“The training that I have received from my professors has prepared me immensely for the professional performance world. They have taught me the skills that I need and helped nurture my development into the artist that I am today.”
With graduation upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s talented #LMU20 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world. In our We Love Our Grads series, we asked a graduating student from each of our departments to share some words about their time here, as well as their plans for the future.
Ann Warque ‘20
Major: Dance major, Theatre Arts minor
Career Goals: Musical Theatre on Broadway
How did you decide to become a dance major?
I’ve always known that I wanted to dance and perform since I started at the age of 7. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I began to look at college dance programs as early as middle school. I learned about LMU, and it has been my dream school ever since the 7th grade. I was accepted into LMU as a dance major on my 18th birthday!
Tell us a little about your time at LMU!
As a dance major and theatre arts minor, I perform a lot! I was in the Faculty Dance Concerts, as well as the Student Dance Concerts and Impulse. For theatre, I played Vanessa in LMU’s recent production of “In the Heights” and Luisa in “Detained”. I also performed in New Works Festival 2017, as well as some Del Rey Players’ cabaret showcases. Outside of dance and theatre, I was on the executive boards of Radix Dance Crew and Isang Bansa cultural organization, and was a general member of Sursum Corda service organization. Additionally, I was a work-study employee at the OneCard Office and studied abroad in France during the summer of 2018.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My plan is to continue auditioning for performing jobs. I am especially looking into jobs that require travel, like on cruise ships or national tours. Jobs like those are a great way to save and earn money. My plan is to save up the money that I earn from those jobs and move to New York City to pursue my dream of being on Broadway.
After I’ve established myself as a Broadway performer, I would also like to direct, write, and make music. I have an outline for a musical that I would like to develop, but that will be in the works once I have more experience in the industry and a bigger network. As long as I’m on that stage, though, I’ll be fine!
Did you have a particular experience that led you to this path?
I have always had a passion for musical theatre, but I never thought that I had enough skill to pursue it. It wasn’t until I first took my late professor John Todd’s musical theatre class during the fall semester of my sophomore year, that I decided to chase my Broadway dreams. John helped me realize my potential and encouraged me to take this path. My life would not be the same without his guidance.
How do you feel your experience at LMU prepared you for this next step?
I would not be where I am without my time at LMU. I have learned so much in these past four years, whether it be from my classes, performance opportunities, or extracurricular activities. The training that I have received from my professors has prepared me immensely for the professional performance world. They have taught me the skills that I need and helped nurture my development into the artist that I am today. In addition to my professors, I have been surrounded by my talented peers who inspire me to be better.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?
Do it! Audition for that play, perform in that open mic, take that random class that’s not a part of your major – just do it!!
