James Newton

James Newton: A brief biography James Newton was born on the twenty-ninth of July, 1960 to Margaret and William Newton. He was to be the last of four children, two boys and two girls. He was always a happy and inquisitive child and was fortunate to grow up in a caring and nurturing family. Like his siblings before him he was provided a considerable variety of experiences to learn from. The family traveled on occasion to visit relatives or just to see different places and experience new things. Reading was always encouraged in the family and young James demonstrated an aptitude early in his primary school years. This led to testing in order to determine whether or not the child was gifted. (It must be said that there was no significant development from this testing.) However, it was suggested that he move up one grade in school and there was a recommendation that efforts be made to further enhance his learning experiences. The years of secondary school and adolescence provided a new set of experiences for the young James. He performed at a high average throughout his years at Ypsilanti High School, but never felt he was an exceptional student. School was never described as boring by him though. On the contrary, it was understood that there was so much to learn about the world and how it worked and this was the place to start learning it. What could be more exciting than that? He applied for admission to the University of Michigan and was accepted for matriculation in the fall of 1978. Unfortunately, following two semesters of below average performance he elected not to continue his post-secondary education at that time. He came away feeling that while he had prepared academically for college he had not prepared himself mentally. There began the next phase of his post-adolescent life. While still in high school the young James discovered the theatre and threw himself whole-heartedly into stage performance. There was a great joy found in dancing, singing, and acting the likes of which had never been felt before. That thrill was put on hiatus following graduation from high school and matriculation into college. However, during the period of work and maturation following his academic hiatus, it was through a former teacher that it was rediscovered. What followed were six years of immersion in local and university theatre groups, which resulted in friendships that still exist to this day and a growth of character which made James the man he is