About Us

Pinnacle Acting Company is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to ensemble collaboration and artistic freedom. As an ensemble, PAC provides a safe and intimate environment for its members to improve as performers through both production and training. PAC strives to expand the landscape of acting by creating opportunities for company members, guest artists, partner institutions, and the community, to explore and educate through theatre.

 

Jared Larkin, Artistic Director

1__company_member.jpgJared currently teaches for Westminster College and is the Acting teacher for the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts. Jared moved last fall from Los Angeles where, in addition to film and television work, he acted for Actor’s Co-op of Hollywood, Shakespeare Orange County, Gangbusters Theatre Co., and Theatre Neo. Jared has acted for some of the most celebrated companies in Regional Theatre, including five seasons with the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespearean Festival and Pioneer Theatre Company, and two National tours. Jared received his B.S. from Southern Utah University and his Master’s degree in Acting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied with Robin McFarquhar (Fight Choreographer for Steppenwolf, The Goodman, and Broadway), Henson Keys (Alabama Shakespeare Festival Endowed Chair), and Daniel Sullivan (Winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Director). Jared has instructed numerous classes in acting around the country, including the University of Illinois, BCT in Alabama, BYU, USF, and UTA. Some of Jared’s favorite roles include: Malcolm in Macbeth for Shakespeare Orange County, Iago in Othello, Mr. Peachum in Threepenny Opera, Valentine in Two Gentlemen of Verona, all at the Colwell Playhouse, Peter in Stop Kiss at the Studio Theatre, Henry in Henry V at The Actor’s Co-op of Hollywood, Dr. Craven in The Secret Garden at The Grand, and over a dozen shows for the Utah Shakespearean Festival.As a director, Jared has directed over twenty productions and is currently in rehearsals for his production of Henry V for the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts. Jared has been the script supervisor for two films A Moment So Close and Triad, and is currently a consultant for the independent film Toxin. Jared is a member of AFTRA and is both SAG and Equity eligible. Jared is a recognized Actor/Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors.

 

Melanie Nelson, Managing Director

2__company_member.jpgMelanie Nelson is originally from southern Utah. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University and performed as a member of the Utah Shakespearean Festival acting company. She went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University where she performed at the Dallas Theater Center and Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, among other venues. In addition to her degrees, she has trained with voice coach Patsy Rodenburg (Head of Voice at The National Theatre, author: The Right to Speak) and is a recognized actor/combatant by the SAFD.Some of her favorite roles with PAC include Becca in The Rabbit Hole, Ms Cheveley in An Ideal Husband, Chris in Dancing At Lughnasa, Elvira in Blithe Spirit, Hanna in Arcadia and Catherine in Proof. Other roles include Portia in The Merchant of Venice (Greer Garson Theater), Annelle in Steel Magnolias (Provo Theatre Company), Ophelia in Hamlet (Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park), Amy Lee in Laundry & Bourbon (The Egyptian Theatre), Gloria in You Never Can Tell (The Water Tower Theatre), Senior Actor in Six Characters in Search of an Actor (Greer Garson Theater), Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Southwest Acting Company), Mariah in Loose Ends (Margo Jones Theater), Martha Cratchet in A Christmas Carol (The Dallas Theater Center), Maisy in SLAM – It Must Have Been Cold (Plan B Theatre Company) and Jane in The Women (Theatre Neo). Her television and film credits include: Midway to Heaven, Everwood and Charmed. She has also done various television and radio commercials.