Ever wonder where our Theatre Arts graduates end up? Rayshaun Sandlin, Class of 2013, can tell you of a few places where his degree has landed him. Most recently, Rayshaun has been working as the Arts Vision Coordinator at The Apollo Theatre in Manhattan, New York City.
As a student at Catawba, Rayshaun was involved in everything from Blue Masque, SGA, and to the Student Conduct Board. He was involved in the Admissions Department as a Junior Admissions Representative and was crowned Mr. Catawba, receiving that coveted award for the 2012-13 academic year.
Despite his collegiate involvement, Rayshaun continues to speak about how the Theatre Arts Department provided him with the essentials to sustain his career.
“Come for the discipline!” he shares. “You will learn so much from the faculty in and out of the classroom. Catawba has a great program for students just starting out, specifically in the theatre program.”
Since his Catawba graduation, Rayshaun has been very active.
“I have done everything from working as an Admissions Information Specialist, touring the East Coast with one of the largest children’s theatre touring companies, Bright Star Children’s Theatre, and recently I graduated from a top conservatory, the William Esper Studio.”
While in New York, Rayshaun has joined the New York Gay Men’s Chorus and that itself has been life-changing for him. “I have had the opportunity to sing with Alan Cumming, and the Hamilton cast at Carnegie Hall, and I recently performed with the chart topping artist, Julia Michaels, on VH1,” he says.
Rayshaun looks forward to continuing to share his experiences with others who are at, graduates of, or considering Catawba.
“I am always looking to see how I can give back in regards to any knowledge or lessons I have learned since being out in the real world. Any successes or failures, I am always willing to share.”
And he gives this final advice: “Continue to discover yourself, and find what works for you. Have that belief in yourself, and tell yourself that you’ll be okay in the tough times, and learn to appreciate the good times. Catawba builds you that way.”
