The Creative College Journey with Scott Barnhardt

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IN THE NEWS: Breakdown of Playbill.com's BIG 10 Universities for Broadway Actors Sep 09, 2024

Ever wondered why some schools dominate Broadway? Join me, Scott Barnhart, on this special solo episode of the Creative College Journey Podcast, where we uncover the real stories behind the statistics found in Playbill.com's recent BIG 10 list - "Where Where Did the Actors of the 2023–24 Broadway Season Go to School?"
I take you through a recent Playbill article listing the top ten schools on Broadway and explore what these numbers truly mean, and what context is missing. Using examples from NYU and CCM, I highlight the importance of considering program size, location, and alumni diversity in making your college list. This episode isn't just about understanding the data; it's about helping you find the perfect fit for your creative journey.
Feeling overwhelmed by college applications? I'm also sharing practical tips to ease your stress and boost your confidence. Get ready to discover various career paths and transferable skills that a creative education can unlock. Remember, how you approach your education is more critical than where you pursue it.
Tune in for inspiration and actionable advice, and make sure to rate and review the podcast to help others find these valuable insights. Let's navigate this creative college admissions journey together!

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To find out more about The Creative College Journey and services we have to offer, please visit our website and sign-up for our mailing list: www.creativecollegejourney.com
Introduction voice-over: Sara Cravens
Or find our host Scott Barnhardt on Instagram.

SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - "Your College Bound Kid Podcast" Dr. Lisa Rouff Interviews Scott Barnhardt Feb 28, 2024

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UNIQUE PODCAST EPISODE... the tables are turned and I'm being interviewed! This is a re-airing of the podcast I was interviewed on this month, Your College Bound Kid (YCBK) Podcast by Dr. Lisa Rouff. YCBK and School Match 4U have graciously agreed to allow us to share their interview on our platform!
Ever wondered how a Broadway hopeful turns into a guiding light for college-bound creatives? My transformation from stage-struck actor to seasoned educator and college consultant sets the stage for an insightful chat with the School Match 4U team on their "Your College Bound Kid/YCBK" Podcast. In the conversation we navigate the treacherous waters of college applications for the artistically inclined, revealing the intricacies of audition prep and the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing performance programs. I pull back the curtain on the decision-making process between BA and BFA degrees, emphasizing how a broad education enriches the soul and, in turn, the performances of budding actors.
Aspiring actors and their parents often face a maze of options and challenges. My conversation with the team illuminates the often-overlooked value of state schools, community colleges, and the potential wisdom of taking a gap year. Shedding light on the myth that a prestigious institution is essential for artistic triumph, we champion the idea that creative constraints can sometimes lead to the most ingenious solutions. The practical advice doesn't stop there; we also provide a toolkit for tackling the complexities of performing arts applications, from selecting the perfect monologue to capturing it on camera.
The grand finale of the discussion is a treasure trove of guidance for both students and parents as they step into the world of college theater programs. With a focus on the varying requirements of BA and BFA courses and the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, I underscore that the college chosen is not the final act in one's career. Instead, it's just one scene in the lifelong drama of a performer's journey. So, take your seat, tune in, and let's raise the curtain on crafting a college experience that sings in harmony with your artistic ambitions.
Thank you to Mark Stucker and Dr. Lisa Rouff for agreeing to re-air this wonderful interview on The Creative College Journey Podcast!
To find out more about School Match 4u and their many services in education consulting, visit their website:
https://schoolmatch4u.com/

To listen to the original podcast on Your College Bound Kid Podcast visit:
https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/2024/02/13/interview-168-scott-barnhardt-on-admissions-advice-for-performing-arts-majors/
Or search for Your College Bound Kid (YCBK) where ever you listen to podcasts!

