Performing arts seniors participated in a Zoom Q&A session with OCU alumna and artist-in-residence Kristin Chenoweth on March 31.
Chenoweth, actress, singer and winner of Tony and Emmy awards, accepted a position as artist in residence in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music March 3. She first met virtually with music theater seniors March 31.
Mark Parker, dean of the School of Theatre and School of Music said the experience was a free flowing exchange for students.
“Kristin asked the students to share everything and anything that was on their mind, especially about graduating in this time of great uncertainty,” Parker said. “Kristin shared examples on being told on how this business will repeatedly tell you that you are not right for a part and how you have to stay true to yourself and keep looking for the opportunity that is right for you.”
Students said they had positive takeaways from their meeting with Chenoweth.
Celina James, music theater senior, was one of the students on the Zoom call.
“Kristin really started the conversation and just asked us to talk about our fears—what makes us anxious about this industry, what are we scared of, what do we want to know, etc. From there, we asked a lot of questions that covered many different topics,” James said.
Kristin hosted an additional Zoom dialog session April 7 which was open to all performing arts students at OCU.
Joel Jenkins, acting senior, attended the Zoom dialog session open to all performance majors.
“The meeting made me forget how hard things were for a little bit. She was so humble and giving. It was very encouraging to hear her advice on professional life,” Jenkins said. “It was also good to see so many faces of fellow students that I haven’t seen in a while.”
James said Chenoweth made students feel at ease to talk to her.
“It was really an amazing experience. She was so comforting, validating, funny and wise,” James said. “It’s clear she not only had so much she can teach all of us, but she is really passionate about it. It honestly was such a highlight for all of us during such a scary time.”
The students said learning from Chenoweth is exciting and will be beneficial for their college experience.
“She knows so much about the industry, but even more than that, she is just a real and genuine person. I think people will learn a lot about the industry, but also a lot about life and just being a good human,” James said.
Students said they learned valuable, relevant skills to apply to their future work from Chenoweth.
“I learned to be adaptable, hard-working, and have faith during times of uncertainty and doubt,” said Caroline Allen, music theater senior.
Allen said she left the meeting feeling encouraged, particularly on ways to stay busy and fulfilled artistically during time spent at home.
Parker said he is looking forward to future work between Kristin and the students.
“I hope they will understand that now, as when she was a student, she works very hard. She pays attention. She knows she is an artist, and she knows she has responsibilities to the art,” Parker said. “With all the things Kristin has done, I can tell you she does not think she is entitled to anything. She knows that each job depends on preparation and hard, really hard work,” Parker said.
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