Aspiring student actors instructed by Broadway star

Preston Wittwer

From the get-go it was clear Broadway star Lea Salonga followed her own advice — to start telling the story before you open your mouth.

Within a few seconds of entering a room in the Richards Building filled with more than 40 student actors, Salonga’s passion, gratitude and down-to-earth realism were conveyed in a warm smile and overall look of happiness to teach the students.

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Coming to campus as a headliner for the Performing Arts Series, Salonga took time to instruct the music dance theatre students for two hours in a master class last Thursday afternoon. She shared personal experiences from her extensive and renowned career, critiqued and gave advice to a few students after they performed in front of the group and ended the class with a performance of “I Dreamed A Dream” from the musical “Les Miserables.”

 

 

Salonga, who performed Friday night and will perform Wednesday night on campus, knew her audience well, and it showed in her speaking points and the occasional joke about the Osmonds or the Word of Wisdom. Raised in a conservative and religious environment herself, Salonga spoke on the challenges she knows will come to the group of actors she addressed. She encouraged them to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for what will be asked of them as professionals.

She didn’t limit herself to giving strictly professional advice;  she spoke of the importance of faith, the necessary support of family and finding ways to cope with the demanding and emotional lifestyle of a performer.

“Make sure you have a life — a very well rounded, well lived life,” Salonga said. “That will feed what you do onstage.”

Though Salonga wasn’t able to speak with each student individually, she made a lasting impression on students preparing to graduate as well as new freshmen.

Cayel Tregeagle, an 18-year-old freshman MDT major from Orem, couldn’t keep from smiling after the class ended.

“It was completely awe inspiring,” Tregeagle said. “It gives me so much inspiration and encouragement. She showed me that anyone from anywhere can make it if they have enough courage and strength to really share with others.”

A few seniors were selected to come prepared to perform a musical number for Salonga. Leslie Hiatt, a 23-year-old MDT senior from Mesa, Ariz., was one of the privileged few.  Almost immediately after she finished her number, Salonga had little advice for the performers.

“That was beautiful, I don’t have anything for you,” Salonga told her.

“To hear that from someone who I not only idolize, but respect as a person means the world to me,” Hiatt said. “It gives me courage to continue in this career. These master classes have been a standout in my year, I really hope they continue.”

Salonga will perform one last time  on campus Wednesday night at 7:30 in the de Jong Concert Hall.