Broadway Star Betsy Wolfe Works With Drama Students

By Angus McNellie 

Monday, April 28, Morro Bay High’s Drama program had a very special visitor. Students had the opportunity to work with none other than Tony nominated actress Betsy Wolfe. Wolfe has been performing on Broadway since 2007, her most recognizable roles being Cordelia in the 2016 revival of “Falsettos,” Jenna in “Waitress,” or Anne Hathaway in “& Juliet.” With such an impressive repertoire, drama students were extremely excited to meet her and participate in her workshop.

Wolfe worked with seven students, primarily upperclassmen. Other members of the program absorbed the knowledge Wolfe was bestowing on the participants from an audience viewpoint. Despite their indirect role in the workshop, audience members still felt they had learned plenty from spectating.

Wolfe’s workshop had participating students perform a 32 bar cut of a song of their choice. Following their performance, she would help them improve their technique in singing, acting, and even just confidence. Of course, performing for a Broadway star in front of all your peers was an intimidating challenge for the students. “It’s always going to be terrifying when you work with someone that far into the industry,” said junior Silas Miranda. “But it was also not scary at the same time because I knew whatever mistake I was bound to make, she was just there to help me take a step forward.” Wolfe emphasized that her goal with this workshop was to help students take a step forward in their journey as a performer. She expressed a hope that everybody would be able to leave the experience feeling that they had improved in some way. Junior Jocelyn Ocampo-Mateo was able to attest to Wolfe’s diligence in teaching.

“It was incredible to be able to work with her, I truly felt like I learned a lot.”

Many lessons were absorbed from this intensive and educational experience, one of the most valuable ones being the importance of teaching. Wolfe explained to the students that achieving your dreams truly doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t able to share a part of that with others. For her, she shares her dreams through teaching. She claimed that working with growing performers has given her an exponential feeling of accomplishment and joy. Another imperative lesson Wolfe bestowed on the students is explained best by Miranda. “I learned from Betsy that whenever you’ve done something you’re not proud of, you need to pat yourself on the back because nobody else will do that for you in the industry.” Wolfe acknowledged the world of theatre’s unforgiving nature in a manner that warned incoming actors of this while also comforting them and encouraging them to keep trying and to be kind to themselves throughout the process.

Wolfe’s workshop was easily one of the drama program’s most impactful events this year and a stellar opportunity to learn. The students hope to see Wolfe again someday soon, whether it be another workshop, in the audience cheering for her, or performing on stage beside her.