Musical theatre + business + liberal arts make her feel well prepared

Major: Musical Theatre
Minor: Business Leadership
From: Libertyville High School, IL

Alyssa and other residential life student leaders in purple res life shirts taking a selfie in front of flowers on campus.

 I’m at the lower right, with other Residential Life student leaders at fall training.

Best experiences in college?

While I developed leadership skills as an RA [resident assistant] and assistant director, my study abroad experience truly shifted my perspective. It helped me find a deeper trust in myself. Traveling with close friends was incredible, but some of the most meaningful moments were the quiet ones: walking along the Thames on my way to class at Shakespeare’s Globe and taking in the London view on bus rides home from a show. Those moments taught me the value of balance, and that slowing down long enough to sit with my own thoughts allows both my craft and my confidence to grow.

Naz musical theatre students and faculty posing together inside Shakespeare’s Globe in London
At Shakespeare’s Globe in London, with other Naz musical theatre students and Naz faculty.

What’s next after Naz?

I am currently signed with Resolute Artist Agency and hope to be performing on a cruise ship and in regional theatres in the near future. As I work toward moving to New York City, I also hope to pursue remote opportunities in a business-related field, alongside performing.

Alyssa Rodriguez and Marissa Hennen point toward each other while dancing onstage in the lead roles in The Prom at Nazareth University.
 I played Alyssa Green (at right) and Marissa Hennen played Emma in The Prom, April 2026 at Nazareth University. Photo by Goat Factory Media.

What are you most looking forward to in your life’s work? How has Naz prepared you for success?

I’m looking forward to entering my industry as a well-rounded individual who will always continue to learn. Having the opportunity to study abroad and take liberal arts courses gave me invaluable knowledge that I will continue to apply to my art. 

I can’t wait to share my love for storytelling with audiences and inspire others to pursue all of their passions.

What lessons will you take with you from your Nazareth years?

Growing up people always said to me, “Relax, just be yourself,” but at Naz I found that you don’t truly find yourself without risking something first. You discover it through patience, concentration, and love. One of my professors often told us to “fail better.” After countless auditions and challenging rehearsals, I’ve learned that you WILL fail. But, each time you fail, you can fail better. One day, that risk will lead you into a room where you are not only seen, but truly understood. That is when you feel safe to simply be yourself.

Large group of people smiling together on the steps of Smyth Hall in black formal attire.
With my senior musical theatre family, outside Smyth Hall.

Who’s had a great impact on you?

Dave Hadinger had a particularly meaningful impact on my time at Naz. He always took the time to follow up when something was unclear in class and consistently offered personalized advice that pushed me forward. He had a remarkable ability to recognize when I needed a new challenge and when I simply needed a bit more confidence. Many of my breakthroughs came from conversations in his office, where we would dive into acting techniques and work through whatever was blocking me creatively.

I just want to say thank you to the university and to all of the people I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with on campus for making Naz not just a school over the past four years, but truly a home. Between Res Life and the theatre department, I could not be more grateful for the support, community, and experiences that shaped my time here.

Two performers in fairy costumes interacting on a forest-themed stage
Performing as Fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo by Goat Factory Media.

Website: Alyssa Paige Rodriguez