Finding my Place in the Piazza: An Exploration of Learning and Performing a Lead Role during a Pandemic

The following thesis is a reflection of one student’s process as she learns a lead role in a musical amidst a global pandemic. The author begins with why she chose to be a performer and what has led her to this moment. She examines how significantly the pandemic has affected the performing arts job sector. The author explores her first exposure to the musical “The Light in the Piazza” and the role of Clara in a scenes program at the university which took place in the spring semester of 2021. The thesis then follows her journey through the abnormal virtual audition process after finding out about the full-fledged stage production of “The Light in the Piazza,” which was being planned for the Fall of 2021. The bulk of the thesis focuses on the rehearsal process for the show. She recounts specific moments from music coachings, as well as moments from staging rehearsals with her director. She explores what it was like to learn a role as big as this while navigating the protocols put in place by COVID-19, as well as a cumulative reflection of the entire process. She also talks about her senior recital, which ended with a song from the musical.