A national theater publication recognized OCU for alumni representation on Broadway.
Playbill’s annual list of “The 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway” was published Sept. 10 and ranked OCU seventh, tied with Yale University. The article listed alumni who are in Broadway shows or have been cast in future shows, including:
– Jacob Gutierrez and Paige Williams (Aladdin),
– Wes Hart and Molly Rushing (Anastasia),
– Colin Anderson (Carousel),
– Alyssa Fox (Frozen),
– Nathan Peck (Kinky Boots),
– Kelli O’Hara (Kiss Me, Kate),
– Heather Botts and Sasha Hutchings (My Fair Lady),
– Jennifer Sanchez and Darius Wright (Pretty Woman: The Musical),
– Lauralyn McClelland and Abby C. Smith (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical),
– Barry Busby (Tootsie),
-and Emily Mechler and Colby Q. Lindeman (Wicked).
Nathan Peck graduated with a degree in dance performance from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment in 1997. He has been dance captain and a company member of Kinky Boots since it opened on Broadway in 2013. He also covers multiple ensemble parts in the show. 
Peck said seeing OCU on the list came as no surprise to him, because it is already a recognizable name in the industry for its exceptional training.
“I always know that if people went to Oklahoma City University, I can expect a level of talent, a great level of professionalism and people who are hardworking,” he said.
After graduating, Peck moved to New York City to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. The move was daunting and scary, he said, but the education he received and the friendships he made at OCU made him feel confident in his abilities.
Peck moved to New York with $1,500, two suitcases and two friends with whom he shared a sublet. He shared an air mattress with one of them for weeks.
“It was definitely difficult, but, at the same time, if you’re passionate about what you want to do and really have your eye on the prize, you just say, ‘OK, this is only temporary, this is not forever,’ and eventually things will start to click. And thankfully, they did,” Peck said.
Peck has choreographed for Tony-award winner Annaleigh Ashford, as well as for Broadway Bares, an annual burlesque show fundraiser sponsored by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.
He was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment in 2016.
Jo Rowan, chairman of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, called Peck to tell him about the award, he said.
“I started crying. I was really honored that they would even think of me in that respect—to give me an award that represents excellence,” he said.
Peck said he advises students pursuing careers in entertainment to save money, find a supportive community and stay true to oneself.
“Stay focused on what you want and be yourself. It seems so trite, but it really is the truth. If you are persistent and determined and also, at the same time, confident that one day you will make it happen, then it’s just a matter of time and circumstance until things start to show up,” he said. “You just have to keep putting yourself out there.”
Jacob Gutierrez graduated from the Wanda L. Bass School of Music in 2012 with a degree in music theater. He understudies several roles in Aladdin on Broadway, including the titular role. 
Gutierrez spent a summer working at Dallas Theater Center after graduation before moving to New York City that September. He booked the show White Christmas at a regional theater in NYC at his first audition. He was then cast as “Aladdin” for the Disney Cruise Line shows and toured for 10 months.
“Aladdin the movie was one of my favorite movies as a kid,” Gutierrez said. “In many ways, it was a dream come true.”
Gutierrez said working on the cruise line taught him about stamina, professionalism and knowing his limits. After leaving the cruise line, Gutierrez’s agent booked him an audition with the touring company for Aladdin, which eventually led to him auditioning for the show on Broadway.
“I told the director, ‘I have been waiting so long to do this for you. I have been waiting for years to do this for you,’” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez understudies “Prince Abdula,” “Omar” and “Aladdin” in the show.
He is notified at least two hours before a show if he is going on. He has a strict warm-up routine to prepare, he said.
“You come offstage at the end of a show, and you were in front of lights and eleven-hundred people,” he said. “When you’re younger, you don’t realize how taxing this is, so never underestimate the importance of warming up and cooling down.”
During his time at OCU, Gutierrez said he embraced every department to prepare for his career. He took classes in dance, acting, piano, and voice. He also worked with summer stock theater and Music Theatre Wichita.
“OCU prepared me for those jobs,” Gutierrez said.
Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the music and theater schools, said he is proud of alumni who pursue their passions. He also said he doesn’t think their success is a coincidence.
“OCU students have a reputation of long careers, and that’s because they didn’t learn to do one thing, but they learned a lot of skills and how to be flexible,” Parker said. “A big part of being hired is being a good human being too.”
Along with Broadway, Gutierrez does commercial work and musical readings. He said he is about to begin a coaching seminar about how to remain fresh in the industry.
“I have never stopped taking classes in the city since I moved here,” he said.
Parker said students should always keep learning after they leave OCU and cultivate their network after they graduate.
“Nobody’s ready for a lifetime in any kind of school, no matter how good it is. We hope we are teaching students to seek more learning,” he said. “Be conscious with people, think before you speak, be kind with people.”
Kelsey Bray, acting sophomore, said she plans to move to New York after she graduates and seeing this article inspired her.
“I know that I have some kind of community there that is going to support me,” Bray said.
Celina James, music theater junior, said, regardless of rankings, she is proud of the education the university provides to students.
“What really matters is that our students are successful in whatever they do because of the training our university gives us,” she said. “The article just told us what we already knew. I’m really proud to be a star.”
Gutierrez said students should stay focused on their passions and embrace the community of artists that surrounds them.
“I’ve almost thrown in the towel a few times in the city—every single time I’ve said, ‘I can’t yet. I’ve worked so hard for this. I love this,’” he said. “You can work and work and work, and to just see the fruits of the labor coming before you is amazing.”
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