Point Park University's Musical Theatre Program Prepares Alumna for a Career in the Arts
Meet Viveca Chow '16
- Job Title & Employer
- Broadway, TV/Film, Commercial Actress and Creator
- Major/Program
- Musical Theatre
- Hometown
- Hong Kong S.A.R.
- High School
- Island School
- Now Living In
- New York, N.Y.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Eating, sleeping, vlogging, blogging, taking pictures and going to coffee shops
"I had an incredible support system from all my friends and teachers. The teachers really care about you and your individuality at Point Park, and that's what I loved the most."
You were born and raised in Hong Kong. What led you to pursue a degree at Point Park University?
I flew all the way from Hong Kong to Chicago for the Unifieds to audition for several schools. I met teachers from Point Park (Zeva Barzell and Sheila McKenna) and felt an immediate connection with them. I wasn't intimidated when they gave me re-direction on my monologue, and I knew I would mesh well in Point Park's musical theatre program under their guidance.
What were some of the challenges you faced as an international student?
Growing up, I didn't get as much exposure to musical theatre training as the students in the United States do. The training in Hong Kong is very limited, so I came into the musical theatre program constantly doubting myself. All of the classes at Point Park gave me a solid foundation for technique (especially acting), and built my confidence up so I started to feel like I could be competitive in this field after graduation.
Another challenge was feeling homesick. I have no family in the U.S., but I had an incredible support system from all my friends and teachers. The teachers really care about you and your individuality at Point Park, and that's what I loved the most.
Highlight your career path since you graduated.
Broadway
- Miss Saigon (swing)
Theatre Festivals
- Theatre Barn (The Wedding Singer)
- Mac-Haydn Theatre (Into the Woods, Chicago and South Pacific)
- Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival (Grease)
- People's Light Theatre (Little Red Riding Hood)
Commercials
- Tiffany & Co. and Yves Saint Laurent
Film & TV
- Film: The Country Club, Sora
- TV: The Other Two (HBO Max), Dear Edward (Apple TV+), Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (Netflix) and Disney Television: Discovers Talent Showcase Cast of 2022
How have you grown professionally since graduating.
I am still a very creative human and have been focusing on performing on a different platform — social media — on top of acting. Something I came to terms with is that acting is not a sustainable way of living. I auditioned for 400 projects one year, and booked close to seven. Don't be afraid to strive for financial security first once you graduate, and you will be surprised how much more you'll enjoy the audition process.
How did your Point Park experience help you advance in your career?
I came into the program as a strong singer, but wanted to improve my dance ability. All of the dance classes I took instilled a better performer in me. Even though I wasn't the most technically perfect dancer, I could still command the space.
Musical Theatre Techniques class also helped me become the actress I am today. Acting is so important. While we learned the fundamental process of analyzing a scene/song/character, one of the biggest things I took away from the class was how to live moment-to-moment within a song.
Why is it an exciting time to pursue a career in the arts?
Storytellers are agents of change. There is so much in this world that needs to be addressed. We get to be a part of works that invoke that change, make people feel less lonely and foster connection.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Figure out why you want to be an artist. Trust me, you'll want to know this on the hard days.
Never stop learning and listening. Diversify your skill sets. Be fearless in everything you do. Work on your weaknesses and embrace your strengths. Get rid of the habit of asking other actors if they heard from an audition you went to. Once you audition, move on.
Stay healthy mentally, physically and emotionally. Take breaks. Be genuine and kind. And most importantly, find creative outlets outside of performing/acting that also fulfil you. Don't be scared to find a flexible job that will financially sustain you after college and allow you the time to audition.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Keep an audition journal. I write the date, the show I'm auditioning for, what I wore, what I sang, who's in the room and any comments made by the people behind the table. This helps with consistency (if you keep singing the same song for the same call as well as wear the same outfit, they will be more likely to remember you), and you want to be familiar with who's seeing your work behind the table.