Weston Olson, B.M. music performance ’04, has taken his Chapman experience to the stages of Broadway. Since graduating from Chapman and moving to New York City, Weston has performed in Les Miserables on Broadway, appeared on
Good Morning America
, performed at the Tony Awards and so much more. Read on to learn about Weston’s extraordinary accomplishments and to see just how his unique experience at Chapman helped build the foundation of an exciting and fulfilling career.

Tell us about your role in Les Miserables and what it’s like performing on Broadway.

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I am a swing. A swing covers all of the male ensemble tracks that are in the production. We call them “tracks” because there are several different roles the ensemble portrays throughout the production…lots of exposition and character features for each “track.” Performing on Broadway has been such an awesome experience. The entire experience has been amazing: rehearsals,
Good Morning America
, The Tonys and opening night to name a few. I also cover the roles of Bamatabois as well as Enjolras in this production. That’s a total of 13 different roles to know at any time.

What was the process of auditioning and being cast?

I was out on the national tour with the production of
Les Miserables
and the creatives (directors, casting agents) came to audition the entire company while we were in Calgary Canada. They listened to me sing “The People’s Song” as well as some of Enjolras’s “ABC Cafe.” About eight minutes later it was over. The casting process for the tour was much more extensive. I went in with various sections of the score I was asked to prepare, as well as a few songs from my own audition book; I was brought in four times before I booked the tour a  year after it had already been out.

img_2872What other theatre/acting work have you done since graduating from Chapman?

After moving to New York, I began doing regional productions of
Sweeney Todd
as well as
Les Miserables
. I had done various summer stock productions prior to moving to NYC as well. One of my favorites in New York was a production of a hardly done musical at City Center called
Where’s Charley
. Another favorite was when I was in California visiting friends and crashed the audition for the Hollywood Bowl production of
Les Miserables
and booked it. I absolutely loved coming back to Southern California to perform.

What insight or advice would you give to current students and alumni who are pursuing careers in theatre and the arts?

Get out there and get involved. The most important teacher in your career is experience. A network is extremely helpful and important, too. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called about doing projects because “I know a guy” or I have been seen somewhere doing something.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their time at Chapman?

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Much like the answer to the previous question: get involved! There are so many projects and groups and ensembles to be a part of on campus. Also, a great way to get involved if you can’t be a part of a production on campus is to gather your friends and read scripts together or make small productions yourself…CREATE whatever wherever and whenever you can!

From your time at Chapman, which faculty member(s) made the greatest impact on you and why?

Bill Hall — this is the man that assisted me the whole way from application to visit to acceptance to enrollment. He also was the conductor of the choirs at the Hall-Musco Conservatory School of Music. Some of my most cherished memories from Chapman are during choir and different singing ensembles at the School of Music. Dr. Hall’s leadership and musicality was incredibly inspiring.

Peter Atherton — My voice teacher. He was the guy who pulled all of the good out of me. He challenged me with great literature and roles. Peter helped my find, build and fine-tune my instrument. An incredible friend and musician who believed in me and my talent.

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Dr. William Hall and Weston at Commencement in front of Oliphant Hall.

Louise Thomas — A constant figure in the classroom and behind the piano, Louise was my vocal coach. She helped me navigate any piece of music. Louise always had a way to make you smile and enjoy the journey no matter what.

Margaret Dehning — The chair of the vocal department, Margaret was an excellent teacher and mentor throughout my time at Chapman. Most importantly, she encouraged me to check out a graduate program that would help me hone my music theater skills as well as get me on the East Coast.

How has your Chapman degree helped you in your professional and personal life?

The Chapman network is vast and diverse. I think that has helped tremendously as far as connecting me in New York and throughout the U.S. Also, my degree from the School of Music is so comprehensive, it helps me prepare for auditions and productions tremendously. The training at Chapman is second to none.

How were you involved on campus during your time as a Chapman student?

I was a member of DOC (Disciples of Christ student ministry), which was such a wonderful and enriching experience; wonderful, caring friends outside the School of Music. The music program is pretty demanding, so I was involved in several choral and opera ensembles throughout the year. American Celebration was always such a thrill to be involved in near the beginning of each year.

lesWhat is your favorite Chapman memory?

There are so many! Dorm life, Choir Tour, Wassail and studying for finals. It was such a unique college experience filled with people who have become lifelong friends.

What was your favorite spot on campus as a student?

The campus was evolving with several construction projects at the end of my time at Chapman, so the campus evolved along with me. I would have to say, though, I absolutely loved sitting at one of the concert grand pianos in the School of Music and playing.

Have you been involved with Chapman since graduating?

I keep in touch with Bill, Peter, Louise and Margaret regularly. That way I always have a finger on the pulse of what’s going on back at CU. I returned not long ago to sing at the groundbreaking for the new Musco Center for the Arts.

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