if it is your passion then now is the time to do it while you are single and young,” Karen said.

While Hernandez will be living in New York, Karen explained what she hopes he will achieve.

“I hope that Cody attains some level of success and is able to pursue his love of entertaining and giving the gift of himself and his joy for what he loves to others to make them happy, if even for a moment,” Karen said.

Hernandez explained what made him want to pursue acting on Broadway instead of on the screen.

“Well Broadway is kind of the ultimate . . . There is something very satisfying about receiving immediate reaction for the work you’re doing. It is also very different to act on the stage then on the screen. You have to be bigger but still keep the realism and the immediacy of it,” Hernandez said.

While Hernandez enjoys a range of aspects when it comes to acting, one of his favorite parts is getting into his character and thinking about the character’s thoughts and actions.

“I love exploring characters and thinking about what they would do. I’m working on Pride and Prejudice right now. My director keeps giving me tons of back story to my character and I get to use all of that to portray exactly why I say a certain line or move a certain way. I get to create a whole new person outside of myself. I basically just get to explore people’s minds and emotions,” Hernandez said.

After graduating with the Kent State University class of 2014, Hernandez will leave for New York to pursue his dream of being on Broadway. Hernandez hopes to be able to live comfortably in New York while also doing what he loves- performing on stage.