National Tour Cast Shares Performance Techniques with Cal Poly students

Cal Poly Arts hosted an “Acting Through Song” masterclass for theatre majors this week, led by Omari Collins and Noah Silverman of the national touring cast of Kinky Boots. The actors, who are performing at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, worked directly with students during the session.

The workshop focused on connecting acting and vocals through storytelling. Students performed individual pieces and received feedback from the visiting performers.

Collins, who plays Lola in the touring production, said he hopes students leave with a stronger sense of confidence and ownership over their work.

“The main thing I need them to walk away with is that they have power,” Collins said. “They are powerful. They have agency, and they are responsible for their own stories and the stories that they want to tell.”

Participants said the experience provided new insight into their craft. Benjamin Walker, a student in the class, said the feedback encouraged him to trust himself more as a performer.

“The biggest thing that I took away is that I need to trust in myself more, and that I need to stop mimicking others, and bring myself to the piece,” Walker said.

Silverman, who plays Charlie, said theater can help build empathy.

“I think that in our world right now, learning to step into each other’s shoes and gain empathy is so important,” Silverman said. “And so I hope that theater can continue to be promoted at places like this.”

The masterclass gave students an opportunity to work with professional performers while they are in town for shows at the performing arts center.