Ty Gentry

Musical Theatre Performance BFA '23

“I will miss this school, but I will especially miss the people and the teachers who have impacted my life tremendously,” says the recent Musical Theatre Performance graduate. “I wouldn't be the person I am today if not for meeting the most amazing human beings along the way!”

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia?

The first thing that was very surprising to me was when I found out that most, if not all, of my instructors and professors, are also in the field with us. Growing up there was always this idea of teachers having this separate life, but they are regular human beings just like the rest of us. It has made me feel more comfortable knowing that they are doing the exact same thing that we young adults are doing, they just happen to be teaching as well. Also, connections! We will most likely work with these individuals in the near future!

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

Cristian Baeza, my advisor, was so helpful in getting me on track to graduate. I met with them and choreographed the whole plan. They told me exactly what I was missing and what I needed to take. You should never miss an opportunity to meet with your advisor! The undergraduate degree audit is such an underrated tool that is so helpful to students! It provides an entire layout for your whole four-year plan!

What are your plans for after graduation?

My plan as of right now is to stay living in Chicago and tour the city for more auditions to get myself booked! However, directly after graduation I will be traveling to Holland, Michigan to be part of my first Summer Stock show! (I have been screaming with excitement since I got the news!) Once I get back, I will continue wedding singing and auditioning, and hopefully, in a year or two, I will find my way to New York. Those plans aren't finalized yet, but a girl can dream!

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

My experience in one sentence would be that it was way too short. COVID, of course, is mostly to blame for that time frame, but once you make it to senior year, you can't get those previous years back. I will miss this school, but I will especially miss the people and the teachers who have impacted my life tremendously! I wouldn't be the person I am today if not for meeting the most amazing human beings along the way!