Evelyn Hilleren Finne
Performer. 歌手. 明星.
Evelyn Hilleren Finne talks about being a student in the Columbia musical theatre program.
Evelyn Hilleren Finne is a 音乐al 剧院 major from Oslo, Norway. Finne jumped on the stage at age three, when she started dancing ballet, 和 later jazz, 和 at age seven she started her vocal training. Finne’s performance credits include Columbia’s productions of Glockenspiel 和 Love 和 Information, as well as a Norwegian TV production of the musical Jakten på Juleskurken.
You’ve been involved with dancing, singing 和 acting since you were a toddler. How has Columbia further prepared you for the professional world?
The instructors all have industry experience, so right from the get-go, I was being prepared by experienced professionals. The theatre program has a huge focus on how to audition well 和 market yourself, such as getting business cards 和 practicing interview techniques. Overall, there is a common element to each course: How can we become the best in our field? We work hard to answer that question from every angle.
Is there a professor that has been particularly influential for you?
Associate professor Ashton Byrum has been important for me since the beginning. When I transferred in from another college, he helped place me in the right classes, 和 now he acts as my advisor. Whenever I need help, I know that I can stop by 和 ask him anything, whether it be a business question or advice on an audition piece. He earnestly believes in his students, 和 advocates for us to reach for the jobs where we can get a real pay.
What is one of your favorite classes?
音乐al 剧院 Audition Workshop is a five-week course that focuses on auditioning for musical productions. You are tasked with building a book of at least 10 songs, each week focusing on two different genres. The first week, the task might be, “Bring to class one Rock song 和 one Golden Age song.” So you bring in your musical cuts, mark the sheet music for the pianist, 和 perform for the class. Your peers 和 instructor will offer feedback, 和 then everyone works together to better the performance.
