The Power of the Stage
(Photo by Dean Wheeler)
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For Arkansas actor Adrián Hinojosa, theater is much more than performing lines on a stage. It is a way to communicate ideas, connect with audiences and better understand himself through the characters he portrays.
Hinojosa, who earned a bachelor’s degree in theater with a minor in dance at Henderson State University, says acting allows him to express emotions and ideas through both words and movement. While visual arts first became an outlet after moving to Arkansas as a child, he eventually discovered that theater better matched his personality and his desire to connect with others.
“I’ve learned that so much of communication is physical,” Hinojosa says. “Using movement has helped me understand other people, understand myself and communicate with the person I'm sharing the stage with.”
Adrián Hinojosa as Porthos, Xander Udochi as Athos and Quinn Gasaway as Aramis in UCA Summer Theatre's production of Ken Ludwig's “The Three Musketeers” in June 2025.
(Photo by Pablo Mena)
One of the clearest examples of that connection came through his recent portrayal of Robin Hood. Hinojosa says the character’s empathy and desire to help others closely reflect his own values. Rather than simply playing a role, he looks for ways to bring his own experiences into every performance, allowing each character to become an authentic extension of himself.
Adrián Hinojosa starred as Robin Hood in UCA Summer Theatre's “Sherwood: The Adventure of Robin Hood” at the University of Central Arkansas in June 2026.
(Photo by Pablo Mena)
“I’m exploring how I, Adrián, see the events happening in Robin Hood and how I can translate my own life into the character,“ Hinojosa says.
Hinojosa believes Arkansas has become a place where young artists can build careers without leaving the state. He points to the growth of theaters, museums and educational programs that provide opportunities for students to study acting, voice, movement and technical theater.
His own career reflects that growth. Beyond acting, he works with lighting, costumes and stage production, skills that have allowed him to work consistently in Arkansas theater after graduating.
Hinojosa also credits theater with helping him grow personally. Studying movement and dance taught him to communicate with his entire body, an approach inspired by performers such as Cate Blanchett and mime artist Marcel Marceau.
As a mime, Adrián Hinojosa explores the power of movement and expression to bring stories to life without words.
(Photos by Dean Wheeler)
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape many creative industries, Hinojosa believes live theater will remain uniquely human.
“Theater can’t be done with AI,” Hinojosa says. “It’s human.”