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INTERVIEW - Robyn Baker (MPH in Public Health at Brown University, Online; BS in Kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton CSUF) Dec 05, 2023

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Content Warning: This podcast episode contains candid conversations relating to eating disorders and mental health issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional help. The National Eating Disorders Association Helpline is available at 1-800-931-2237. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Listener discretion is advised.
Robyn Baker (who I knew back in the day as Robyn Yamanaka) is someone who I went to high school with at Los Alamitos High and the Orange County High School of the Arts many moons ago -- she was a sophomore when I was senior!
Robyn is someone I’ve always been a big fan of. When I think of that sophomore Robyn circa 1997, I see an exceptional talent and someone who is so very KIND… but I never knew, until recently, that we shared an NYU college rejection letter pain-point together until a recent Facebook post that she made about starting her new college journey studying Public Health online at Brown University. But it was that particular rejection experience that neither of us were prepared for, and one that we’ve both been working on healing for decades. Upon reading her post, I immediately wanted to discuss it on the podcast! I’m grateful she graciously agreed.
One theme we explore is the therapeutic power of creativity and its role as a tool for understanding the world around us. We delve into personal narratives on the impact of motherhood and parenthood on identity and harnessing creativity to overcome adversity. We also share an intimate discussion on the painful reality of college rejection and its impact on self-worth, drawing from our own experiences with NYU. It's a powerful conversation aimed at challenging the dangerous notion of associating admission decisions with personal worth.
Robyn Baker is a homeschooling mother of 3 and a graduate student at Brown University getting her masters in Public Health, as well as having received her Bachelors of Science from Cal State University in Fullerton in Kinesiology (for those who don’t know, Kinesiology is the study of body movement, a study often related to Physical Therapy and Dance!).
Robyn has worn many hats over her 42 years of life including singer, actress, personal trainer, Pilates teacher, yoga instructor, author, restaurant hostess, business owner and recovery coach. She's grateful for all the wisdom and opportunities she's been blessed to acquire and experience over the years. She is an advocate for eating disorder recovery, size/body diversity and health equality and accessibility. She hopes to one day create a health care system that truly values all lives.
On a personal note, while it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other in person - I am so impressed with her online presence, her activism, her nuance sharing of parenthood and giving voice to the many issues she is so passionate about. A brilliant example of how creativity can infuse every corner of your life in powerful and dynamic ways.
Welcome to the podcast, Robyn Baker.
If you'd like to reach Robyn Baker you can find her at:
Instagram:

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INTERVIEW - Grace Lu (UCLA, BA in Psychology; Professional Film, TV, and Voiceover Actor) Aug 22, 2023

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Grace Lu is someone I’ve known for a few years through the work of my husband, voiceover actor JP Karliak. Grace Lu is a graduate of Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, CA, and is currently a rising sophomore at UCLA (Go Bruins!) studying Psychology. And while a full time student, Grace has been navigating a robust and full professional life in both on-camera and voice over capacities here in Los Angeles.
Grace is currently a recurring role of Megan in Bunk’d on Disney Channel, and it was recently announced that Grace is the voicing the role of Shining Glitter Cookie on the video game Cookie Run: Kingdom. Grace's voice can also be heard on Transformers: EarthSpark; Madagascar: A Little Wild; and the video game Legends of Runeterra. On screen, Grace has been seen in Sydney to the Max, Side Hustle and (thrilling to my MT nerd-dom) Grace is featured in the You Will Be Found montage of the film of Dear Evan Hansen. (There are several video game and animation projects in the works that Grace is super excited about and hope to be able to share soon!)
Grace started acting in elementary/middle school musical theater productions in Carlsbad, California! Grace has always loved anything artistic, and can be found always drawing, creative writing (mostly poetry!), songwriting, and singing or jamming out with her brother. Learning about environmental issues and scientific discoveries and advocating for more diverse and inclusive education is also a big passion of hers.

On a personal note, I am so impressed with a young professional actor like Grace - who continually balances the many pressures of a full-tilt adult professional work life, with the developmental and exploratory experiences of college life. Showing us all, there is no ONE way to approach a life as a student and an actor.
We proudly welcome to the podcast, Grace Lu.
If you'd like to reach Grace Lu you can find her at:
Website: www.gracelu.com
Instagram: @grace.mlu
X/Twitter: @gracemlu

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INTERVIEW: Thalia Atallah (UCLA, BA in Theatre, Musical Theatre emphasis and National Tour of ANASTASIA)) Jul 25, 2023

