Fall 2023 Fine Arts News

THEATRE SPOTLIGHT

In the class, students also develop a website to define their brand and create an account on Actors Access, the leading platform to connect with a casting agent or director. “Students need to display that one thing they do exceptionally well and is special about them,” Engler said. “We encourage our students to show their absolute best and leave a mark.” A Night of Celebration When students return from winter break, the spring semester is all about preparing and finetuning the showcase and cabaret in New York. “The showcase elevates the national reputation of the TCU Department of Theatre and allows the industry to see the talent and work of our students,” Maas said. Shorey Walker from The Growing Studio –the largest acting studio in the world – assists with lining up casting directors and agents for the showcase. The organization hosts workshops for aspiring actors and “College Connection,” an initiative that allows theatre programs to host showcases to connect students within the industry. In mid-March, seniors and faculty packed their bags and made their way to perform in the Big Apple. “I loved watching students become familiar and confident in navigating the city on their own,” said Faculty Advisor and Assistant Professor of Theatre Jessica Humphrey. “The capstone of going to New York, being with friends and celebrating the hard work over these four years is a valuable and fun experience.” The open showcase featured over 30 agents and industry professionals with 15 immediate callbacks spread out over nine students. All students had at least one agent who put their headshot on file and a request to reach out after they moved to New York.

immediate observations of the city. Seniors finished their spring semester reviewing offers and contracts with faculty and preparing to move to New York. Eight seniors signed with agents as a direct result of Senior Showcase, receiving callbacks for acclaimed productions such as “Hamilton” and the national tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire.” “It was exciting to see so many Horned Frogs in New York,” said cabaret host Ben Thompson ’03. “For the longest time I felt like the lone Frog in the city, but now we have so many talented students moving here and creating a community of amazing artists.” The Department of Theatre generously commits resources to producing the showcase and other combined theatre productions each academic year. “The showcase represents what TCU and the Department of Theatre values most,” Engler said. “Staying connected and growing the Horned Frog family.” v

“I felt well-received by the industry,” senior Arielle Roberts said. “It was such an affirming occasion for which I’m extremely grateful.” Seniors finished the showcase with a sold-out cabaret at 54 Below. “It’s a wonderful night for our seniors and alumni to network,” Shorter said. “Our alumni guide students through the transition of moving to New York and help them know they have a Horned Frog family in the city.” The cabaret featured pair and trio performances from students, alumni. Students Hannah Le Beau, D’Mariel Jones and Ariel Roberts performed a dazzling performance of “Being Alive” from the critically acclaimed Broadway musical “Company.” “A few alumni reached out after the performance and were amazed at the level of talent in the program since their time at TCU,” Maas said. Building the Horned Frog Family Upon their return to campus, the class reconvened to discuss the showcase and

PHOTO: AMY HARDISON TULLY

Students perform in the senior cabaret at 54 Below to an audience of friends, family, casting agents and industry professionals.

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