NATCHITOCHES – The road to Broadway can start at Northwestern State University. Five alumni of the Theatre and Dance program are in the cast of current Broadway shows or shows that will open in March.
Casey Barrett has been in “Book of Mormon” for more than 10 years after being in the show’s national tour. Michael Ivan Carrier has been in the cast of “& Juliet” for more than a year. Luther Brooks IV made his debut in “Back to the Future” in early February. Polanco Jones Jr. made his debut in “The Wiz,” after being in the show’s national tour. Holli’ Conway is in the cast of “Lempika” which opens in March. This is her third show on Broadway.
Chair of NSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance Brett Garfinkel said about a dozen alumni have appeared on Broadway. The Theatre and Dance program gained a strong reputation under Dr. Jack Wann’s leadership and continued to grow under Scott Burrell, who is now director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at NSU.
“The successes of our alumni are a true testament to their work ethic and talent,” said Garfinkel. “It is the performer that gets the job based on their skills and sometimes who you know. Faculty are often called and asked for some recommendations of talent on shows throughout the U.S. needing replacements. Alumni successes also show that the education they received at NSU helped get them where they are now. Prospective students feel more comfortable going to schools with programs that have successful alumni knowing that they are following the same path as others that have ‘made it.’”
Burrell said it is rewarding for faculty when former students are successful in their profession.
“These alumni are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication to get to this level of achievement,” he said. “The odds for an actor to make it to Broadway is comparative to an athlete making it to the NFL, NBA, or the major leagues. I don’t think any university in the region has had as much success as NSU’s Theatre and Dance program preparing students for the professional world.”
It took time for Barrett to know what a good choice he made by choosing Northwestern State.
“Choosing the theatre program at NSU was one of the best decisions I have ever made in terms of becoming the professional I am today,” said Barrett, a 2009 graduate. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but they were instilling in us through our required coursework an understanding and grasp on the art of theatre as a whole.”
Barrett said the program required acting students to take classes in all aspects of theatre which was a big help to him.
“With that broad span of training came an instilled work ethic for which there isn’t a class you can take,” said Barrett. “They didn’t coddle us. They didn’t tell us we were great all the time. If you were falling behind in a certain area, they were quick to tell you and it was up to you to catch up. This translated so well to the professional world, especially coming from a smaller program with fewer resources. It was an attitude of ‘If you want something to happen, you better get out there and figure out how to make it happen for yourself.’ I’m so grateful for that.”
Barrett said when he was choosing a college, NSU stood out.
“I chose to go to NSU because in my opinion, it was and still is the best undergrad theatre training in the state,” said Barrett. “After visiting the theatre department several times in high school and getting to know the faculty, it became very clear that it was absolutely where I belonged.”
Brooks’ regional credits include: “Choir Boy” (Portland Center Stage), Disney’s “AIDA” (Stages St. Louis), “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (Arvada Center), “In The Heights” (Broadway Palm), Transcendence Theatre. He has been in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and HBO’s “We’re Here.”
“NSU enabled me to cultivate an on-campus community that supported my dreams and enabled me to figure out my truths and talents in the classroom that created the performer I am on Broadway today,” said Brooks, a 2021 graduate.
Carrier, a 2017 graduate, was in the first national tour of “Once on this Island.” He has worked with the Maine State Music Theatre, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Cortland Repertory Theatre, Short North Stage, Sierra Repertory Theatre, TEXAS the Outdoor Musical Drama and The Palace Theater.
“NSU helped to foster an environment that was challenging, explorative and fruitful,” said Carrier. “The facilities available are some of the best in the region. I took advantage of the dance, voice and acting classes as much as possible in order for me to feel prepped and versed. The faculty created a well-rounded environment that allowed growth for my specific potential. I received this education while curating my own college experience that allowed me to grow into myself and become the artist I am today.”
Carrier said the Out on a Limb improv troupe helped him gain confidence on stage and the opportunities to audition at conferences for theaters and performing companies across the country helped him build a professional resume and make connections before graduating.
After graduating, Conway was a playlist performer on Carnival Cruise Lines. In 2018, she was crowned Miss Louisiana and went on to represent the state at the Miss America Scholarship Contest, coming home as a talent preliminary award winner and second runner-up. Immediately after her reign, Conway joined the Original Broadway Cast Production of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” The show was awarded 12 Tony Award nominations, including ‘Best Musical. After finishing her run in “Tina,” she joined the cast of the hit musical “Six” on Broadway and made history as the first Black woman to play the role of Katherine Howard on Broadway. She is now rehearsing with the company of the highly anticipated musical, “Lempicka,” based on the life and works of the iconic artist Tamara de Lempicka.
“At NSU, I gained the resilience, discipline and means to persevere that was all pivotal throughout my journey to Broadway,” said Conway, a 2016 graduate. “As a member of NSU Theatre, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Make Your Own Theatre troupe and other campus organizations, I learned time management and leadership skills that I’ve benefited from continuously in my professional career.”
Jones, a 2015 graduate, was choreographer for “Once on This Island” and “A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder” and a player in “Pippin” at Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carre in New Orleans. In 2020, he was named the Big Easy Theatre Person of the Year. He was in the cast of The New Group’s production of “Black No More.”
“As I reflect on my journey toward becoming a Broadway performer, I can’t help but attribute a significant portion of my success to the invaluable experiences and training I received at Northwestern State University’s Theater and Dance program,” said Jones. “This institution not only equipped me with essential skills but also fostered a holistic approach to performing arts that has been instrumental in shaping my career.”
Jones said one of the key aspects that set the program apart was its comprehensive curriculum.
“From acting techniques and voice training to dance classes and stagecraft, the program provided a well-rounded education that laid a solid foundation for a career in theater,” said Jones. “The dedicated faculty, comprised of seasoned professionals and industry veterans, offered insightful guidance and mentorship, ensuring that I gained a deep understanding of the art and craft of performance. The program’s emphasis on practical experience played a pivotal role in preparing me for the demanding world of Broadway.”
Jones said collaboration was another cornerstone of the program. According to Jones there was emphasis on teamwork in the creation of productions mirrored the collaborative nature of Broadway shows. He gave credit to faculty including Pia Wyatt, Kirstin Riehl, Brett Garfinkel, Rebecca Morgan and Barry Stoneking for influencing him.
To learn about Northwestern State’s Theatre and Dance program, go to nsula.edu/theatre.
Caption
Five Northwestern State Theatre and Dance alumni are appearing in current Broadway shows and another is in a show that opens in March. They are, from left, Casey Barrett, Luther Brooks IV, Michael Ivan Carrier, Holli Conway and Polanco Jones Jr.
