The Next Big Thing: Alex Zhang

From starring in school plays and musicals to leading the International Thespian and Tri-M Music honor society and serving as a stage manager for productions, Pudong senior Alex Zhang is kind of a big deal in the performing arts scene on campus. Next year, he'll be making a name for himself in New York City, pursuing his dream of studying drama at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Can you tell us more about where you're heading next year?

I will attend NYU Tisch School of the Arts for the Bachelor of Fine Arts drama program. I will most likely focus on musical theater, one of my biggest passions.

What are you looking forward to at NYU?

Meeting all the other passionate theater actors and directors. Many friends I met during a summer theater program are also going to NYU, so I'm excited to reunite with them. Being in New York, right next to Broadway, will also be special because I'll be able to see shows regularly.

When did you first get involved with musical theater and music in general?

My passion for theater grew when I came to SAS in eighth grade. The performing arts community here is just so welcoming, and everyone was so friendly to me. Gradually, I began to participate in more theatrical productions and realized, wow, it's so fun being on stage and performing. I fell in love with it and with expressing myself physically through song, dance, and acting.

How did SAS help you with your college selection and application process?

The college counseling department helped me decide the direction I wanted to take. And so many people helped me with the NYU application for musical theater specifically because it required a portfolio and a live audition. I'm so thankful, especially for my theater teacher and my choir director. In preparation for the audition, they helped me practice my songs and performances and even helped record my videos.

What will you miss about SAS?

I've made so many friends and strong connections with teachers during my years here. I will miss being part of the productions at school, and the feeling of performing on stage. I'll also miss APAC theater and choir, connecting with passionate actors and singers from all different schools across Asia. I remember crying after my senior year show, Legally Blonde; it was so emotional. I can't believe next year I will be performing on a bigger stage. But I'll miss SAS.

Good luck next year Alex, we hope you break a leg!