Willem Butler Talks About Stepping Onto a Broadway Stage for the First Time - Next on Stage

The Next on Stage competition is narrowing down and we got the chance to chat with the contestants still in the race to win the grand prize!

Willem Butler, a 2022 graduate of Elon University, keeps delivering performances that wow the judges with his talent and filming equipment!

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What is a fond memory you have from a past production?

One of my favorite memories is from when I was in Beauty and the Beast and I bowed with all my best friends all onstage together for the last time. I love my friends so much and I can't thank them enough for always supporting me and loving me through everything. They are the best.

Share a memory from seeing a show.

I am friends with a Elon alumni Matthew Meigs who at the time was on broadway in carousel. After the show he brought me backstage and I remember standing onstage with him and realizing that being on broadway is a reality for my life. Up until that point it seemed like a dream that was unreachable but being on that stage with Matt and staring at the set I could feel the possibility being there. It was incredible.

What have you been doing during quarantine?

I have been mainly making videos and finishing up school. I am a freelance videographer and photographer and have had a lot of people come to me with jobs since everything is online. I also have been playing with my four pets and going on walks with my parents.

Want to see Willem in the top 5? Vote for him HERE!

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Inspired by your favorite network TV singing contests, the site invited high school and college aged students to submit videos of themselves performing a song from the musical theatre canon to enter the competition.

Voting for the top 5 is now open! The nominees have submitted all new songs for you to listen to before casting your vote!

Voting for High School will close at 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, June 17th. Voting for College will close on 11:59 PM ET on Thursday June 18th.

Then tune in for the results LIVE as the judges watch the performances and pick someone from the bottom three to be saved to compete for the top 10! Live shows will air Thursday at 8 PM (high school) and Friday at 8PM (college.)