Broadway Mentorship Elevates RCC Theater Students to Dream Big
Riverside City College’s theater program reached a new milestone with its "Broadway at RCC" event, where students had the rare opportunity to collaborate with Broadway star Josh Grisetti. Known for his roles in Something Rotten! and It Shoulda Been You, Grisetti brought his extraordinary talent and invaluable insights into the professional theater world. Over three immersive days, students worked closely with Grisetti, culminating in an electrifying one-hour performance at the Landis Center for Performing Arts. This event showcased the students' hard work and the growth they experienced under Grisetti’s mentorship.
For the students, the experience went far beyond learning lines or perfecting choreography—it was a deep dive into the nuances of professional theater. From refining comedic timing to understanding the importance of subtle stage movements, they were challenged to elevate their craft. Tony, one of the theater students, reflected, “Josh showed us how to present our pieces with finesse, whether through dance or solo performances. It was an experience that pushed my boundaries as an actor.”
The high expectations and fast pace tested their skills but also revealed what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of theater. Matthew shared, “It was challenging but exactly what I needed. Josh’s direction helped me realize how much a single glance or movement can impact an audience, and that’s something I’ll carry with me.”
Grisetti’s mentorship seamlessly integrated with RCC's rigorous theater training, reinforcing the foundation students had built throughout their academic journey. Bella, another student, observed, “The experience validated everything I’ve learned here at RCC. It showed me that professional theater is not some distant dream but an achievable reality with the right guidance and effort.”
At the heart of this event’s success was RCC theater director Jodi Julian, whose dedication to providing exceptional opportunities for theater students is a hallmark of the program. Julian emphasized the importance of exposing students to industry professionals, stating, “We want our students to dream big and to work with the best. Collaborating with someone like Josh Grisetti shows them that no matter where you’re from—even Riverside—you can achieve great things.”
Beyond honing their acting skills, students left the event with a deeper understanding of the resilience, adaptability, and professionalism required in theater. Emilio, inspired by the experience, even reconsidered his academic path: “Theater has helped me improve my communication skills, and now I’m thinking about doubling my major.”
As the event drew to a close, students reflected on how this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity reshaped their perspectives on their futures in theater. Julio remarked, “Meeting Josh made Broadway feel attainable. It’s not some far-off goal anymore. I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing forward.” Grisetti’s candid advice about his own journey gave the students a more realistic yet hopeful view of the theater industry.
The "Broadway at RCC" event was a success for the students and Riverside City College. It reinforced RCC’s commitment to providing students with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in their chosen careers. By offering expert mentorship paired with strong academic training, RCC’s theater program continues to set a new standard for aspiring performers in community colleges.
By the end of the event, students didn’t just feel ready for their next performance—they felt prepared for their future. It was a proud moment for the entire RCC community, proving that with the right guidance and dedication, dreams can indeed become reality. All it takes is the courage to dream big.