The Calvin theater community will help you grow in confidence, ability, and stage presence. You can study acting, directing, stage management, and more when you're not on stage—and that’s just what these Calvin grads did when they were students.
Before seeing their names in marquees or end credits, these stars studied theater at Calvin. See what they have to say about theater at Calvin and in the industry.
Kiff Vanden Heuvel: Pop culture artist featured in This is Us, Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, and La La Land
“I learned pretty quickly that what seemed so impossible and distant from here is not. My advice to young people, all people really, is if you feel like it needs to be made, don’t stop yourself from making it. Explore and see what it might be.”
Elizabeth Smith: Co-founder/Artistic director of Hobnob Theatre Company
“Even 26 years ago when I was on stage at Calvin, their productions were so well done. I was amazed that theater could be so good. Calvin professors strived to tell me, ‘This is a story that you’re telling—don’t make it silly or cheesy. Put all of yourself into it.’”
Alex Agard: Actor and front of house staff at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway
“My time as a member of the Calvin Theatre Company was a great starting point for a career in theater. CTC instills a respect and appreciation in its members for the various disciplines that help create the collaborative art of theater.”
Deborah Lew: Broadway star best known for playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway
“Getting a whole education in the liberal arts gives you a step up in your career—especially as a performer. I have so much more I can bring into the characters I play.”
Marc Evan Jackson: Actor featured as Shawn in The Good Place, Dr. Saperstein’s lawyer in Parks and Recreation, and Kevin Cozner in Brooklyn Nine-Nine
“My success in Hollywood is directly attributable to improvisation and my time with River City and Second City. Everybody is looking for you to find the humanity and not just read the words on the page. Improvisation might seem intimidating, but you have to do something scary to remind yourself that you’re alive.”