“I’m not fixing anything; I’m just enhancing what you already have here.”
Hundreds of students from Belmont University’s College of Music and Performing Arts filled the Troutt Theater Monday night, Sept. 18, with eager anticipation to hear from and receive guidance from industry legend Kristin Chenoweth.
Donning a pair of pink Versace pants and white high heels, Chenoweth spent the evening leading her “In the Wings” masterclass at Belmont.
A Tony and Emmy Award winning performer, most known for her roles in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Glee” and “Wicked,” Chenoweth did a brief Q&A portion with students from Belmont’s theatre, classical voice, opera and musical theatre programs. She then spent the next three hours with the audience, engaging one-on-one with 17 musical theatre seniors on stage and coaching them on prepared audition cuts.
The energy, excitement and genuine sense of support and encouragement throughout the theater was palpable. After each performance, Chenoweth unveiled her collapsible fan that read “SLAY,” and the students would, without fail, erupt with applause and cheering. The crowd was as giddy in watching their peers get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as they were to be, themselves, in the same room as the iconic performer.
Follow Your Dreams
On top of Chenoweth answering questions about her career and telling anecdotes about the countless stars she has worked with, she offered the students her biggest piece of advice if they want to go into the industry. “If you can see yourself doing anything else and being happy – go do it. This is HARD. It’s not for the weary,” she said. “BUT, if you cannot see yourself being happy doing anything else – and that may mean working several jobs and living with three or four other people – then you will feed off the work. And it will build and build. And someday you’ll be my age and sitting in front of other young artists who want to learn.”
The opportunity came through Belmont’s well-connected faculty. As Chenoweth recently moved to Nashville, Musical Theatre Instructor Jo Lynn Burks began working with her through a connection to New York Musical Director Mary-Mitchel Campbell. “I spent 20 years living in New York, working on Broadway shows and national tours, so I knew MMC through some of that. I also knew Kristin indirectly, through some shows on which I worked,” Burks explained. “I have been blessed to work with Kristin a little here in Nashville on some music for upcoming shows and performances. She is an utter joy to work with, creatively as well as personally.”
Burks welcomed the students from the stage as she introduced Chenoweth, pointing out the excellent opportunity it was for students from every major. Of course, the musical theater students who aspire to perform on Broadway gained tremendous benefit from this coaching, but the wisdom Chenoweth had to share was also insightful for theater students and classical voice students. Chenoweth has her master’s degree in opera and has done much dramatic work, including “The West Wing” and “Pushing Daisies,” for which she won an Emmy Award.
“Kristin is the best example I can think of to illustrate that our students’ dreams are achievable. She is not only one of the best singers/actresses of our time, but she is a good and generous human being,” Burks added. “She doesn’t have time to give many masterclasses, so Belmont is extremely fortunate that she shared her knowledge and experience with our students.”
Make It Your Own
It was awe-inspiring to see the way each student transformed from great to even greater during their eight minutes on stage with Chenoweth.
One comment she repeated several times was, “I am not worried about any of your voices. I commend your teachers for the technique I see here and the material choices you all have selected.” Instead of focusing too much on vocal technique, Chenoweth worked with each performer on their unique skillset and helped them find a way to personally connect with the material they were singing.
Several themes emerged from the notes she gave. A summation of Chenoweth’s advice might read: “Find your own version of the song – take a well-known song that is right for you and make it your own. Don’t get caught up in what others are doing – do it authentically to who you are. So many times, I didn’t get cast right off the bat, but I got remembered. So, be remembered. Don’t ever hold back any character choice out of fear – be brave, go further, play harder. Strip away things you need to get to the core of your character – practice with your arms taped to your legs if you have to. Live in the uncomfortable places – that's where the gold is! Again, I haven't fixed anything here – I’m just giving you all permission. Let go.”
Chenoweth ended each student’s session with a giant hug and many encouraging lines like, “You and I will work together one day,” “You are moving to New York, right?” or teasing, “You all are so talented and so inspiring – I need to go home and practice so I can continue making a living!”
Elevate It
Henry Beddoe, who described the evening as “absolutely magical,” performed “And They’re Off,” composed by William Finn from “A New Brain,” a musical that Chenoweth originated a role in during the late ’90s. Beddoe said Chenoweth helped him find the emotional intensity and personal connection the song needed to be successful.
“I have been a fan of her work since I can remember, so it was a bit surreal to be performing for her. My classmates and I were all nervous to be singing for her, but her kindness and humor really put us all at ease,” Beddoe explained. “Throughout the evening, she said that her job was to ‘take who we are and what we’re doing, and enhance it,’ and that is absolutely what she did. She helped all of us elevate our performances by leaning into what makes us unique, which is what she has done for her entire career.”
Danielle Kucera – who performed “Look What Happened to Mabel,” composed by Jerry Herman from “Mack and Mabel” -- said she had a wonderful experience working with Chenoweth.
“Getting feedback and coaching from her was so fun and felt surreal. She had numerous helpful insights for us, and I was able to make so many discoveries in the acting of my piece while working with her,” Kucera gushed. “Not only did I learn so much about my craft, but she continuously affirmed the work my class and I have achieved with the help of our fabulous musical theatre professors over the course of our four years here. I left the masterclass feeling enlightened and confident in my ability to work professionally once graduating from Belmont.”
Do It Differently
Chenoweth addressed the audience as the class came to a close, saying there was not a single student that didn’t surprise her or quickly take her feedback and run with it. “Do you know how ahead of the game you already are? As a person that can sometimes let fear in my own life get ahead, I invite us all not to lead with fear, ever. That will translate into our songs, our dance, our movies and relationships. I give you permission to do it differently,” she said. “I need you all to know how special you are; you all made it yours. I’m constantly inspired, and I expect so much from you – that's why I took the time I did. I want you to enhance your authentic self and own It. Will you make me that promise?”
As one final surprise, Burks and Chenoweth took the stage together to perform “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It’s safe to say it was a night no one in the audience will ever forget.
Chenoweth’s masterclass at Belmont will benefit her 4good Arts and Education Fund, which will allow a young artist to attend her Broadway Bootcamp free of tuition.
