Musical Theatre Grad Performing in 25th Anniversary Production of Chicago the Musical on Broadway Alumni Profile

Highlight your professional experience since you graduated from Point Park University.

I've had the opportunity to perform all around the world, including in Italy and New Zealand. It's been an absolute privilege performing at some of the best venues in the United States: Pittsburgh CLO, The Muny, Broadway at Music Circus and Signature Theatre. I had the honor of winning a Helen Hayes Award for Best Supporting Actor at Signature Theatre for my role in A Chorus Line. Currently, I am in Chicago the Musical at the Ambassador Theater on Broadway.

In what ways did your college experience and Conservatory training prepare you to succeed in the industry?

The training I had at Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts prepared me for the rigor of real life. I connected with many lifelong mentors in all departments. 

Musical Theatre

Zeva Barzell and the late Jack Allison made sure that I was not only intellectually prepared, but also emotionally prepared for a career in the arts. The one-on-one work sessions and valuable lessons remain with me to this day.

Dance

Garfield Lemonius created a dance class where you always strived to be your very best. He also holds a standard in his dance class that easily transfers to the expectations set in the professional world. He is the real deal.

Acting

Not only are Richard Keitel's classes one of a kind — I don’t want to give much away about the specialness of his class before you take it — but his mentorship and the way he shows up for all students is unmatched.

John McManus completely changed the way I view my voice. He also changed the way I look at the earth we live on. He is a very special faculty member.

There are so many more faculty to mention, but I would be writing a novel at that point. Also, the facilities that you get to train, rehearse and perform in are absolutely incredible. It is truly top of the line. I miss those studios so much.

Tell us about your current role in the 25th anniversary production of Chicago the Musical on Broadway.

I am playing the doctor/judge and tap dance specialty. I also understudy principal actors Billy Flynn and Fred Casely. Which means if either are out for the day, I have the honor of stepping into those roles.

What advice do you have for prospective COPA students? 

Love the process. Take everything in. Seize every opportunity thrown your way. Learn to take criticism, even when it is sometimes hard to hear. Make genuine connections with friends/mentors because they can be lifelong relationships. You never know who is watching you perform, so each time perform as if it's your last time on stage.

Also, have fun and try not to lose sight of the reason you are pursuing this. Hold on to that spark you felt when you told yourself, “I want to do this.” If you keep your spark going even through the tough times at school or in your career, you will be unstoppable.

More About: dance, acting, George Rowland White Performance Center, theatre, success story, alumni, Theatre Alumni, Conservatory Alumni, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Conservatory of Performing Arts, musical theatre, faculty