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Tuesday, November 6, 2001
Acting has always come naturally for scholar
The senior loves the adrenaline acting brings, has won awards at a state, national level
By Christine Spencer
Caller-Times

George Tuley/Caller-Times

Robbie Sublett, a South Texas Distinguished Scholar in the arts, says his plans to attend college in New York haven’t been swayed by the attacks.

   Robbie Sublett, 18, has always been an extrovert. Ever since he was a child, he has felt the need to get people's attention.
   So it is only natural that the Bishop High School senior has chosen the stage as his creative outlet.
   "I've always been a really outgoing person," Robbie said. "I get bored really easily. Every time I have a new performance, I can create something new. I never get tired of it."
   Robbie, the son of Janet Rhode and stepfather John Bailey, is an award-winning performer at both state and national levels, eclipsing the hopes of friends and relatives. Most recently, he was named to the All-Star Cast at the 2001 UIL State One-Act Play Competition, playing Lt. Daniel A. Kaffee in "A Few Good Men," a role made famous by Tom Cruise.
   "He started auditioning for roles in the sixth or seventh grade," said Rhode. "He just got onstage and seemed to be at home. He loves an audience, and he loves to be front and center."
   The Caller-Times/Channel 6 South Texas Distinguished Scholar in performing and fine arts ranks first in his class of 89. He has a grade point average of 100 out of 100, or a 105.1 weighted average with honors.
   Robbie, who is also a state champion in humorous interpretation and extemporaneous speaking in the Texas Forensic League, says performance opens an avenue to fulfill both himself and his audience.
   "With theater, you have instantaneous contact with your audience," Robbie said. "We get involved in high levels of competition, and you know it's make or break, and I just love that rush of adrenaline. Then I can channel it and use it in a positive manner."
   After graduation, Robbie plans on attending college in New York City. He had a chance to visit the city this past summer with some of his classmates. Even though it was a target of the recent terrorist attacks, it has not swayed his decision.
   "I just fell in love when I went there," Robbie said. "If you are genuinely committed, as an actor, I don't see any other choice but to look at New York City and the East Coast. I think, right now, a lot of kids are being discouraged from going there, but it didn't make me change my mind. There's nothing that could keep me from getting there."
   His speech and theater professor of four years, Joe D. Trevino Jr., says Robbie stood out, even in New York City.
   "While we were there, we took some acting workshops," Trevino said. "And this director, a professional director in New York, just kept watching him, and she asked me, 'Is he going into professional theater?' He really should. I don't say that about a lot of people."
   Robbie believes that theater is fulfilling and a necessity, bringing comfort to those who are in need of entertainment right now.
   "It is the combination of communication, emotion and art, and bringing it all together for people that makes theater special," he said. "People are looking for a chance to get away for a while. I love being able to get reactions out of people and seeing that your work is doing something for them."


Contact Christine Spencer at 886-4388 or at spencerc@caller.com

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