Two Ashland University graduates, Austin and Aaron Arnold, recently starred in their first nationally televised commercial for the BMW automobile company.

The Arnold twins graduated from AU in the spring of 2013, both with Bachelor of Arts degrees in theatre. The commercial for BMW premiered in early February during the Super Bowl.

Before graduating from Ashland, the Arnold twins were heavily involved within the AU Theatre department. It was during this time where each of them discovered their passion for theatre and the fine arts. While attending AU, the Arnold twins starred in nine different shows. Some of Aaron’s most recent roles at AU included Broken/Unbroken (The 2012 One Act Festival) in April 2012; Will Master in Bus Stop in September 2012; and John in A Life in the Theatre in April 2013. Austin’s most recent roles at AU included Mellersh Wilton in Enchanted April, February 2012; Todd in The Author’s Voice (The 2012 One Act Festival), April 2012; and Dr. Lyman in Bus Stop, September 2012.

According to Teresa Durbin-Ames, Chair and Associate Professor for the Theatre department, the Arnold twins became involved with theatre as early as their freshman year.

“They graduated in 2013, so they started their freshman year,” said Durbin-Ames. “They did shows all four years. They were involved and active.”

Both Arnold twins showed their flexibility as performers, starring in a number of different roles throughout their time at Ashland while being involved in more than 20 combined productions during their four years at AU.

“They were very active in the department. They were cast in all kinds of roles, supporting roles, and during their time here, one of them even played opposite Rick Goodwin in Rick Goodwin’s final performance here,” said Durbin-Ames. “They really did what I think you want any student to do, in any major and in any program on campus, is to come in as a freshman, you get involved, you learn the ropes, and then you continue to contribute.”

Aside from their time spent within the theatre department, the Arnold twins were also involved with Greek Life on campus. In the fall of 2009, they both became members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity served numerous roles within their chapter. After graduation, the Arnold twins made the move to California, hoping to find careers in professional acting. It has been three years since the Arnold twins graduated from Ashland.

“They always kind of had their sights set on Los Angeles, so they were like ‘I’m not New York, New York is not where I want to go. Chicago live theatre is not really what I want to do,’” said Durbin-Ames. “But I think they recognized the value of the discipline, the preparation, and the hard work that is needed and goes into preparing and studying to perform in live theatre. I think you carry that wherever you go.”