University alumnus Chris Boneau returned to the College of Music and Dramatic Arts this weekend to urge students to figure out what it is about them that “leaps off the page” and to bring that to the forefront as they seek employment.
Boneau was brought to the University to conduct a workshop as part of the Janice H. Pellar Creative Arts Entrepreneurship Project, which hosts entrepreneurs in the field of music and the dramatic arts.
Friday’s session began with an in-depth look at the day-to-day work required to operate a successful Broadway public relations firm. Boneau told students about the various roles he plays as a partner in the firm Boneau/Bryan-Brown as he manages the affairs of his numerous clients, including the current Broadway hit “The Book of floor.”
When Boneau was a freshman, the second floor of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts was home to the professors’ offices, audition sign-up sheets and graduate students who directed University productions. Underclassmen rarely used the second floor, which intimidated Boneau.
One day during his freshman year, Boneau put his apprehension behind him and climbed the stairs. Boneau signed up for a play and eventually got the part.
“It changed my life,” he said.
For Saturday’s session, Boneau challenged students to prepare for their “second floor moment” by discovering how to put themselves front and center as the best candidate for the job they want.
Students were tasked with preparing a 50-word biography and a two-minute speech, which they then presented to Boneau in a mock interview.
Kristina Sutton, second-year MFA student, said what she learned from the session will factor into her pursuit of employment.
“It was great,” she said. “He gave everybody feedback that was constructive and positive. We would speak for two minutes and he would speak for