ALUMNI EVENTS
Eric Pinder ‘85 named 2024 ULS Alumni Arts Hall of Fame honoree
Eric Pinder ‘85 fell in love with performing in the fourth grade, when he portrayed the “King of the Kingdom” in a skit about electrical, nuclear, and coal power. Since then, theater and the stage have played a huge role in his life and career. In recognition of his work as a performer, director, and writer, Pinder has been named the 2024 University Liggett School Alumni Arts Hall of Fame honoree. “This is something I never expected, and I am extremely grateful,” said Pinder. “ULS was a special place, particularly the Arts Wing. It’s amazing that, as a member of the Alumni Arts Hall of Fame, my photo will hang in the Arts Wing that I loved so much.” During his ULS days, Pinder was actively involved in the arts and performed in Godspell , Anything Goes , Romeo and Juliet , Fiddler on the Roof , and Once Upon a Mattress . He considers teachers Ed Jacomo, Jennifer Noyer, and Dr. Phill Moss essential parts of his time at ULS, helping him grow as both a performer and as a person. “Ed Jacomo really took me under his wing, and I would not have graduated without his help,” Pinder remembered. “He took a personal interest in me and helped me stay on track. Jennifer Noyer saw that I had talent and knew that I needed help forming it; she was there for me all four years of Upper School.” After leaving ULS, Pinder earned a BFA in musical performance from Michigan State University and an MFA in theater performance from the University of Florida.
He has been a fixture of the Central Florida arts scene for more than 30 years, and currently serves as Artistic Director for Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera del Sol. He makes his home in Orlando with his husband, Dwayne. During his career, Pinder has worked in various theme parks and has performed at Theatre Downtown, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, Orlando Theatre Project, Mad Cow, Florida Opera Theatre, Orlando Shakes, as well as concerts with Orlando Philharmonic, Space Coast Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra and various cabaret shows. Additionally, he has directed a variety of operas, operettas, musicals, and plays throughout Central Florida, and has rewritten and updated the librettos of Mozart’s The Impresario , and Lehar’s The Merry Widow . Pinder will be honored virtually by ULS Performing Arts Chair, Dr. Phill Moss, at the Middle and Upper School Arts Awards on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. “I consider myself lucky to have gotten a classic liberal arts education at ULS. The arts open up so much and take you places you can’t get to on your own.”
38 | PERSPECTIVE
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