What’s it like to perform Broadway hits in Costa Rica, compete in a prestigious theatre festival, and get six callbacks from theatre companies across the nation – all before graduating college?
Courtney Feiman knows.
It happened to Feiman before she graduated from High Point University in May 2014 with degrees in music and theatre performance. During her four years at HPU, she showcased and sharpened her talents through theatre performances, presentations, conferences and classes. Feiman’s decked-out resume and seasoned repertoire landed her a spot with the Florida Repertory Theatre in September 2014, just a few months after graduation.
In addition to performing in “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” and “Journey to Oz” that tours schools throughout the southwest Florida region, she has been cast in three of the main stage shows for Florida Rep. Most recently, Feiman was featured in a play reviewed by the Wall Street Journal for her performance in Lewis Black’s “One Slight Hitch.”
“Florida Rep is among the top regional theatres in the country. For a young actor, the opportunity to just work in a professional theatre is, in itself, significant,” says Ed Simpson, chair of the HPU theatre department. “To have the added opportunity to not only perform but to receive EMC credits is an outstanding bonus.
A native of Dunwoody, Georgia, Feiman attended HPU on a voice scholarship. Because of her professors, performances, classes, extracurricular involvement and out-of-class experiences in the music and theatre departments, Feiman says she gained a second family and was pushed to be the best performer she could be. It’s no wonder why HPU’s theatre department earned the 2011 NCTC College/ University Award by the North Carolina Theatre Conference.
“My professors were always there to help me out, whether I was having trouble connecting with my character, or the music I was learning was extremely difficult,” says Feiman. “Their doors were always open. We were a family who looked out for one another. They taught me how to present myself in a professional manner and gave me the technique and performance skills I needed to succeed.”
Feiman also adds that it took all – not just one – of her professors to get her where she is today.
“Jay Putnam was the director I worked with most, was one of my advisors, and a dear friend,” she says. “He taught me how to break down a character and analyze a script. Candice Burrows was my voice teacher and my mom away from home. She changed my voice for the better and helped it grow by leaps and bounds. Marc Foster was also my advisor and gave me the music scholarship that allowed me to attend HPU.”
With more roles and responsibilities with Florida Repertory Theatre on the horizon, this is only the beginning of a promising future for the young graduate, who reflects the success of many alumni from HPU’s theatre program.
“It’s been such a learning experience working down here in Florida and it’s an absolutely beautiful place,” Feiman says. “I know I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my High Point family.”
