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Tyler Padgett—Learning Is Performing

Tyler gives us the story behind this photo, in which he’s dressed for his role as Javert in the Tennessee Valley Players’ production of Les Misérables, and talks about how his vocal performance studies in UT’s School of Music will carry him into his future career.

Working with TVP is an opportunity to learn from UT’s professors, perform with fellow music students, and become part of a community of local performers while actively growing in my craft.

I have always wanted to play Javert. Javert is a challenging role, from the process of learning the music to understanding a pure dichotomic psychology and how it is inevitable that one without mercy must fall. Theater in its own right is a reflection of humanity, and over several scenes and monologues we learn the life and soul of its characters. Music adds a primal element that gives even greater dimension to these elements.

For now, my education in music is the highest priority so that I am a better asset to artistic productions. After this, my life as a performer may take me to Chicago or the regional circuit, but I will be happy as long as I can perform.