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Today's guest, Thalia Atallah is a graduate Orange County School of the Arts Musical Theatre Conservatory and as of 2022, an alum of UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television (TFT) with a BA in Theatre, and an emphasis in Musical Theatre!
Thalia Atallah is a bi-cultural Lebanese/Latinx performer from Los Angeles, California. She is a true triple threat who has worked professionally all throughout Southern California Thalia was most recently seen in the Broadway National Tour of Anastasia dancing and singing in the ensemble as well as understudying the leading lady of the show, ‘Anya’ Her rendition of Journey to the Past is magic. Some other favorite roles include; Leading Player (PIPPIN), Gertrude McFuzz (SEUSSICAL) and Nina (IN THE HEIGHTS).
On a personal note, I am so proud of Thalia and her perseverance, talent, and growth mindset have been nothing short of inspiring to witness. She is pounding the pavement and making a creative life in the entertainment industry happen for herself! #bookedandblessed
While Thalia and I only had a single year to work together at OCSA, I would have happily of taking many more than that, but some of our conversations about college that year are the inspiration for the work I’m doing today, and for that I am always grateful.
In this episode, we talk about the roundabout journey of deciding to attend a school for Musical Theatre between NYC vs. California; what helped her feel most prepared in her college auditions; How to navigate demeaning back-handed compliments; What lessons and skills she learned on-the-job with her first professional national tour; how to thrive while understudying a lead role on a National Tour; and the ways she learned how to trust her own unique and fabulous path!
If you'd like to reach Thalia Atallah you can find her at:
Website: www.thaliaatallah.com
Instagram: @heyy.thalia
TikTok: @thaliaatallah18

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INTERVIEW - Carla Stickler (NYU - BFA & MA, Flatiron School; Broadway actress and Web/Software Engineer) Jun 27, 2023

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On this episode, Scott has the chance to interview Carla Stickler who has "defied gravity" and expectations throughout her varied careers as a vocalist, Broadway performer and web/software engineer. And she discusses the many educational paths she took to land some of her dream gigs, including Wicked on Broadway and her current work as a web engineer at Spotify.
Carla Stickler is perhaps best known for her news-making return to the role of Elphaba in Wicked in 2022, after a 7-year hiatus away from the show. That return single-handedly, helped keep Wicked open in a Covid-weary industry.
Her story and advocacy ideas about Artists in STEM have been featured in Marie Claire, NPR, Huffington Post, Vulture, Inside Editon, Nightline - among others.
As an actor, Carla toured the nation with Mamma Mia (covering Sophie) and toured Asia playing Liesel in the The Sound of Music. She has also performed her own cabaret as a guest entertainer onboard Norwegian and Disney Cruise Lines.
Carla has a BFA in acting from NYU-Tisch and masters degree in theater education from NYU-Steinhardt, and she was a voice teacher in New York City on the faculties of Marymount Manhattan College and Molloy College/CAP21.
And she also attended The Flatiron School in New York City, a software engineering bootcamp, that helped her as she career transitioned from the entertainment industry to the tech sector.
Carla mentors high school students through their college application journey through iMentor in Chicago as well as artists looking to make a career change into tech through Artists Who Code. Carla is passionate about reframing the narrative of the “starving artist” and encourages young artists to take agency over their careers by developing skills that can provide them with financial stability alongside their artistic journey.
To find out more about Carla Stickler:
Website: www.carlastickler.com
TikTok: @sticklercarla
Linked-In: www.linkedin.com/in/carlastickler/
Podcast References:
The Portfolio Life by Christina Wallace

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INTERVIEW - Zoe Seare (University of Utah, BFA in Theatre Teaching) May 09, 2023

