University of Wisconsin – La Crosse: Gabriel Burdette

Gabriel Burdette studied theatre at the University Wisconsin – La Crosse.

How did you discover your passion for theatre?

As a kid my brother and I loved music and we loved to make home movies (which we directed, cast, and performed in). When we discovered that we could combine music and storytelling through musical theatre we jumped at the opportunity. Musical theatre was a way for my brother and I to bond (and get out of the house).

What’s your favorite part about performing?

My favorite part about performing is Storytelling. Easily.

What’s the hardest part for you about performing?

I’d say that almost everyone feels this way but, the hardest part about performing is to let go. When performing there’s so much to think about there’s so many things going on- especially in Theatre. One of the hardest things to do is to just let go of all those worries about if everything is going to go as planned and instead, just trust that it will. The beauty of theatre is that every performance is different and no matter what happens, that’s now a part of the story that you’re telling.

Why did you pick this particular college?

After auditioning for multiple conservatory style programs, I figured UW-La Crosse’s program fit my needs the most. At UWL I was able, and encouraged, to study other subjects that I was interested in as opposed to only focusing on performance at a conservatory.

What has been your favorite part of this college?

My favorite part of this program is the ample opportunity we have to be able to participate in shows in other ways than just performance. Whether or not you are a performance major, you have opportunities to take acting classes, tech and design classes, as well as having 6 opportunities to be in a show in just one year!

How do you think this program will help in what you want to do next?

After I graduate I want to move to New York and start auditioning (cliché, I know). I think this program is going to help me in this adventure because auditioning is such a scary thing to do, no matter how many times you do it. Here, there are so many opportunities to get up and prepare an audition and I feel like they do a very good job of helping us to show who we are in the short amount of time that you have in an audition room.

Where do you imagine yourself in 10 years?

In ten years, I definitely see myself living in New York. Whether or not I’m a big Broadway star by then is not up to me. But I see myself working in New York doing what I love.