Come May, most students are worried about grades, final exams and partaking in some last-minute partying. But theatre arts senior H. Michael Croner will have a little bit more on his mind – a guest appearance on a soap opera.

Croner is a recipient of the first-ever Jack Wagner Showcase Award, an honor that gives a small acting appearance on the CBS soap opera “”The Bold and the Beautiful”” to a graduating bachelor of fine arts or musical theatre senior.

The award was started by UA graduate Jack Wagner, most well-known for his role on the show as Dominick “”Nick”” Marone, who was also rumored to be dating Heather Locklear. Croner was chosen Jan. 20 at the showcase to receive the award when a group of agents and casting directors voted for him.

“”It’s such a cool thing, because you’re coming out of college actually having done something,”” Croner said. “”For a young actor, it’s tremendously exciting.””

Croner said he will probably play a young doctor, postman or fast-food worker. But just a small part is enough for him, as the experience will be more significant than just his acting role.

He was most recently in the Arizona Repertoire Theatre’s production of “”Romeo and Juliet,”” as well as “”Tartuffe.”” He also worked at the Somerset theatre in Wisconsin over a summer.

Croner said he was surprised when he found out he received the award because of all of the talent in the

theatre arts senior class.

“”It’s the kind of opportunity people work years to get,”” Croner said. “”I can’t thank Jack Wagner enough.””

Unfortunately, the taping will coincide with Croner’s finals.

“”I’ll be begging my teachers to give me a break,”” Croner said. “”I’m not missing this for finals. It’s too big of an opportunity.””

Another bonus of his small part on the show is the networking he can do during filming.

“”Hopefully I go and do a good job and meet some people who liked working with me and they’ll want to work with me in the future,”” he said. “”I hope to sign with an agency.””

After Croner graduates in May, he will go back to his hometown of Los Angeles to look for work and doesn’t plan on being selective when picking a job.

“”Most actors have things they would like to do, but you’ll take the jobs you can get,”” Croner said. “”I’d rather do one (Martin) Scorsese film than three plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company.””

It looks as if Croner is on his way to his own “”E! True Hollywood Story.”” Just like John Stamos, it will have all started with a soap opera.