Meet the Next On Stage Finalists: Bo Bailey

Just weeks ago we learned which talented contestants will move forward to the finale of Next On Stage, sponsored by AMDA and Atlantic Acting School! The Top 3 are getting ready to show us what they've got in New York City, as they prepare to perform at the famed 54 Below.

Learn more about the competition.

Who will win the competition? You'll have to tune into the live finale on Sunday, January 18 (12pm ET) to find out! Until then, we are getting to know the students one by one. Meet College contestant Bo Bailey from Lakeland, Florida.

What do you love the most about performing?

Performing and the community that accompanies it allows me to tap into feelings I didn't even know I had. Growing up, auditioning, rehearsing, and performing in shows at my local community theatre was my outlet. It gave me a sense of belonging that I never felt when I was on the soccer or baseball field. I could be my most authentic self, and that freedom was so revitalizing and fresh. As I've gotten older and have become more passionate for this craft, that sense of belonging is still just as present. As I've grown as an actor and performer, I have a new understanding of the complexity of emotions. Performing allows me to feel without the baggage of dealing with those situations outside of the theatre, and to be human is to feel. It is so emotionally, physically, and mentally fulfilling that I can't imagine spending my life pursuing anything else. 

What's a role that you'd love to play someday and why?

My dream role since middle school has been Evan Hansen, but after going through some callbacks, I fear I might be a little too tall to play Evan. Nonetheless, it will never be taken off of my "Dream Roles" list in my notes app. I think it's so important to have mental health represented in the arts, and to be able to share that story with someone who might be really struggling would mean the world to me, because truly, no one is alone. I admire Pasek and Paul's compositions so much, and "You Will Be Found" has some of my favorite harmonies ever written. From a completely different side of myself, I would love to play Elsa because I have always yearned to have the "Let It Go" quick change and to be wailing into a giant flash of light/blackout at the end of Act 1. So, for completely different reasons, Evan/Elsa would be my picks. 

Is there a theatre educator who has had a big impact on you as a performer?

My voice teacher at Florida State University, Alisa Klein Hauser, is truly a magician. In terms of vocal technique, she has helped me strengthen my head voice, find my mix, switch between placements with ease, and use musicality to aid storytelling; the list truly goes on and on. She is also the professor of our Music Theatre Repertoire class. From an acting standpoint, she gives the most helpful and positive constructive criticism. She is also the kindest person you will ever meet. Her office is always open if you ever need to talk. I can always send her self-tapes to get feedback (which I have for this competition). I can also text her if I am looking for a specific type of song, and she is always willing to help pick one out with me and find the sheet music. She has love for what she does and is inspiring to her students, especially after having a successful acting career. Thank you, Alisa, for everything. I couldn't be here without your guidance and support. Go Noles!! 

Share a fun fact about yourself! 

A fun fact about me is that I can solve a Rubik's Cube! Growing up, my brother and I were obsessed with puzzles and figuring things out. This led to many magic sets and mind game puzzles, but we really found our groove with Rubik's Cubes. My brother has around 10 different styles of puzzle cubes, and I can solve the original one in just about a minute. 

Watch Bo's performances so far...

Week 4:

Week 3: 

Week 2:

Week 1: