Acting Major Lands Leading Role in Xanadu at Madison Theatre Student Profile
Meet Madi Fisher '24
- Job Title & Employer
- Calliope, Xanadu, Madison Theatre at Molloy College
- Major/Program
- Acting
- Minor
- Creative writing
- College Activities
- Involvement with student theatre companies, the cinema department and photographer for Point Park's Marketing Department
- Hometown
- Peoria, Ill.
- High School
- Peoria Christian School
- Hobbies & Interests
- Photography, tap dancing, thrift shopping, playing with my two cats and listening to David Bowie and Elton John
"The faculty I've worked with have created professional environments in the classroom, and worked with the students to create a safe and welcoming space to explore new sides of ourselves as actors. Because of the opportunities I’ve had to try new things, make mistakes, and grow within my technique, I will be a prepared and well-rounded actor when the time comes to work professionally full time."
How did you land your role in Xanadu and how have you grown as an artist as a result of that experience?
I found myself spending all winter submitting self-tapes to summer theatres across the country. One of the callbacks I received happened to be for Calliope in Xanadu at the Madison Theatre in Long Island. I had the opportunity to work under direction of Broadway’s Angelo Fraboni and Bethany Moore. They trusted me with the full creative freedom to take on this character as my own, and within that I gained more trust and confidence in my creative ideas. I came out of this project with professional experience and tons of new friends in New York City!
Why did you choose Point Park University’s B.F.A. in acting program?
I adored my audition with the department head at the time, John McManus. The B.F.A. in acting program puts a large emphasis on exploring the imagination with your mind and body, so I was immediately drawn to that. As an actor who is also a musical theatre performer, it was important to me that acting was at the core of my theatrical training.
How is the Conservatory education and training you’re receiving preparing you for your career?
This past year my classmates and I worked with Milia Ayache on strengthening our physicality through movement-based acting, honing in on specificity within the characters we explored in class and creating a strong ensemble together.
The faculty I have worked with thus far have created professional environments in the classroom and worked with the students to create a safe and welcoming space to explore new sides of ourselves as actors.
Because of the opportunities I’ve had to try new things, make mistakes and grow within my technique, I will be a prepared and well-rounded actor when the time comes to work professionally full time.
What’s it like training in Point Park’s state-of-the-art Pittsburgh Playhouse?
I am humbled to have such wonderful performance spaces to train in everyday at one of the best conservatories in the country.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Focus on the aspects of yourself that make you unique and let that help drive you and your art. Don’t be afraid to explore different types of theatre and take risks! Long days of hard work will pay off.
More About: Conservatory of Performing Arts, Pittsburgh Playhouse, creative writing, acting, faculty, theatre