Austin Jetton

Austin Jetton (Hoke Coleburn)
A graduate of Catawba College with a degree in Music Performance and a Minor in Theater. Austin began his career in his home State of North Carolina performing for 2 years in “Give my Regards to Broadway” and “Hooray for Hollywood.” Upon moving to New York City, he began his professional career with a little known group named “The Platters” Yes, those Platters! He toured extensively in The United States, Europe and Africa! His next big show brought him his union card (Actors Equity) with “Bugs Bunny Sports Spectacular” performing in major venues and arena’s in the Midwest and East Coast, playing “The Joker” of the Batman series and “Foghorn Leghorn! This started his career with heavy make up and heavy costumes! With lots of extra work on commercials and movies, and an extra in the infamous Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial, extensive print work for ads and magazines followed. Next show was the European Tour of ”Showboat”!, His 1st bus and truck! Next on the list was “The Wiz” at Piedmont Players! Where he played “The Lion”! Which led him to “Cats”. Lions & Cats. Performing “Cats” for seven years. Two companies! “Cats 3” and “Cats 4! Touring the US and Canada! He left “”Cats” to join “Showboat” in Canada, starring Cloris Leachman, for 4 years, leaving that company to become assistant dance captain and onstage performer in the London Westend Production of “Showboat‘, starring Carol Shelly and George Grissard! Austin appeared for 2 years as the cover for Papa in Andrew Lloyd Webbers “Starlight Express” in Germany, Uniquely, this show is done entirely on roller skates! Five months of skating training along with classes in German, made it the hardest show to do, but one of the most fun. It was then he received a call from a high school friend who said they are making a movie about her fight for clean water in West Virginia, battling the big companies blasting for coal and the poison that is left behind, He portrayed Arley Johnson in ”Moving Mountain” Staring Theresa Russell. The film was done with a special screening right here in Sharon. It is available on you tube and other media. A return to “Showboat” at Glimmerglass! a host of commercials for CDPHP, CDTA and educational videos continue a successful arts career.He is also an accomplished Chocolatier and owner of the successful Austintacious: Handmade Truffles & Chocolates right here in Sharon Springs. Austin is thrilled to be playing Hoke Coleburn in “Driving Miss Daisy.”