K-State students spend spring break learning on Broadway

Monday, March 31, 2025

K-State Theatre students outside the Majestic Theatre in New York City.

Eight Kansas State University theatre students spent four inspiring days observing and learning about professional theatre in New York City during spring break. Students participating in the applied learning opportunity include Tess Bennett, Jay Garrison, Ari Hornbeck, Aidan Murphy, Gabby Reid, Sarah Troyn, Madeline Vanderiet and Ashlyn Wills.

Immersing themselves in the Broadway experience, students attended “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “Gypsy,” starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra MacDonald, “Wicked,” and “Boop! the Musical.” Jerry Jay Cranford, associate professor of theatre, arranged for Hornbeck, stage management student, to shadow the stage management team at the Tony-winning “The Outsiders” during an evening performance. Hornbeck was invited to sit with the company onstage for a talkback following the performance and even answered questions.

The students concluded the immersion by participating in discussions and reflections with artists working in New York. Actor-mentors included Brad Oscar, the current Wizard in “Wicked” and two-time Tony nominee; Christa Justus, Broadway performer and recording artist; Suzi Bonnot, the stage manager of “& Juliet”; and Jeff Johnson, Broadway wardrobe supervisor, designer and actor.

K-State theatre alumni also shared the experience of life post-graduation and moving from the Little Apple to the Big Apple including: Derrick Weishaar, marketing for the New York productions of “Redwood,” “Titanque” and others; Brett Boline, theatre engineer and performer currently working on the New York City “Crybaby the Musical” concert; and Aubrey Mann, current NYU doctoral student.