For most graduating seniors, commencement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For Henry M. Jackson High School graduate Isaiah Hyde, that next chapter is already taking shape on stages far beyond Washington state. This spring, Hyde earned national recognition by winning the 2026 Next Narrative Monologue Competition in New York, a prestigious achievement that brought together talented young actors from across the country. While hearing his name announced as the winner was surreal, Hyde says the experience meant much more than taking home a title. "It reminded me why we have this community of theatre in the first place," he says. "Authentic storytelling connects with people."

That belief has become the foundation of his journey as an actor. Hyde's passion for performing began with a love of storytelling and the ability to make audiences feel something. Once he stepped onto a stage, he discovered that theater wasn't simply entertainment. It was a way to bring people together, spark conversation, and help others see the world through a different lens. "As I continued performing," he says, "I realized acting wasn't just something I enjoyed. It was something I couldn't imagine my life without." 

Throughout high school, Hyde built an impressive resume in local productions, but one role stands above the rest. This year he portrayed Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar as part of the 5th Avenue Theatre's Rising Star Project, an experience that challenged him emotionally and artistically. "It required a lot of honesty and vulnerability," Hyde explains. "I had to find the humanity behind such an iconic figure." Performing in one of the state's premier regional theaters also brought added pressure, but Hyde embraced the opportunity. For him, success wasn't about perfection. It was about making an impact on the thousands of audience members who filled the theater.

Preparing for any role begins with curiosity. Hyde starts by carefully reading the script and asking why a character makes the choices they do. Even when a character's experiences differ greatly from his own, he focuses on understanding their motivations with empathy rather than judgment. Research, experimentation during rehearsals, and open communication with directors all play important roles in his process. His time in theater has also taught him that great performances are never created alone. "A great performance isn't created by just one person," he says. "It's actors, directors, designers, stage managers, musicians, and crew all working toward the same goal." That appreciation for collaboration has shaped the way Hyde approaches every production. Once rehearsals move into the theater and technical elements come together, he says the focus expands beyond the actors to recognize the countless people whose work makes a performance possible. 

Along the way, Hyde has been fortunate to learn from mentors who helped shape both his craft and his confidence. He credits vocal coach Aaron M. Davis Norman for believing in him from the very beginning and encouraging him to trust his abilities. He also speaks highly of director and choreographer Katie J. Newbury, who created an environment where he felt heard, supported, and challenged during productions of Something's Afoot and Jesus Christ Superstar. Their encouragement helped Hyde navigate one of the biggest challenges facing many young performers: learning to trust himself. "It's easy to compare yourself to other actors," he says. "I've learned that everyone brings something unique to the stage, and trying to be someone else only takes away from what makes you special."

That lesson has become one of the pieces of advice he now shares with younger students considering theater. "Don't let fear make the decision for you," Hyde says. "Everyone gets nervous before auditions. The hardest part is simply showing up and giving yourself the chance to be seen."

This fall, Hyde will continue his training at the University of Cincinnati's nationally respected College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he will study Musical Theatre. While Broadway remains an exciting long-term dream, his definition of success reaches far beyond any particular stage. Whether performing on Broadway, touring nationally, appearing in regional productions, or working in film and television, Hyde hopes every performance creates a meaningful connection. "I want people to laugh, cry, feel seen, or leave thinking differently than when they walked in," he says. "If even one person leaves the theater feeling inspired or emotionally moved, then I've done my job."

Away from the spotlight, Hyde is much quieter than audiences might expect. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, catching a movie, or even taking himself out to dinner. Those quieter moments help him recharge before stepping back into the bright lights of the stage. With national recognition already under his belt, an elite conservatory ahead, and a passion rooted in authentic storytelling, Isaiah Hyde is a young performer whose journey is only beginning. If his early accomplishments are any indication, audiences will be hearing his name for years to come.