Southern Nazarene University showcases a musical every semester. This spring semester, the SNU School of Music is performing “The Music Man,” written by Meredith Willson. Students at SNU dedicate their time and energy to making each musical as close to perfection as possible. With that comes early mornings, late nights, and stressful time management. However, according to sophomores Isabelle Smith and Elizabeth Howard, all the effort needed to put into it is well worth it.
Smith, a nursing major, has been performing since she was in the fifth grade. “Performing in musical theatre is one of the best ways for me to glorify God,” she expresses. When preparing for the performance and stepping on stage, Smith brings to light the “why” of what they do, stating, “Something I was always taught was that we are performing for an audience of one, so you do not have to worry about what everyone else is thinking. We are here to glorify God with the way we perform, and the SNU musical program makes sure our hearts are in the right place with every performance.”
Howard, a vocal music education major, conveys her love for the SNU musical program by illuminating focus on the children involved in the musical. On top of college students pouring their time into the musical with their busy schedules, there are children from the community doing the same. Howard reveals, “It is a mental standpoint of what and who we are doing it for. It is different for every person, but for me, it is always, ‘For this rehearsal, I can show these kids a Godly thing by showing them positive energy and love.’ If you have a good purpose behind what you are doing, it will never take away from your life and schedule.”
The SNU musical program and all of its students strive for perfection, focusing on displaying their God-given gifts. Students not only memorize lines, choreography, and songs, but they also showcase God’s love for everyone involved. Through their work, SNU students teach themselves and others how to be good neighbors. While performing brings forth good amounts of stress, lack of sleep, and dedication, it also brings forth community and love. Performing for an audience of one allows for hearts to be filled under every circumstance.
Photo by: MaK Wilkerson