Virginia Theatre Festival Welcomes Actor with Deep University Ties
Henry Crater, known for his community theater roots, has taken on the role of Jack Kelly in the Virginia Theatre Festival’s rendition of “Newsies.” His journey to this role came with unexpected lessons from University of Virginia students about campus culture.
During a media event for the festival, Crater casually mentioned that his brother, Luke, was a “rising sophomore” at the University of Virginia. This prompted a swift correction from the cast members, who informed him that the term is “second-year.”
For Crater, the 2026 season of the festival wasn’t his first introduction to the University of Virginia. His connection to the institution dates back to his parents, Dana and Scott Crater, who both have significant ties to UVA. Dana, a graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences, met Scott while attending the School of Medicine.
Reflecting on the unique campus terminology, Crater shared, “There’s the campus/Grounds thing too, and my mom would always correct me growing up. I didn’t realize how seriously people took it.” His parents and over 20 relatives attended the musical’s opening weekend to support him in the largest theater he has performed in to date.
Crater first ventured into acting at the tender age of six in community theater near Fort Myers, Florida, quickly realizing his passion for the stage. “I kind of sucked at sports, but I loved rehearsal. I could be myself, and I loved the people there,” he admitted.
By age 10, Crater pursued opportunities on Broadway, though he found himself on the older side for a child actor. Despite this, he continued honing his craft in community and regional theater, eventually choosing the University of Michigan for its conservatory-style program.
When he learned of the opportunity to audition for “Newsies” at UVA, Crater felt an immediate connection. “I saw it was at UVA, and I was like, ‘I have to go in for this,’” he said. After submitting an audition tape and attending callbacks and a dance audition, director Matthew Steffens, also a UVA alumnus, offered him the role.
The connection to “Newsies” runs deep for Crater, as the show was his first Broadway experience and a personal favorite. Interestingly, he is not the first in his family to perform at UVA. His mother, Dana, was the music director for the Sil’hooettes, an all-women a cappella group at the university.
Recalling her past experiences, Dana said, “I always tell Henry that we actually had to listen to the tape, rewind it, and listen again and handwrite all the musical notes while I was arranging the song.” Both mother and son have shared insights on music arrangement, fostering a mutual appreciation for their artistic journeys.
The opening weekend of “Newsies” also served as an extension of a recent family gathering, further strengthening family bonds. Crater noted, “I happened to have a family reunion in West Point, which is between Charlottesville and Richmond, the weekend before rehearsals started.” The performance also offered a meaningful opportunity for his parents to reminisce about their own history at the university.
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