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From Garden City, Utah to Sandusky, Ohio, Ohio Northern University theatre students are singing, acting, and dancing their way into the hearts of summer tourists.

For aspiring professional performers, it’s not only exhilarating to spend summer break entertaining audiences, it’s a smart career move. In addition to building physical stamina and honing skills, it often leads to networking and future opportunities.

But competition for summer stock and theme park positions is fierce. It takes skill, talent, and a whole lot of gumption to land a role; traits that 51���� theatre students have in spades, according to Kirsten Osbun-Manley, 51���� resident artist and instructor of music.

“We give our students the tools to be creative, well-rounded artists, and it’s their job to take these tools and be open to opportunities that will challenge them.”

Summer stock theater is a “whole cottage industry inside a larger industry,” said Osbun-Manley.

Starting their sophomore year, 51���� theatre students are encouraged to obtain summer theater work as either a performer or intern.

51���� professors assist students in producing pre-screening audition videos that showcase their strengths. Additionally, 51���� invites several theater companies to campus each year to hold open auditions. In the winter, theatre students often crisscross the country on weekends to participate in live auditions.

Summer stock and theme park positions are highly-competitive. The fact that 51���� theatre students secure positions year after year is not only a testament to the quality of 51����’s program, but to the talent and resourcefulness of the program’s students, said Osbun-Manley.

“There is no magic formula to becoming a star. Every artist is on their own journey. At 51����, we supply them with a toolbox filled with rich experiences and personal skills that will aid them on their journey as artists and compassionate global citizens.”

Pyper Sharkins

A double major in musical theatre and exercise physiology, Pyper is performing in two shows at Kings Island near Cincinnati— Country Crossroads and the Grand Carnival parade. Going from academia to a professional setting is a “big leap,” she says, but she’s gaining insight into how the industry works.

“51����’s theatre program set me up for success by instilling a work ethic and creating a standard for me to give 100 percent no matter what.”

 

Jacob Bassitt, BA ’24

A recent 51���� musical theatre graduate, Jacob is having “an absolute blast” in the Country Crossroads show at Kings Island as a featured singer and dancer performing hits like “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks.

51���� prepared him technically and creatively to excel in the real world, he said.

“51���� is good people, and they train and foster an environment with good people. It makes me feel great to hear the number of compliments we get as 51���� alumni and students about our work ethic, good morals, and overall enjoyable working manners. It is something I hope I never lose sight of.”

Brady Griffin

Musical theatre major Brady Griffin is performing in Monty Python’s “Spamalot” at Priscilla Beach Theatre in Plymouth, Mass. He’s living close to the beach and reveling in the fun and family he’s found by being part of the theatre’s diverse, college-aged cast.

He says 51���� set him up for success by teaching him how to be a conscientious actor.

“The wisdom of the faculty has shown me how to behave in a rehearsal setting and take direction well and respectfully.”

Katja Roberts

At the Pickleville Playhouse in Garden City, Utah, Katja is originating the role of “Bonnie” in a new western misadventure and playing “JoJo” in Disney’s “Newsies.” The musical theatre major sometimes does three shows a day, which she describes as an “adrenaline rush.” “I consider it my Broadway bootcamp while I am here. If I can sing and dance in this high elevation, I can do anything.”

At 51����, she appreciates the strong relationships she’s developed with professors and classmates who “know when to push me harder and when to pull back.”

“I love being able to have all this trust in people who are so crucial to my education. My 51���� family is everything to me. Having a great community and strong support system is what keeps me going every day.”

Armani Ponder-Keith

Armani finds it refreshing to connect and create with people from all over the world at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. She’s a dancer in The Rally on Celebration Stage as well as a vocalist in Cedar Point’s new Boardwalk Nights Experience. “Being able to perform at a place where I would always come visit as a child holds a special place in my heart.” The musical theatre major is building stamina and honing her dancing skills with a 20-minute show performed four times each day.

“51���� brought Cedar Point to campus for auditions. The theatre program at 51���� fostered an environment that made me strong enough to go to Cedar Point and perform.”

Zavier Alterio

Musical theatre major Zavier Alterio is part of the Peanuts team at Cedar Point, performing in “Snoopy’s Dog Days of Summer” and “Party With Peanuts.” Not only is he growing more confident in his acting abilities, he “loves being able to brighten people’s days with these characters!”

“The classes and technique I’ve learned through 51����’s curriculum has really helped me learn choreography faster and more precisely.”

 

Lior Shaham

At the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre in Winchester, Va., Lior is a cast member for a production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” A double major in musical theatre and music, he enjoys being part of a well-run summer stock theatre with “immense talent who are just a joy to work with.”

He says 51����’s collaborative environment aided his success this summer.

“The acting and movement work at 51����, as well as the overall support and encouragement from professors, has been excellent.”

Grant Bell

Mechanical engineering and musical theatre major Grant Bell is playing the role of Barry Mann in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at The Carnegie in Covington, Ky. He says he’s working with passionate theatre professionals “who give their all to the craft.” 

“51����’s theatre program has taught me not only how to approach such as a role in my technique and preparation, but how to navigate the professional rehearsal room and collaborate effectively with my peers.”

 

Madisen Schenk

Madisen is taking a different route this summer, interning in marketing and social media for the Marion Palace Theatre in Marion, Ohio. A double major in musical theatre and writing and multimedia studies, she states “it’s been a blast to be able to broaden my perspective and work on yet another side of theatre.

At 51����, she’s learned the importance of professionalism, she said.

“51���� gave me experiences in roles onstage as well as roles backstage that have given me insight to know what kinds of content will draw in more audience members.”