Vocal performance senior Jordan Leggett from Slidell, La. is looking forward to graduating at the end of this semester and moving to New York to pursue his dreams.
Leggett acted, sang and danced in several key performances over the course of his music and theatre career so far, which have had a significant impact on him.
“Back in sixth grade when I was in ‘Into the Woods,’ that was a big performance, and that’s when I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” said Leggett of his first ever performance at Little Oak Middle School in Slidell, La.
Leggett has performed in numerous roles in Southeastern Opera/ Music Theatre Workshops, but his performance last semester with Southeastern Theatre was at the top of his list of accomplishments.
“My favorite was last semester in ‘The Bacchae,'” said Leggett about his lead role as Dionysus. “That was my role that was the most challenging and the most out of my comfort zone. I usually go for the more comedic roles. That’s been my niche, being in comedic roles, playing the funny characters. But in ‘The Bacchae,’ I was able to channel a different side of myself that I’ve never really tapped into, and that show gave me the chance to do that and really discover some things about myself as a person and as a performer, which I really liked.”
Last month, Leggett played the role of Comte Barigoule in the Southeastern Opera/ Music Theatre Workshop of “Two Fairy Tales: Cendrillon.”
“It was very bittersweet but mostly very fulfilling,” said Leggett of his last role at Southeastern. “I completed the role in which I was double cast, so I had one night to perform. I had to give it my all in one night. It was nice to end it on a very high note in a very fun role. I was able to showcase my voice and my acting and a little bit of dancing, which is something that’s new for me to do on stage.”
After Leggett graduates in May, he will take his music and acting skills to greater heights at the American Music and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City.
“I got accepted into the peer music theatre program,” said Leggett. “I was just floored. I was ecstatic when I realized that I had actually achieved such an enormous goal that I had set for myself from when I had first come to Southeastern. When I first came here, I knew that I wanted to leave with the foundations to take me to bigger and better experiences in the performance area, and New York was at the top of my list. It was my most wanted choice, and I got in my first try. I know that I could not have done this without Southeastern or the music faculty and every extracurricular organization that I’ve been a part of here. Each one has taught me something that I can take with me and use in the industry in New York City and performing. I’m very grateful that I have the opportunity.”
His two-year program at AMDA begins in October. Although Leggett looks forward to moving to the Big Apple, he will miss many things that can only be found in Louisiana.
“I can say first and foremost the thing that I will miss about Louisiana is the food,” said Leggett. “I’ve grown up with this food, the Southern cuisine and the spices and the specialties we have. I’m going to miss that so much, and my family and friends, of course. I think what I’m going to miss most about Southeastern are the people because you can say I was in this organization or that organization, but it really was the people that made the organization what it was. They have had a part in molding me into the person that I am today.”
Leggett is thankful for the organizations he has been a part of during his time at Southeastern. He feels that Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Delta Omicron music fraternity and the Orientation Leaders staff have given him many great college experiences. Until October, Leggett plans to enjoy the rest of his time as a Lion undergraduate and to spend time strengthening his friendships and family bonds.
“It’s always hard to close a chapter, but you have to do that in order to begin a new one, and I’m really excited for this new one,” said Leggett about moving to New York. “I’m looking at it in a very positive manner. No regrets.”
Leggett’s goal is to complete his program at AMDA and then continue to live and work in New York.
“It’s only two years, so I’m hoping that I’ll work extremely hard and develop some connections before I graduate, so that I can continue to make a living there and hopefully continue to perform out there in New York,” said Leggett. “If not out there, I’ll be auditioning out there, and hopefully one day you will see me on the Broadway stage.”