Tom Hanks makes impact on performing arts students

Hundreds of Wright State performing arts students gathered for a question-and-answer session with two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks, who once performed on the same stage on which many of those students have.

Hanks spoke to theatre, dance and motion pictures students for almost two hours April 19 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. The talk was part of Hanks’ visit to campus to dedicate the newly renovated Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures.

During the talk back session, Hanks answered questions about being turned down for roles, which movies have affected him and the challenge of playing animated characters.

“You can tell that he’s a great actor because he’s so communicative,” Owen Kresse, a senior acting major.

“I think students are going to take away a lot from this. They will cherish this for the rest of their lives,” said W. Stuart McDowell, chair of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

Only Wright State reporters, photographers and videographers were allowed to attend the April 19 talk back event.