Graduating from LFHS in 2025, Kallista Schneiderman, Nora Sharman, and Sarah Noble are just some of the talented alumni who have decided to pursue degrees in acting and musical theatre at prestigious performing arts schools. Their passion and dedication to the arts have driven them to share their experiences and words of wisdom with aspiring performers. 

Kallista Schneiderman

What encouraged you to pursue acting in college?

“I started acting around three years old, so it’s pretty much been my passion my entire life. It definitely felt like a given to pursue it in college. I know a lot of people change their majors or don’t really know what they want to do with their lives, but I feel such a strong calling to acting. I genuinely love it and want to do it forever.”

What influenced your decision to attend the University of Southern California?

“I think it was a combination of many things. The biggest being that when I toured USC over spring break last year, the day after I got in, it felt like something out of a dream. It felt like home. I also talked to a lot of current students and alumni and learned all about USC’s incredible amenities and amazing opportunities that I could not get anywhere else.”

What productions and/or extracurriculars are you participating in?  

“At the beginning of the year, I joined a competitive sketch comedy troupe, The Suspenders, where I both write and perform sketches. I’ve also acted in many student films through the School of Cinematic Arts. I’m currently running tech for The Laramie Project, a second-stage show, for one of my classes. And! I’m in a sorority–ADPi.”

In what ways did LFHS Theatre help prepare you for conservatory-style training?

“My program at USC actually isn’t a conservatory, but LFHS Theatre did prepare me in a lot of ways. In high school, I learned how to be busy. Like, all the time. Theatre took up so much of my time that now, in college, I don’t struggle with the amount of time I spend immersed in theatre in most of my classes and free time. I think LFHS is also a rarity among public schools with such a strong theatre program and ambitious theatre students. USC is such an incredibly driven school and I feel like LFHS felt so similar, getting to learn from all of my determined peers. There’s honestly so much of USC theatre that feels close to LFHS Theatre, which can make college feel nice and familiar, especially in such a competitive industry.”

What was it like adjusting to living and performing in one of the biggest cities in the country?

“It’s so awesome! I love that if I’m bored or feeling restless, I can just go explore the city. There are so many cool beaches, museums, and restaurants. And more so, such amazing theatre! Not only does USC have a vibrant theatre scene, but the surrounding area does as well. I’ve seen so many quality performances from comedy to musicals, which is so amazing to experience as a student pursuing theatre. I really do love LA.”

What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned in college?

“I’ve really learned the importance of a community, both for personal and career-related reasons. In high school, the theatre community was such a given in a way that I had to initially search for it in a big school like USC. I’ve found that it’s so important to have a community you love and that loves you. Obviously, it’s good to have friends for your social sake, but I also feel like I’ve become such a better actor not only through my classes, but with the talented, creative people I surround myself with. You grow when other people push you to. So, give love and receive it, because that’s how you grow.”

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a senior going through the college audition process?

“In the most cliche way possible, you will end up where you’re supposed to be. Also, the audition process is so random, so don’t beat yourself up. There are plenty of schools I thought I would get into and didn’t and plenty that I thought I had no shot at and did. I’ve met so many incredible people who didn’t get into a certain school for no reason at all. There is truly an element of randomness that you cannot change, unfortunately. It’s all going to be okay in the end. 

I wasn’t even considering USC until I got in, and now I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. Had I gotten into other schools on my list, I might not have gone here, and I would’ve had a completely different–probably much worse–experience. So, trust the process. The worst advice in the world because there’s absolutely nothing you can do to change either of these things, but trust that you’re talented and everything will work out.”

Nora Sharman

What encouraged you to pursue acting in college?

“I have always been incredibly passionate about theatre and acting. I was super involved in theatre at LFHS and even before high school, so it has never really been a question for me. I am also incredibly lucky to have very supportive parents who are able to put me through college and allow me to pursue what I am passionate about at a higher level. I had such a great experience in theatre at LFHS and knew that I wanted more, and wanted the tools that I needed to pursue a career in theatre professionally. Receiving a BFA in drama was the best way for me to equip myself for a future in the arts.” 

What influenced your decision to attend New York University?

“I think in the back of my mind I have always secretly dreamed about going to NYU. However, there are great BFA programs all over the country and the world, so it truly depends on what you make of the program–you can be successful anywhere you go–but for me personally, NYU has the best resources. It is right in the heart of New York City, so there is no other school that is so connected to the theatre industry. 

I am constantly experiencing the NYC theatre scene–Broadway and off-Broadway shows are never more than a 15-minute subway ride away. I think it’s super important to be taking in as much art as you can because it greatly impacts the work that you do in the studio, and having the privilege to see theatre at its highest level any day of the week is super incredible. 

Also, one of the best parts about NYU is that since we are in New York City, all of the faculty are able to be actively involved in the NYC theatre scene. All of my acting teachers and professors are working industry professionals, on Broadway, off-Broadway, and film, so it is so valuable to be caught up on everything that is actively happening in the industry, and super helpful for building relationships and connections in the creative field.” 

What productions and/or extracurriculars are you participating in?  

“Another thing I love about NYU is that there is no shortage of opportunities. You are not allowed to act in any mainstage productions your first year in order to properly train before putting that training into practice, as well as to help the first years assimilate into the very intense training schedule. However, there are infinite student-driven productions that you can be involved in. 