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Scott sits down with a former student, Zoe Seare, for a engaging conversation about Zoe’s pathway towards higher education at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and making the decision to transfer in her sophomore year from the BFA in Musical Theatre Performance to their unique BFA in Theatre Teaching, and the many revelations in college that brought her to a new sense of purpose, action and confidence.
Zoe studied Musical Theatre at OCSA and performed in productions of Quilters (that was also presented at the 2020 International Thespian Festival) As You Like It, 10th Street Follies ,she was a a frequent participant in Classroom Cabaret & Cabaret for a Cause, and in 3 different Performing with the Pros concerts with Jessica Vosk, Megan McGinnis and David Burnham.
At the University of Utah recently worked on Seussical TYA with Youth Theatre at the U (as an assistant director and u/s for The Cat in the Hat)- a really unique program at the University of Utah that allows the department university students to have an additional performance opportunities and mentor young people all while working with their community program.
Zoe Seare wants to use her love and passion for theatre to teach new generations of students about empathy & acceptance through theatre arts in either High School and/or a community theatre. She advocates for accessible theatre and making sure that ALL students feel safe and comfortable to take risks and try new things in the theatre space.
In this episode, we talk about the many assets of what studying both theatre and education have brought Zoe, the hurdles and logistics of what to do once you've decided to transfer to a different program within a university, the unique overlap of interests between psychology, cosmetology and musical theatre, how the Western Undergraduate Exchange is helping to make her college experience more affordable, and the tactics Zoe has found to defuse the (all-to-common) comparison mindset of her 17-year old self to find her clear sense of her own mission and confidence.
If you'd like to reach Zoe Seare, feel free to check out her website:
https://sites.google.com/view/teacherzoe/home
To learn more about The University of Utah's unique BFA in Theatre Teaching:
https://www.theatre.utah.edu/students/programs/theatre-teaching-bfa
To find out more about the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE):
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/

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INTERVIEW - Shane Norys (Disney Cruise Line) Apr 17, 2023

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Shane Norys is a dancer, choreographer and performer originally from Orange County, CA who is currently sailing the high seas as a Specialty Performer with Disney Cruise Line on The Disney Magic travelling the world a job he has held since auditioning for Disney the summer after he graduated high school.
Shane recently completed professional development with Disney Cruise Line with a certificate in the Emerging Leaders Shipboard Program.
Shane attended the Orange County School of the Arts to study Musical Theatre from 7th-12th grade. Shane began his theme park adventures working as a performer at LEGO LAND in Carlsbad, CA. At OCSA Shane was featured dancing in a number of productions including Jasper in Deadland, Sweet Charity, The Tree Lighting at Fashion Island, OCSA’s Gala, Footloose, as well as leadership on Evita and Spelling Bee and a teaching assistant for our middle school productions.
When in California, you can often find Shane teaching dance at Millenium Dance Center OC… or even subbing for me at Professional School for the Arts in Torrance or choreographing at Musical Theatre of Orange County.
On this episode, we do a deep dive into the life of a student who chose to go direct to industry straight out of high school, the determination and perseverance that required, industry pathways and career advancement he sees for himself with a company like Disney and the many benefits and lessons learned growing-up on a luxury cruise ship!
Check out his instagram for incredible views of the many sights of the world he gets to see….Shane's Instagram

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INTERVIEW - Adam Castrillón (University of California - Irvine (UCI), BA in Drama; Irvine Valley College) Apr 11, 2023

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INTERVIEW - Alyssa Carol (University of Michigan, BFA in Musical Theatre; Bad Cinderella on Broadway) Mar 28, 2023

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Scott sits down with a former student, Alyssa Carol, for a heartfelt and lovely conversation about Alyssa’s pathway towards higher education at the University of Michigan's famed Musical Theatre BFA and making her Broadway debut as an original Broadway cast member in Andrew Lloyd Webber's brand new musical, BAD CINDERELLA.
And while in many ways Alyssa is living what from the outside looks to be a Broadway Cinderella story… she comes to the podcast to share her personal journey to this moment to highlight the fact that the road to Broadway is rarely glamorous or picture book perfect, but this journey is often a deeply satisfying, valuable and artistically illuminating process.
Alyssa Carol is a performing artist originally from Orange County, CA. She grew up dancing, singing and acting and eventually attended the Orange County School of the Arts to study Musical Theatre from 7th-12th grade where she discovered a deeper sense of her artistry and the cathartic nature of performing. And I had the privilege to be her conservatory director for her junior and senior year at OCSA.
She is currently completing her last semester at The University of Michigan in their BFA Musical Theatre program remotely from NYC… so that she could join the original cast as a swing of the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BAD CINDERELLA covering 9 tracks and triumphantly made her Broadway debut during previews on March 9th.
At the University of Michigan she was featured in productions of The House of Bernarda Alba, Hair, Michael McElroy’s Sonnets, Soliloquies and Soul, The Wild Party; she made her professional debut as the female swing in The Ogunquit Playhouse staging of The Nutty Professor; At OCSA, she played Charity in SWEET CHARITY, Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, was in the ensemble of OCSA’s productions of Jasper in Deadland, Footloose as an Associate Choreographer (with Emily Baggerly) on an epic production of EVITA.
On a personal note, Alyssa is a light in this world and a ferocious quadruple threat - actor, dancer, singer AND creative/maker. She is a wonderful example of leading with the love of an artform, and practicing that abundant mindset at every turn of the creative process.
In this episode, we talk about the many facets of her talent and creative interest; what helped her be her authentic self in audition settings; How she decided to say YES to a school like University of Michigan; And a touching story of being guided by the legendary Broadway dancer and choreographer, Ann Reinking, just weeks before her passing.
If you'd like to reach Alyssa Carol you can find her at:
Instagram: @aalyssacarol
To see footage of Alyssa's Ann Reinking exchange from a Zoom master class conducted with Broadway Arts Community:
click here
Bad Cinderella - NOW on Broadway
https://badcinderellab

