Behind the Scenes of NSU’s Summer Shows Series: Leaders Shine in Summer Shows

Behind the Scenes of NSUs Summer Shows Series: Leaders Shine in Summer Shows

Special coverage by NSU Intern Laura Butler

Northeastern State University seniors Kira Abbot of Seminole and Patrick Vaughan of Cleveland know what it takes to be a leader. Abbot is the new choreographer for River City Players and a veteran performer in the show. Vaughan is a male vocalist in Downtown Country and has taken on leadership roles in his many of his activities at NSU.

Ive been in RCP forever and still loving it, Abbot said. Im excited about being choreographer. I love to dance!

The Theatre major has been performed in several university productions, including Godspell and Nunsense. She was recently hired with On Your Toes dance studio as a jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and clog instructor.

I do as much as I have time for with the Theatre Department, Abbot said. I choreographed Big - The Musical.

Vaughn is just as busy on campus. The Hospitality and Tourism Management major is a member of Presidents Leadership Class, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Rho Theta Sigma Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society, and was a Peer Leader for College Strategies. Vaughn and his fraternity helped put together an annual North American Canned Food Drive.

We raised between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds of food in a single year, Vaughan said.

He has been honored with the title of Mr. NSU 2008, Top 5 Greek Male 2009 and Outstanding Chapter President for Fraternities 2009. He is also an intern student worker for the NSU Alumni Center.

This summer will be an experience to broaden my horizons in life, Vaughan said. Its an experience that I wont soon forget.

Vaughan started singing in church at the age of three and has been singing ever since. Though he lists Michael Buble as one of his favorite artists, Vaughan said it is his grandfather who is his greatest inspiration.

He is truly a man of integrity and lives a life for God, said Vaughan.

Singing and dancing was a regular part of childhood for Abbot. After she and her grandmother discovered the movie musical Grease she began a long love affair with musical theater.

I had my first dance recital when I was five, said Abbott. It was a long time ago, and I still love it.

Abbot said that the practice and experience garnered from River City Players will help her accomplish her future career goals.

Lots of dancing, performing and rehearsals are good practice. I want to own my own dance studio some day, Abbot said. I really love doing RCP every weekend. Its the best!

7/15/2009

Published: 2009-07-15 00:00:00