By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

After performing for years in school musicals, Vance Klassen, a 2017 Hillsboro graduate, hpes somdeday to perform on Broadway. Meanwhile, he is enhancing his acting at Oklahoma City University School of Performing Arts.

During his first semester this fall, he played Wickersham, one of the Monkey brothers, in a student production of “Seussical.” He also was a member of an ensemble and a featured dancer in the opera, “Marriage of Figaro.”

Vance has enjoyed singing and being dramatic since he was a youngster.

“People saw my interest and gave me opportunities to be involved,” he said.

His first acting experience was as a fifth grader, when he played Young Cain in Tabor College’s production of “Children of Eden.”

“I’ve been hooked ever since,” he said.

He played several leading roles in high school plays, including Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” Charlie Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and Lieutenant Frank Cioffi in “Curtains.” As a freshman, he played four or five roles in “Cinderella.”

Vance will travel to New York City on Friday to audition for professional theatre companies for 2018 summer sessions.

When he returns to college, he will plunge into rehearsal for a student production of “Urinetown,” in which he will play the supporting role of Mr. McQueen and also Billy Boy Bill.

“I’ll be playing a good guy and a bad guy,” he said.

Later in the spring, he will be an assistant director for a new work, “The Baseball Play.” He will help with staging, blocking, and choreographing.

“It’s been such a busy year,” he said, “but I have enjoyed unlimited opportunities. What I’ve learned so far has been invaluable.”

After receiving a bachelor of music degree in music theater, he hopes to go to New York City and work on Broadway as long as possible.

Eventually, he plans to become a teacher or director of performing arts.

“It will be my way of giving back,” he said.

Vance is the son of Kyle Klassen of Lehigh.