College of Fine Arts and Design

March 1, 2011

University of Central Oklahoma music theatre alumnus Ryan Steer will return home to Oklahoma next month as part of the Broadway National Tour of "A Chorus Line."             

The Norman native portrays the role of "Zach," the director in the production, which will be staged April 4 at the Bartlesville Community Center and April 5 at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center.           

Steer, a 2009 Central graduate, has been on the road with the iconic musical since being cast last September following a painstaking audition process in New York City.

"I was number 677 at an open chorus call, and I had about four different rigorous callbacks. Fortunately, I booked it," Steer recalled.

Steer credits his theatrical training foundation at Central as a huge part of his success.        

"Ryan came to us as a bright, eager, driven young man with potential, but left a solid ‘triple threat,' excelling as an actor, singer and dancer," said Greg White, Ph.D., director of music theatre and producer of Broadway Tonight at Central.            

The day he graduated, Steer moved to Beach Haven, N.J., to work for Surflight Theatre where he performed in "Lady Be Good," "Ragtime" and "Hairspray."            

After moving to New York City in January 2010, Steer was offered a part in a regional production of "Cats" that took him to Phoenix, AZ.

"I came back to the city in April and ‘A Chorus Line' was my third or fourth audition in NYC," said Steer.  "I've been incredibly fortunate in terms of work. I realize that, and I am so thankful," he said.           

Central music theatre faculty remember Steer as someone who worked hard and took advantage of what was offered him at Central.

"We accepted him into the program based on his potential, and through his extremely diligent work under the guidance of our faculty, Ryan realized his potential beyond even his own expectations. We are delighted, but not surprised, about his success and look forward to watching Ryan's future career," said Marilyn Govich, Central professor of music and division head for music theatre and opera.

Steer said he felt blessed with so much opportunity and guidance from both the School of Music and the Dance Department.  

"For me, UCO was very much an incubator where I received the training I needed to hone my skills so I could really be competitive in the industry.  What I learned from the incredible mentors like Dr. White, Dr. Govich, and Director of Dance Jamie Jacobson and the rest of the music and dance faculty has really been invaluable to my training and character. And I wouldn't want it any other way."          

For more information on ticket prices and other tour dates for "A Chorus Line," please visit www.achorusline.com.

For more information on the Central music theatre program, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/acadmics/music/degrees.