By Audrey Wade, general assignment reporter
A high school performance of “Oklahoma” that sparks a passion for performing is not uncommon. A college premiere followed by a second major and a change in life plans is a different story.
Friends University senior Kyle Gallegos has done both. Born in Idaho and raised in Andover, Gallegos hadn’t thought much of performing until his first high school show. It was just after his first performance in college that things really started to change.
“I had always liked singing, and I never knew you could express yourself that way,” Gallegos said. “I discovered a part of me I couldn’t do without. I love theater now, and I couldn’t do without it in my life.”
So he made it a priority by adding a music theater major to his original communications track during his first year.
However, communications is simply a fallback for Gallegos. He has plans and has been building up a resume to help make them happen.
His acting experience includes the usual high school performances. Several from college are “Godspell,” “Into the Woods,” “Little Women” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Gallegos was also involved in “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2” with Music Theatre of Wichita.
Music Theatre of Wichita was one of only six professional theaters that received permission to perform “High School Musical,” which makes those performances even more special.
But Gallegos didn’t stop there. This fall he presented his senior showcase and featured many University students involved in music theater.
“I wanted to do something different and to bring something new to Friends that hadn’t been done,” Gallegos said.
He chose 16 songs-and-dance routines, allowing the spotlight to shine on the talents of several students who performed in “The Nicest Kids in Town.”
“Every time I watch a video of the showcase, I get a sense of enjoyment from being part of that,” Gallegos said.
His dreams extend far. After graduation, Gallegos hopes to move to New York and find a place for himself on Broadway.
“I want to feel that spark, that high that I get from performing, and to be a part of that professional company,” Gallegos said.
While that is his dream, he says that his reality will probably involve living with his parents and saving money to move to New York. But if he can’t make it in New York, he hopes to move to London and try his luck there.
And if that doesn’t work, Gallegos plans to try producing or directing in California, though he prefers to be the spotlight.
“I love to be on stage and feel the energy from my other cast mates,” Gallegos said. “To be able to put on that wonderful show for the audience and feel their enjoyment is wonderful.”
Big dreams can create big things. No matter where Gallegos ends up, it all started at Friends University with one performance that changed all of his plans.