Point Park University Theatre Arts Grad Performing in First National Tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Alumni Profile
Meet Reyna Guerra '20
- Job Title & Employer
- Ikette, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
- Major/Program
- Theatre Arts
- Minor
- Dance
- Hometown
- Bronx, N.Y.
- High School
- Repertory Company High School
- Hobbies & Interests
- Indoor rock climbing, painting, small business owner of New Eden Cosmetics
"The Conservatory of Performing Arts is known for its rigorous training in dance and musical theatre. I knew of the solid reputation of its graduates and felt it was the place to grow as an artist and learn more about the industry."
Why did you choose Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts?
The Conservatory of Performing Arts is known for its rigorous training in dance and musical theatre. I knew of the solid reputation of its graduates and felt it was the place to grow as an artist and learn more about the industry.
Point Park University prepared me for life in this industry in New York City by mentally and physically equipping me for what the audition life of an artist is like. As a native New Yorker, I learned to combine my prior knowledge and experience with all the skills I picked up at school to further shape my artistry.
Tell us about the performance opportunities you've had as an artist.
I've been blessed with many professional performance opportunities, including:
- The Public Theatre Gala, Hair to Hamilton and Gala Women of the Public (prior to Point Park)
- Off-Broadway: New York City Center’s Runaways and Carnegie Hall's West Side Story
- Dancer in Lin-Manuel Miranda's film In The Heights, directed by Jon M. Chu (senior year)
- Professional cheerleader for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers (after graduating)
- First National Tour with Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (current role)
How did you land your role in Tina and what are your key responsibilities?
Building the right relationships with casting directors allowed me to get in the right rooms to audition. I recently had completed a Hamilton Bootcamp cast by The Telsey Office and the same casting directors invited me to audition for Tina. After several callbacks I was cast as an Ikette.
I am one of four women who were not only significant in Tina's personal life, but important to telling her story in the show. In addition to dancing, singing and acting, we are responsible for moving props on and off stage, which is integral to creating the timeline of each scene. My responsibilities as an ensemble member in the second act vary.
How have you grown professionally during this role?
I've learned a great deal of what life is like on tour, which has helped me grow professionally. The role of an Ikette involves a lot of storytelling through dancing, singing and acting. The entire first act we are constantly on stage contributing to the passing time of Tina’s story. I have grown as an artist overall, learning to prepare myself to do eight shows a week. It is tedious and very rewarding.
What advice do you have for prospective theatre majors?
Try everything and do everything. Student work, extracurricular activities and diving into learning new skills will help mold you as an artist. College will be a challenge, but when you finish your degree you are equipped with the skills needed to grow in this business. Lastly, believe in yourself even when it feels like no one else does!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don’t be afraid to tap into your other interests. I pursued another dream during the pandemic and started my own small business, New Eden Cosmetics. Follow your dreams!