Today@Sam Article

Musical Theatre Student Attends Selective Training Program

April 2, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Story by Katy Belanger

Sam Houston State University junior, Jackera Davis, was one of only 32 students from a nationwide search selected to attend the LiNK program for Acting & Musical Theatre.

The national program is designed to connect students to potential agents and opportunities through workshops and a showcase, and only 3% of applicants are accepted.

“It’s competitive,” Davis said. “In order to apply, you have to be nominated by someone who’s either been in the program or someone refers you to the board, basically telling them ‘you need to see this kid, they’re so talented.’”

One of three previous SHSU musical theatre students who attended the program nominated Davis. She was nominated both her freshman and sophomore years as well, but this March, after the third try, she was accepted.

“I was really in shock. I was so excited, and I was kind of nervous too,” Davis said.

To accommodate safety guidelines, Davis and all of the other participants were required to provide a negative COVID-19 test before and after their flight, as well as quarantine alone for ten days upon arrival. After the ten days, they had to receive an additional negative test to start the intensive program.

“We had masterclasses, workshops, went through our REP book, and we met with people who are on Broadway,” Davis said. “We worked our tails off. We were warming up vocally and physically at 7 a.m. and we didn’t end our days until 11 p.m.”

Davis said the experience changed how she views herself and how the program gave her a lot more confidence.

“I feel like the most beneficial thing was learning about your worth,” Davis said. “It wasn’t just working toward things and presenting, there was a lot of self-discovery. The amount of self-worth that I have for myself, what I do, and the knowledge that my art is a value, is the main thing I took away from the program.”

View Jackera in the final showcase of the LiNK program here.

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