Sierra Boggess '04 presents master class for aspiring actors
Broadway star Sierra Boggess ’04 recently presented a master class for Stage Door Fine Arts at the Community House in Hinsdale, Ill., on July 18. Close to 75 students were in attendance to hear from the Millikin University alumna.
“I love it because I get to talk to the new generation, kids starting out, and I get to encourage them,” Boggess said in a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune. “I love their innocence. I want to help them know that it is possible, whatever they want.”
Boggess noted, “I want this class to be a confidence boost for them. I want them to know that starting, they are enough and build from there. They shouldn’t pretend to be someone else. Just be yourself because that’s enough.”
Boggess said she has presented two previous master classes for Stage Door Fine Arts, a group to which she has a special connection because she has been best friends with co-founder/artistic director Paula Taylor since her time at Millikin.
After graduating from Millikin, Boggess appeared in a number of regional productions, including spending a pair of summers performing at The Little Theatre-On the Square in Sullivan, Ill. Before appearing on Broadway, Boggess performed as one of two Christines in the Las Vegas Venetian’s adaptation of "Phantom of the Opera."
Boggess was then cast in her Broadway debut originating the role of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" in 2008. From February 2010 to March 2011, Boggess starred as Christine Daaé in the sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera," titled "Love Never Dies" written by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Boggess once again played the role of Christine Daaé in the 25th anniversary concert of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Royal Albert Hall in London Oct. 1-2, 2011.
Boggess returned to Millikin University directly from her engagement as Christine Daaé in Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera" to present a one-night only benefit concert on Oct. 11, 2014. Her performance was based on her critically acclaimed cabaret appearance at New York's 54 Below, featuring an eclectic mix of theater and pop songs. Titled "Part of OUR World," Sierra's performance helped benefit the campaign to create Millikin’s new Center for Theatre and Dance.
Boggess also embarked on her first Australian concert tour in June 2017 making stops in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.