DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – The path to performing arts stardom has often gone through Millikin University.
All a person needs to do is hear the stories of university graduates from the last decade. Ian Liberto, a 2005 alumnus, and 2015 graduate Anthony Norman are both performing on Broadway and other national tours.
Liberto is currently on a “Hello Dolly” tour. He says the big stage experience is fun to soak in.
“There’s nothing like standing on that stage and staring at the thousands of people staring back at you, knowing that you’ve fulfilled your dream,” he said.
Norman, who is on Broadway in a performance of “The Prom”, couldn’t help but agree.
“It’s kind of surreal to describe,” he said. “Especially being in a new show, being a part of an original Broadway cast is a dream come true.”
Millikin’s Albert Taylor Theatre has been home to students like Liberto and Norman for decades. It’s part of a school program that is one of the best in performing arts in the entire United States.
“You have a lot of faculty putting in 60 (and) 70-hour work weeks, making a lot of sacrifices and in return for that labor, the students do the same,” said Associate Profession Alex Miller, who works in the Millikin School of Theatre and Dance.
Liberto says Millikin set him up well for the “hard business” of theatre, which is home to a competitive scene.
“You have a lot going against you when you get out of college,” he said. “And to be prepared for that is really important.”
