'She's a massive deal': Taylor Louderman holds master class
On Nov. 11, at 3:30 p.m., Taylor Louderman, who played Regina George in the Broadway original cast of “Mean Girls,” visited Viterbo University. While on campus, Louderman hosted a master class with the students of the theatre and music theatre departments. Over the span of the class, she coached nine students, offered insight into the professional theatre world, and answered questions.
Students were told to prepare a select cut of a music theatre song to be workshopped in the time allotted. Selections from “Urinetown,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Anastasia” and more were showcased by students. Louderman was thrilled to work with aspiring artists. She offered constructive comments to each of the students as they performed, but one comment applicable, across the board, was, “You have a lot more power over your behavior and how you feel than you think… allow yourself to fail because the fear of failure destroys creativity.”
Over the course of the master class, Louderman continually reiterated that the studio should feel like a safe space. This created a comfortable atmosphere for the performers to work. Once students recognized that everyone in attendance wished for their success, there was a visible spark of recognition and ambition behind their work. As Louderman stated, “There are no rights and wrongs, only what is rooted in the story.”
In addition to the coaching sessions, students excitedly asked Louderman about her professional career and how to be involved theatrically, when not cast in a production. Louderman advised students to continue to explore the different outlets of theatre because is an abundance of material available and a number of classes individuals can take to continue to sharpen their skillsets.
Louderman also emphasized the importance of good mental health, as it is important to stay motivated in such a tough industry. She told students to be sure to “find things that fuel you, inspire you [and] find a community that supports you.”
In addition to the personal advice she gave, Louderman advised students not to omit the big picture. She explained that there will be moments individuals may be a part of a national tour of a show and others when they may be working odd jobs. There are limitless opportunities that are available and can benefit those “in between” performance jobs. Taking time to write, create original work, enroll in classes, and interact with other people grants artists perspective they can draw from and use to shape their craft.
This event served as an educational outlet for students to be exposed to professionals and begin networking outside of the communities they are already familiar with. Additionally, students who attended the master class reported that this event fueled their excitement for the master classes in the near future, specifically, the upcoming class with the company of “An American in Paris.”