Curtain Call: Supporting role a stepping stone in real life

photo Nineteen-year-old Taylor Hutcherson is a Bryan College student who earned a part in the film "Courageous." Photo by Kimberly McMillian

TAYLOR HUTCHERSONAge: 19.Hometown: Lived in many places with her military family.Family: Dad, Vincent; mom, Tonya; has 11 siblingsEducation: Sophomore at Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn.Claim to fame: Earned a part in the movie "Courageous."FAVORITESMovie: "Rio."Book: "Kisses from Katie."Actor: Denzel Washington and Will Smith.

DAYTON, Tenn. - Taylor Hutcherson learned about discipline as a child, long before she starred in a major movie.

At 19 and a Christian missions major at Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., Hutcherson spends her time attending classes, studying and playing soccer, whenever she's not visiting her family. A former home-schooled student, she helped take care of her 11 younger siblings.

About two years ago, an announcement at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., during her senior year in high school eventually led to her role in the Kendrick brothers' film "Courageous."

The movie, now in theaters, explores the relationship between children and fathers. Hutcherson's supporting role, as 15-year-old Jade Hayes, was a "scary" opportunity, she said.

However, the jitters she felt were soon overcome by the excitement of knowing that others would watch this movie, she said.

She said that Ken Bevel's character, a strict dad named Nathan Hayes, parents in a way similar to her own military upbringing.

Bevel's character wants to protect his daughter's heart. Hutcherson said that her real father's discipline reflected his military background, with emphasis on cleanliness and maintaining bedrooms. He was not as involved with her dating as her movie dad, she said.

"Courageous," in its seventh week of wide release, continues to attract crowds in more than 1,000 theaters nationwide, according to industry sources.

Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.

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