College Update with Katy and Ezra

Written By: Chelsea and Cynthia

Featuring: Ezra Moore and Katy Olson

It’s been a year since we last checked in with BVC Aspire alums Ezra Moore and Katy Olson. Both are now entering their sophomore year in college, and we wanted to hear how their freshman year went. Ezra is pursuing a BM in Music Theater from Oklahoma City University, while Katy is studying for a BA in Theater and Dance, with a minor in music, at Muhlenberg College.

In this update, Ezra and Katy reflect on the highs, the challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned during their first year as college students!

Q: What did your day-to-day schedule look like during freshman year? What was a typical semester like for you?

Ezra: It was packed! On Mondays and Wednesdays, I had six hours of back-to-back classes, most of which were acting, music, or dance-related. I only had one Gen Ed class in composition. Between classes and rehearsals, my days were long, especially when you factor in a three-and-a-half-hour evening rehearsal after a full day. I also worked a work-study job and sang in a church choir. It was intense, but after the first semester, I got into a rhythm, and things felt more manageable.

Katy: My schedule was a blend of Gen Ed and performance classes since I’m at a liberal arts school. I took some general education requirements like a writing-intensive improvisation course, but I was intentional about choosing classes that would benefit my career. By second semester, I was taking five dance classes, music theory, and choir. I also took American Sign Language at a community college over the summer to knock out some Gen Eds.

Q: Were you involved in any productions during your first year?

Ezra: Yes! I was in the ensemble for The Light in the Piazza in the fall, and I performed in a Gilbert and Sullivan opera in the spring, as well as a student-written jazz opera. Besides those shows, there were always other opportunities, like choir concerts and performing in friends’ recitals. Even helping people in rehearsal or accompanying them on the piano felt like a performance. There was never a dull moment!

Katy: My highlight was playing Small Alison in Fun Home, which was a dream role for me! I prepared the music ahead of time, and when I heard the school was doing the show, I jumped on the chance to audition. I also spent time networking with professors and upperclassmen to find other opportunities. I took advantage of every chance to perform and get involved.

Q: How did you both handle the adjustment to college life, both academically and socially?

Ezra: Academically, it was a big shift from high school. I had spent so much time focusing on academic subjects, so transitioning to a schedule centered around theater and music was refreshing. Socially, it was a learning curve. I’d been to a summer camp on a college campus, so that helped prepare me for living away from home. But finding time to recharge in the same space where I worked and studied was a challenge. I invested in noise-canceling headphones to help me unwind after long days.

Katy: I found the academic side manageable since I’d done self-directed learning in high school. Socially, it was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming—I made so many friends and had to learn to say no sometimes. Being away from home was tough, but visiting my twin sister in New York helped. She’s just a short bus ride away, so that was a big comfort when I felt homesick.

Q: What did you do over the summer?

Ezra: I went back home to work on the farm, played piano and organ at a church, and studied abroad in London for a month. I took a Shakespeare course and met a lot of acting students. It was an amazing experience and a great way to build connections outside of my usual circle of musical theater students.

Katy: I stayed home and focused on relaxing after a busy year. I worked on my pet care business, which I’ve been running since I was 12, and did some party princess gigs. It was nice to take a break and reconnect with my family and friends.

Q: Now that you’ve finished your freshman year, would you give any new advice to students going through the college audition process or thinking about majoring in theater?

Katy: I was so set on getting into a BFA program, but now I realize that wasn’t necessary for me. My BA program is perfect because I can focus on dance, which is crucial for my goals. My advice is to choose a school that supports the skills you want to develop. Don’t just go for a big name—pick a place where you’ll grow in the areas that matter most to you.

Ezra: I’d echo that. In the audition process, we get so focused on finding the “best” school, but once you’re in, it’s all about how much effort you put into your own development. The school you choose matters less than the work you put in while you’re there.

Both Ezra and Katy have embraced their freshman year with open minds, learning valuable lessons about themselves and their craft. As they head into their sophomore year, they’re excited for new opportunities, continued growth, and all the challenges that lie ahead (and we're so excited to cheer them on through it!)

And if you’re ready to get expert mentorship and ongoing training as you prepare for college auditions, then you’re invited to join our BVC Aspire program! From now through December 15th, 2024 we are running Early Bird Registration! Save your spot for our Spring Aspire cohort with a $500 deposit, which goes towards your final tuition cost (saving you $$!!). Click here to learn more about the program!

If you're interested in diving deeper into this topic or exploring other interesting musical theatre conversations - check out the Broadway Vocal Coach podcast! Or check us out on Instagram, and get involved in the conversation!