Collegiate Theatrics: Belmont University's LIAM SEARCY

Autumn officially arrives this weekend, although meteorologists remind us there is still time to wait until it actually feels like a new season in Nashville. But for students - all over the country, not just the ones studying at Nashville area colleges - fall semester has been under way for several weeks already and they find themselves in the midst of a busy academic year, juggling studies with their hectic theater-making schedules.

Take Belmont University musical theatre major Liam Searcy, for example: He close Frankenstein, along with his cast and crewmates at Studio Tenn a scant two weeks ago and coming up this Friday night, he is among the talented ensemble of actors who will open The Civil War at Nashville's Street Theatre Company.My name is Liam Searcy and I am a Musical Theatre Major at Belmont University. Searcy is just one of the many students who learned early the necessity of staying on top of their academic load while pursuing their theatrical aspirations - all in hopes of a successful career spent in performance.

The son of two professional musicians (who are also Belmont alumni), Searcy grew up in Fairhope, Alabama, thoroughly immersed in vocal and musical training even before he entered the Nashville university known throughout the world for its musical theatre program.

Today, in the latest of our Collegiate Theatrics series, get to know Belmont University's Liam Searcy:

Why did you decide to study at Belmont University? Although my parents are both graduates from the Belmont college of music my decision to study here was entirely my own. I based my decision on the fact that Belmont musical theatre is a prestigious and award-winning major, combined with my desire to be influenced by the strong Christian faith that is weaved through the foundations of the school itself.

How has your college experience been thus far? My college experience at Belmont University has been fantastic so far. In many ways Belmont has lived up to the hype that it received, which now includes being the 5th best BM Musical Theatre program in the country. In some ways the dance program is lacking but I am learning to trust the process and find outside help.

What's your favorite thing about studying at Belmont? My favorite thing about my school is the freedom to do professional auditions and shows and the connections provided into this industry. In one year of attending I have made my professional debut at Studio Tenn, entered the EMC program and performed in four professional shows. All of this was possible through my connections from the Belmont MT program. I feel empowered in my decision to pursue musical theatre from my collegiate experience because I have had so much success and encouragement while attending.

What's your most vivid memory of your theater life at Belmont? The moment that lingers most in my mind would probably be the audition process for Christmas at Belmont where I was blessed with a solo alongside outstanding seniors at the time who are now working all over the country.

What would be your advice to high school students considering Belmont for college? I would tell new students to not waste time when they get here. The most rewarding parts of this experience have been the ones I fought for and achieved, not the late-night parties.

What's next on the schedule for you, theater-wise? I just closed Frankenstein at Studio Tenn on September 9 and I open Civil War as Lochran at Street Theatre Company on September 20.