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December 9, 2021

Autumn graduate Carly Shepherd, majoring in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance, has gained new skills and strengthened existing ones thanks to her participation at Shawnee State University. Looking towards her career after graduation, she has decided to stay in the region to help teach younger students about opportunities in the performing arts.

Carly Shepherd

“It is just so fulfilling to know that I can inspire the youth in the area to get involved in the arts and be themselves,” said Shepherd. “I will continue dancing with the local Bone and Fiddle Dance Collective and I will also be teaching at Portsmouth Little Theater to get the kids ready for their upcoming Footloose performance.”

Shepherd first found her way to the university through a cattle call audition for juniors and seniors at her high school. After auditioning, she was asked to join the program and chose SSU to be where she would continue her education.

“I knew I belonged here as soon as I stepped foot on campus,” she said. “I have made lasting memories. I met my best friend at the beginning of freshman year at a Student Programming Board movie event on campus and we have been inseparable ever since. I never dreamed I would make so many friends here and that it would become my second home.”

The Musical Theatre Department has also left a lasting impact on Shepherd. Her favorite class from her program was her choreography class as it gave her the opportunity to express herself.

“My dance classes have taught me that I can be true to myself,” she said. “I have gained so much experience through my program that I feel confident in working both on-stage and off-stage. Shawnee has given me real-world training that has set me up for any career path. I am definitely thankful for all I have learned. My professors were all supportive and wanted to see me succeed.”

Shepherd has been involved at SSU in a number of ways, including serving as a Resident Assistant on campus and joining the Musical Theatre Club. She recently performed in 9 to 5, The Musical and performed as a soloist in the Silent Witness Ceremony held by the Title IX office on campus. She also sings for the local Second Presbyterian Church.

“I have gotten experience in many areas of the arts throughout my years at Shawnee,” she said. “I have danced, acted, and sung for many different performances. My goal is to make it to New York someday. I would love to work on either side of the stage.”

To learn more about Shawnee State University’s Musical Theatre program, visit shawnee.edu/musical-theatre.