Tufts senior Jack Cline studies environmental studies and race, colonialism and diaspora with a minor in music. Initially, he didn’t believe a career in the arts was sustainable. However, their experiences over the past four years have dramatically reshaped their perspective, leading them to pursue a career as a pianist.
“I was like, I’m gonna get my little environmental science job, and then I’m gonna maybe play a little on the side,” Cline said.
A pianist for most of his life, Cline has explored a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz to musical theatre. Upon arriving at Tufts, they joined Torn Ticket II, the university’s only student-run musical theatre group, where they took on the roles of pianist and music director. Recently, Cline participated in the “Cabaret” performance at Balch Arena Theater as the production’s associate music director.
Cline’s first major production was “The Rocky Horror Show” at Central Square Theatre in the fall of 2023, during their junior year. As the music director, he had a blast playing around with the show’s campiness, horror, and rock and roll energy. Despite balancing a full-time academic schedule, they performed around six shows weekly.
“I gained so much from being able to build and connect with a life outside of Tufts and meet these real working artists,” Cline shared.
His engagement with theatre beyond the university setting has allowed him to find his place in the broader theatre community, establish a reputation as an artist and confirm that a career in theatre is a realistic and sustainable ambition.
Maurice Parent, professor of the practice in the Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies at Tufts and an established actor and director himself, was influential in helping Cline find opportunities in the Boston theatre scene.
Currently, Cline is working on “The Spitfire Grill” at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord. This heartwarming musical, written and directed by Lee David Zlotoff, is inspired by the 1996 film of the same name. It features a captivating blend of American folk rhythms and soaring melodies.
After graduation, Cline plans to split their time between Boston and New York. He aspires to perform on Broadway, join a national tour and contribute to new plays and musicals. They also hope to broaden their musical expertise by exploring diverse musical styles, potentially visiting Brazil to delve into bossa nova and samba.
Integrating his studies in environmentalism, RCD and music, Cline aims to critically examine the origins, perspectives and impacts of the stories he tells. Ultimately, Cline aims to convey that today’s issues are woven into the American zeitgeist, marked by tensions surrounding race, capitalism and colonialism. Through the stories they share in their music and productions, they endeavor to contribute meaningfully to broader societal conversations.
While Cline recognizes that the theatre industry is a business and that certain things must be done to make oneself marketable, he strives to balance authenticity with professional appeal. Their focus remains on creating art that resonates on a deeper level, fostering understanding and connection among audiences. He draws inspiration from Grace Lee Boggs, Chinese American civil rights and labor activist, who famously said, “Transform yourself to transform the world.”
Cline’s journey exemplifies the powerful intersection of academia and art, illustrating how diverse fields can inform and enrich one another. Their efforts to blend environmental studies and RCD with their artistic pursuits not only enhance their creative endeavors but also foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. As he embarks on his career outside Tufts, Cline aspires to expand into the national theatre scene, helping to tell new stories and encourage audiences to reflect on the narratives that shape our society.