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INTERVIEW: Jordan Spena (Texas State University, BFA in Musical Theatre) Mar 21, 2023

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Scott sits down with a former student, Jordan Spena, for a witty and wise conversation about Jordan’s pathway towards higher education.
Jordan Spena is an actor, singer, dancer, writer who is currently a Freshman at Texas State University earning his BFA in Musical Theatre. Jordan is also a graduate of the Orange County School of the Arts (where Scott met Jordan as an auditioning 8th Grader transferring to the Musical Theatre department from Production and Design). Jordan is a multi-hyphenate performer with additional interests in writing, design, direction, choreography and dramaturgy. Ever since he took his first ballet class at five years old, he has become a strong advocate for the autonomy of artists, believing that performers have the power to create their own projects and opportunities without waiting for permission. Jordan Spena is also outrageously funny. And there are OCSA Lip Sync Battle clips to prove it. Jordan’s passions include his dog, Crocs, and the binge-watching of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In the episode, we talk about ways to navigate the musical theatre college audition process; the struggle/benefit of being interested in all the college options; Dramatic epiphanies at 4am sitting on the floor of La Guardia Airport; Classes that inspire deep thought and social change; our mutual adoration of Caitlin Hopkins; how to face rejection as dispassionate data; and finding ways (and celebrating) finishing college debt free!

#creativecollegejourney #podcast #collegeadmissions #texasstateuniversity #txstmt
If you'd like to reach Jordan Spena you can find him at:

Instagram: @jordan.spena
Tik-Tok: @jordan.spena

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INTERVIEW - Bella Arnold (CSULB, UC Berkeley) - A journey from Musical Theatre to Journalism Mar 14, 2023

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Scott sits downs with a former Orange County School of the Arts Musical Theatre Conservatory student, Bella Arnold, for a funny and heartwarming journey through her pathway towards higher education.
Bella Arnold is a journalist who is currently earning her master’s degree at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and received her B.A. from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).Currently, she is a data reporter for the California Reporting Project at the Investigative Reporting Program, where she investigates police use-of-force and misconduct in California. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of DIG MAG at CSULB - an insider’s guide to Long Beach for the Cal State Long Beach community. Bella Arnold loves writing stories about books and people (especially marginalized communities) experiencing joy. In her free time, Bella likes to read (like literally the most voracious reader I think I know!) and watch rom-coms and pine for the 22 west freeway.
In this episode, Scott and Bella discuss the benefits of graduating from her undergraduate degree without any debt; the power of "growing where you are planted" even if it isn't where you planned it would be; Discovering the creative mediums you love, even if you're initially "bad" at the task; Overcoming disappointment and "worse case scenario"/disaster mindset; Ways she stay connected with theatre, even when it wasn't a part of her major; and some inspiring conversations about the state of "new wave" journalism and ways to improve media coverage, specifically about marginalized communities. #choosejoy
If you'd like to reach Bella Arnold you can find her at:
Bellaarnold.com
Bellaarnold.substack.com

Instagram: @bellaarnold
Twitter: @bellaawrites

California Reporting Project:
https://projects.scpr.org/california-reporting-project/

CSULB - Dig Mag:
https://cla.csulb.edu/departments/journalism/dig-mag/

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