#PittsburghMe: Meet Reyna Guerra, Musical Theatre Major from New York Student Profile
Meet Reina Guerra
- Major/Program
- Musical Theatre
- Minor
- Dance
- Graduation
- 2021
- Scholarships
- Scholar of Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship, Artistic Scholarship
- Hometown
- Bronx, N.Y.
- High School
- Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts
- Dream Job
- There are endless possibilities
"Industry professionals from all over the country come to campus to teach workshops that better equip us for the real world. We can also audition for shows in theaters in Downtown Pittsburgh, implementing what we’ve learned during the school year."
Why did you choose Point Park University?
Point Park’s city campus with Mt. Washington across the river was the University I dreamed about. Being a New York native and a city girl, I wanted to find a school that was in a city but still felt like a college campus. Point Park gave me the best of both worlds. A huge part of why I chose this University is because the Conservatory of Performing Arts musical theatre program is ranked among the top in the country, and I knew it would provide the training I was seeking for my career. It is a rigorous program, but I was all in for being challenged.
What opportunities have you had through your major?
I’ve had great opportunities through my major, such as being an extra on the Netflix series Mindhunter, which gave me experience working in professional film. Industry professionals from all over the country come to campus to teach workshops that better equip us for the real world. We can also audition for shows in theaters in Downtown Pittsburgh, implementing what we’ve learned during the school year.
How do you hope to impact our campus through your leadership role with The U at Point Park?
As a leader at The U, I hope to demonstrate the importance of our generation being the change we wish to see in the world. My favorite quote by Marianne Williamson says it best: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.” I strive to help the students on campus know and truly understand the power that is within them and how it brings us together. This campus is incredible and filled with the most warm-hearted people I have ever met. I hope to unite Point Park even more and create school spirit through realizations that we are all different and that it is what brings us together.
Tell us something unique about yourself.
I am Puerto Rican and Cuban, so I identity as Afro-Latina. I am the founder and director of my own Afro-Latin dance company that is based in New York City called Afro-latinx. I started my company in high school when I realized that you are never too young to create, build a foundation in life and change the world even if it starts small.
Where is your favorite place to relax in the city?
My favorite place to relax in the city is Point State Park. It is walking distance from campus and has a calming atmosphere. There are always people walking around enjoying the day and the view is spectacular. It is my favorite place to just breathe and take in the beauty of life.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
It is okay not to know the answers and not to know what direction to take. Life, especially in college, is about growth. Growth is the most constant thing in our lives and embracing it will make your college experience the best it can be. There will be endless amounts of wisdom and lessons to learn in life. College is the first step in learning how to accept who are you and who you are becoming.
More About: Conservatory of Performing Arts, scholarships, Downtown Pittsburgh, musical theatre, dance