Hamilton's Jonathan Kirkland to Speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee

SARASOTA/MANATEE Actor and singer Jonathan Kirkland, who portrayed George Washington in about 500 performances of the acclaimed musical, Hamilton, is scheduled to visit the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus. The public is invited to attend the events organized by the Florida Center for Partnerships in Arts-Integrated Teaching, or PAInT, on May 15 and 16.

From 2016 to 2018, Kirkland played a key supporting role in the Chicago Company s production of Hamilton, which casts people of color in historically white roles and draws heavily from hip-hop and other contemporary musical styles to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The Chicago production marked the first time the show was performed outside New York.

From 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, ""An Actor s Conversation with PAInT,"" will feature Kirkland, the son of an opera singer and a basketball coach, discussing his career as a stage, TV, and movie performer, with PAInT Director Denise Davis-Cotton. Kirkland also will pose for selfies with attendees and, during an informal session, share acting and vocal tips. Lunch will be provided.

""His presentation will provide valuable lessons learned on Broadway and inspire future artists and the broader community to pursue their dreams,"" PAInT's Davis-Cotton said in a press release.

The presentation will be in the Selby Auditorium on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To register, visit the EventBrite.com event page.

From noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, Kirkland will be part of a virtual presentation, ""Reimaging Chicago s Hamilton."" For more information or to register for attendance, click here.

The goal of bringing Kirkland to the Sarasota-Manatee campus is to, ""Foster a culture of inclusive excellence,"" Davis-Cotton said.

For more information about the Florida Center for PAInT, visit the official website.

About the University of South Florida: The University of South Florida, a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher-income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.