JoBeth Hilton
1. What initially hooked you about this role, and how has your understanding of the character deepened (or shifted) since rehearsals began?
I saw this show about ten years ago and remember thinking how much fun the cast was having—with the songs, the dances, and especially with the audience. I was immediately drawn to the comedic female role, as I so often am. So when I received the offer to play the very character that inspired me as a young performer, I was genuinely awestruck.
Betty—or “Bitter Betty,” as she’s so lovingly called—has given me the chance not only to belt out some incredible songs but also to really ham it up on the WHDT stage. As with any role I take on, there’s always a bit of me in the character, and with Betty, I didn’t have to reach too far. She’s strong, sassy, and just vulnerable enough when the moment calls for it. I had a solid sense of who she was going into rehearsals, thanks in part to my own personality and a lingering memory of Ali Bale’s amazing performance in the role.
What really brought Betty to life for me, though, was getting to play opposite someone who’s just as much of a goofball as I am—my scene partner, Mr. Gavin Mann. Gavin and I have had such a great time discovering little moments between our characters. Together, we’ve built two kooky characters-you can’t help but root for by the end of the show.
My Story
2. Can you walk us through the journey that led you to the Wolfahrt Haus stage-any turning points or mentors who nudged you in our direction?
I’m originally from Wytheville, VA, and I grew up attending every single show at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. It played a huge role in my decision to pursue a career in the arts. As a kid, I was deeply inspired by the performers I saw on that stage—Millicent Hunnicutt, Ali Bales, Karen Melton, and Jennifer Porach were some of my absolute favorites. They left a lasting impression on me, and honestly, they still do.
Earlier this year, I was working in North Carolina when UPTAs (Unified Professional Theatre Auditions) came around. I attended, and to my surprise and excitement, I got a callback from none other than WHDT. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—it allowed me to come back and perform in my very first shows at the theatre that helped shape who I am as a performer. It felt like such a full-circle moment, like the universe was nudging me to come home for a while and reconnect with my roots.
It’s been nothing short of exhausting, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding to be back in Wytheville, sharing my love for the arts with the very community that first sparked it.
3. Performing several shows a week can be a marathon-what personal routines or backstage rituals keep each performance feeling fresh for you?
This show definitely requires stamina, so I always start with a full warm-up—both physical and vocal. I keep cough drops on hand, stay hydrated with lots of water, and sometimes a little boost from an energy drink if needed.
But the most important part of my routine is mental. Just before I step onstage, I take a quiet moment to ground myself. I send out good energy to the audience and ask God to let my love for performing shine through. That small ritual centers me—and usually, right as I finish, the music kicks in and we’re off. It’s a little moment of calm before the whirlwind of the show begins.
4. Is there a recent audience reaction or behind-the-scenes moment that really stuck with you? What made it memorable?
Opening night of The Fabulous 50s and 60s was incredibly special. The audience was overflowing with love and support, and it included some of my dearest friends, family members, and even the cast of The Music Man. That night held two particularly meaningful moments for me.
First, a performer I’ve admired for years shared some truly heartfelt words with me after the show—so kind and sincere that I actually teared up. What struck me most was that he compared my performance to the women who first inspired me as a young theatre-goer at WHDT. Hearing that brought everything full circle.
Then, in a beautiful echo of that moment, several of the children from The Music Man cast came out to greet me with such joy and sweetness. It was deeply moving to think that I might now be inspiring the next generation, just as those strong, talented women once inspired me. Moments like that remind me why I do what I do.
5. Outside of acting, what creative passions fuel you, and how do they spill over into the work we see onstage?
I’ve always felt deeply connected to storytelling in all its forms, and that passion shows up in my hobbies as well. I love to paint and read—both offer a kind of catharsis for me. Whether I’m creating a new world with a brushstroke or getting lost in one built by another artist’s words, these outlets help me recharge and stay inspired.
As for how it spills over into my work onstage, I truly believe that every experience—creative or otherwise—makes you a better performer. At the heart of what we do, we’re telling human stories. We’re portraying people with real emotions, complexities, and desires. So the more you live, feel, and create, the more truth you can bring to the characters you play.