NYU is one of the top-five film schools in the country, so I am getting lots of practice on camera. I am currently involved in several short films, including an original feature-length movie musical that I am shooting this spring. Aside from that, I am acting in a new works play festival, and writing/acting in various plays for my studio requirements.”  

In what ways did LFHS theatre help prepare you for conservatory-style training?

“LFHS theatre was a great introduction to involving myself more seriously with theatre in a conservatory-style training program. A lot of the work you do in the LFHS classroom curriculum is very similar. The Meisner work in Theatre II class is a great starting point for any BFA program. I’m fairly certain that every single program will have you doing Meisner at some point, at NYU you study it pretty heavily in your first year. 

Also, with ITS, the International Thespian Society, it gives you a little glimpse into theatre organization, and it’s great that we were given that agency in high school. Actually, LFHS has a great tech program, and I felt very prepared on the technical side of theatre, when surprisingly a lot of the actors here at NYU did not know the intricacies of putting a show together, so as much as those tech Saturdays were annoying, they were very helpful in understanding all the work that goes on to put a show together.”

What was it like adjusting to living in the biggest city in the country?

“It honestly wasn’t that crazy of an adjustment coming to NYC. My sister already goes to school in the city, so I had visited a few times prior to moving here, but it has been a pretty smooth transition. You definitely have to be very aware of your surroundings. NYU is in a very safe neighborhood, but the city is definitely the campus, so since it is an open campus you are very exposed. Street and subway safety is very important, but luckily NYU has a ton of resources so you don’t have to ever feel unsafe. 

I’ve loved the transition, personally. I love my walk to class in the morning because it’s just such a beautiful area and wherever I am on campus I can see the Empire State Building. It’s kind of stupid but I just feel so lucky to be in this incredible city studying what I love. Our campus is also right on Washington Square Park, and my dorm is on the edge of Union Square, so between street performers and celebrity sightings, there is never a shortage of entertainment.”

What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned in college?

“Scheduling is truly an art. My studio days are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and I have many hours of rehearsal and homework to fit in, so getting all my work done, socializing, and getting enough sleep is very hard to achieve. I was always a little go with the flow in high school, but I learned pretty quickly that that is not an option here. 

You have to be open to everything. This city and this school have so much to offer it can be a little overwhelming, but just taking it one day at a time and taking in as much information and experience as I can has led to some really beautiful moments. It’s a lot of work, but it is so rewarding.” 

How is New York University helping you achieve your goals as an artist?

“NYU is helping me achieve my goals as an artist by giving me really great training. Every day is a challenge, but I have never been pushed so hard and I can definitely notice a difference in my work. NYU is also helping me get a head start on breaking into the theatre industry with the sheer amount of connections and resources it has to offer. I go to a really big school, so there are so many opportunities and people to collaborate with, but I also don’t have a class larger than about 15 people, so it is incredibly individualized and I am super close with all of my teachers and professors. I feel like I am changing a lot as an artist and a person, and creating very intentional and profound work.” 

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a senior going through the college audition process?

“The best advice I can give to someone who is going through the college audition process is that it is a very individual journey. Truly no one has the same experience, so no one but yourself knows what is best for you. It is really hard not to compare yourself with others, but this is you and your career and you are the only one making the decision and going to the school at the end of the day. There are a million factors in every decision, so don’t try to be someone else. All you can do is be prepared and go with your gut instinct! There is no “one perfect program,”it is different for each person, so go somewhere you want to spend four years! You will be able to succeed at any school. The program is really what you make of it.” 

Sarah Noble

What encouraged you to pursue musical theatre in college?

“My parents are both very involved in the theatrical world and have many connections to it. My mom grew up doing theatre and pursued it, and my dad got into it after his tennis career. Because of this, theatre has always been a big part of my life, and I was constantly surrounded by it. When it came time to decide what I wanted to pursue in college, I considered other paths, but my mind kept going back to musical theatre. Ultimately, I choose to pursue it because musical theatre is something I can’t live without–it’s such a passion of mine.”  

What influenced your decision to attend Ball State?

“Ball State was one of the programs that was just amazing throughout the audition process, and after I was accepted, they went out of their way to make me feel welcome. They called me when I got in, which is really special and a unique experience that made me feel wanted. It’s such a cool and special school and I love it so much.”

What productions and/or extracurriculars are you participating in?  

“I am currently starring in the spring choreography projects, which are choreographed by junior and senior dance majors. It has been a really awesome opportunity to perform dance and concert pieces I haven’t performed before. In addition, I am also working for the Ball State musical theatre alumni Instagram page where I create posts to highlight what our alumni are accomplishing in the real world.” 

In what ways did LFHS Theatre help prepare you for conservatory-style training? 

“One thing about LFHS Theatre that really helped me transition to a conservatory was that my schedule would go from school to theatre rehearsal to dance rehearsal–making my day start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 9:30 p.m., which is very similar to my schedule in college. This has not only helped me manage my time efficiently but also prioritize myself.”

What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned in college?

“I have learned that no program is going to make you a star; it’s the hard-work and effort that you put in that will differentiate you from everyone else. Not only is the effort you put into your class time important, but it’s the additional hours you put in outside of class that help you grow as a performer.”

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to a senior going through the college audition process?

“Really trust the process–it will guide you to where you need to be. Each school has to put together a massive puzzle when forming their musical theatre cohorts. Lastly, I would say be diligent about the schools you apply to–make sure you can picture yourself there.”