\ud83c\udfad NEW! Jacksonville Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
Fields\u2019 journey into theatre didn\u2019t follow a traditional path. After moving to Jacksonville in 2018 just out of high school, he spent time juggling odd jobs and playing college football before discovering an unexpected passion: acting. With no formal training, he dove headfirst into the local arts scene, building experience through community theater companies like Theatre Jacksonville, Orange Park Community Theatre, and Players by the Sea.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had never done a show before,\u201d he recalls. \u201cI just started doing the community theater circuit and learning as I went.\u201d<\/p>\n
These experiences became the foundation for his future. When the Alhambra Theatre & Dining began casting more local performers during the COVID era, Fields seized the opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t go to school for it,\u201d he says. \u201cBut I learned how to rehearse fast, how to know my material right away\u2026it was like a crash course in everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
His first professional production at the Alhambra was \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d and from there he built momentum and credits Jacksonville as the place that made it all possible.<\/p>\n
Now, he\u2019s returning home with a major production, performing as part of the FSCJ Artist Series\u2026the very series he once attended as a fan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember seeing shows like \u201cWicked\u201d and \u201cRent\u201d and thinking, I want to be on that stage someday,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd now I am. It feels surreal.\u201d<\/p>\n
This marks his first time performing on the Moran Theater stage, though his younger brother, a student at Douglas Anderson<\/a> School of the Arts, performed there years earlier. \u201cNow it\u2019s my turn,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n Touring with \u201cBeetlejuice\u201d has been equal parts exhilarating and demanding. As an understudy for multiple roles (including Beetlejuice himself), Fields is responsible for knowing four separate tracks at any given time.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d never understudied before,\u201d he admits. \u201cNow I have to be ready to step into any of these roles at any moment.\u201d Weekly routines of reviewing the material helps him stay sharp.<\/p>\n \u201cYou wake up some mornings running lines in your head just in case,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s part of the job.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the pressure, he describes the experience as deeply rewarding. The cast camaraderie, the travel, and the chance to perform across the country have all made a lasting impact.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve made great friends and seen parts of the country I never thought I would,\u201d he says. \u201cWe even spent a month in California\u2026I can\u2019t complain.\u201d<\/p>\n Though he covers several major roles, his regular onstage appearance is as Otho, a flamboyant and eccentric character who brings comedic energy late in the show.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s basically a fraud\u2026a kind of cult leader,\u201d Fields explains. \u201cAnd he\u2019s just so fun to play.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt really is like being an athlete,\u201d he says, reflecting on his football background. \u201cYou have to warm up, stay in shape, and take care of your body.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans of the original film will find plenty of familiar elements in the musical adaptation, but also some updates to make it more current.<\/p>\n \u201cThe spirit of the movie is definitely there,\u201d he says. \u201cBut the musical puts more focus on Lydia, her story, her relationships, her grief, her growth.\u201d<\/p>\n Songs like \u201cDead Mom\u201d and \u201cSay My Name\u201d have become standouts and whether audiences come for nostalgia or a fresh theatrical experience, Fields believes the show delivers both.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s funny, it\u2019s heartfelt, and it\u2019s just a great time,\u201d he says. \u201cThere\u2019s something for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n As he prepares to perform for a hometown crowd, his hopes are simple: that audiences show up ready to engage, laugh, and enjoy themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cCome have fun. Be loud. Be part of it,\u201d he says. \u201cThat\u2019s what makes this show special.\u201d<\/p>\n For young performers in Jacksonville dreaming of similar paths, his advice is honest and grounded.<\/p>\n \u201cBe lucky. Surround yourself with people who support you. And if you love it, just go all in,\u201d he says. \u201cFor me, there was never really another option.\u201d<\/p>\n Six years after stepping into his first community theater role, that leap of faith has carried Adam Fields<\/a> onto a national stage and back home again.<\/p>\n Catch \u201cBeetlejuice\u201d May 12-17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts! For tickets\u00a0CLICK HERE<\/a>!<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Brock Mills has been involved in theatre for over 20 years, working everywhere from backstage to center stage. With experience in tech, performing, and directing, he approaches performances\u00a0with … (read more about this author)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n