COLLEGIATE THEATRICS: Texas A&M's CASEY GILBERT

A native of Cypress, Texas, Casey Gilbert came to Nashville to go to school at Belmont University and quickly made a name for herself on local stages. But it seemed, at least to her legions of fans in Music City, that no sooner had she arrived and made herself a home here, she was on her way back to Texas. Of course, there were all sorts of things happening that resulted in that move, not the least of which was a change in college major, family ties and more.

But make no mistake about it, Casey Gilbert is an enormously talented young woman - warm and friendly, outgoing and kind - which likely means that no matter what she ends up doing in her later life, she'll be successful. And, obviously, we'll always claim her as one of our own here in Nashville despite her mailing address at any given time.

With her Belmont days behind her, she entered Texas A&M University, where she received a B.S. in Sports Management and she boasts a theatrical resume that's certainly impressive, including such roles as Pilar in Legally Blonde, Laker Girl in Spamalot, The New Employee in 9 to 5 The Musical, the alto in The All-Night Strut and, in what is arguably her biggest and most memorable role in Nashville, Esther Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis at The Larry Keeton Theatre.

So, how was your college theater career? Did it up to its advance hype? My experience has been atypical, but great! Out of high school, I auditioned for many a musical theatre program and got into some great schools but decided to study commercial voice at Belmont University.

After much careful consideration, I transferred to Texas A&M University to be closer to home and to study theatre. I somehow ended up with a B.S. in Sport Management, so you could say that it took some drastic turns from what I initially expected.

While I wish I had gotten the incomparable experience that comes with a musical theatre major, I got so many opportunities to participate in theatre outside of school in Tennessee and Texas that I might not have gotten otherwise. I've gotten to play great roles at great theatres, worked with a lot of different actors and directors, expanded my resume and broadened my horizons in theatre and in school, so you could say it lived up to the hype!

What's been your favorite parts of studying at Belmont and Texas A&M? I loved both Belmont and Texas A&M for different reasons. Belmont's music school was an uber-competitive environment that drove me to improve and work to be a better artist. Texas A&M introduced me to some revolutionary contemporary theatre that I would have never delved into otherwise and has developed me into a well-rounded actor.

Both schools were flexible in allowing me to pursue theatre in addition to my major, which was wonderful. I have gotten to study with amazing acting coaches, voice teachers, and dance instructors and have gained so much experience because of that flexibility and am so grateful!

Have your future plans changed since your college experiences? If you had asked me what I wanted to do four years ago, I probably would have said to graduate college, move to New York and book a Broadway show.

After gaining a solid business background through my studies and doing a lot of research, I've gotten a more realistic view of the theatre business and realize that there are so many different ways I can be a successful working actor. Now my plans revolve more around making a living doing what I love than that singular goal of "Broadway." While that, of course, is still a dream of mine, I realize there are different paths that are just as great!

What collegiate theatrical moment looms largest in your mind? My most defining theatrical moment is probably my post-graduation decision to quit my job and pursue theatre professionally. Everyone says that if you have a back-up, you'll never make it in this business but I'm setting out to prove that isn't true. I'm diving head first into this audition season and have a set date to move to New York City in the Fall and I couldn't be more excited!

What advice would you offer to high school students considering making the plunge? I'd say do it! My path hasn't been a typical one, but if this is what you love, I can promise you that exploring other majors or careers isn't going to change that. Go in with an open mind, don't pigeon-hole yourself to a type, never stop working to be better than you were yesterday and try to come out of college as a well-rounded person and performer. Oh, and be nice to everyone! This business can be competitive and hard and it's so much sweeter if we can all support each other!