UCF alumni work all around the world performing thousands of different jobs in many fields. But one graduate has an extra special job — he just so happens to be Spider-Man.
Justin Matthew Sargent graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2008 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre. Now he is flying over audiences in New York performing the Broadway spectacular “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”
Sargent began performing when he was 14 and hasn’t stopped since. His Broadway career began when he took over the lead role of Drew in “Rock of Ages.” A year and a half later, he’d get the call asking him to take over the role of Spider-man.
“My English teacher recommended I join the local community theatre to integrate myself into the community, so I auditioned and was cast in “Oliver!” at Richey Suncoast Theatre in Pasco County,” Sargent told UCF in an interview. “During my high school years, I performed in more than 30 productions between the various local community theatres and school shows. I knew this is what I wanted to do, and I never looked back!”
Sargent said he had a great time attending UCF and even auditioned for the role of Spider-Man here in Orlando.
“I loved going to UCF!” Sargent told UCF in an interview. “In the old days, the theatre department was mostly ‘off campus.’ Most of our classes were in the tech center. I lived in Lake Claire and Nike in a tiny, TINY, little room.”
The coolest part about being Spider-Man? “Wearing the suit and flying over the audience,” Sargent says.
