Broadway Star Phillipa Soo Visits University of Richmond
Soo encouraged students to ‘see as much as possible’ and ‘lead with openness.’
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Actress and singer Phillipa Soo, best known for originating the role of Eliza Hamilton in the Broadway sensation Hamilton, visited the University of Richmond earlier this month to share her personal and professional insights.
Speaking to a capacity audience of UR students, faculty, staff, and friends in the Modlin Center for the Arts, Soo discussed her artistic journey, the importance of vulnerability in performance, the creative process, and how students can find inspiration in everyday life.
“See as much as possible. Go to museums, see movies, see plays, experience the world. It will inform your journey,” Soo told students. “Prioritize openness before action. Being open and vulnerable and listening is important.”
The event was organized by the Center for Student Involvement with support from various campus partners.
“Our focus is on building community, and we knew a beloved Broadway star like Phillipa Soo would have broad appeal among of students, and we had been pursuing a campus visit from her for a long time,” said Vittoria Doyle, director of student involvement. “From the moment we announced her visit, students were excited.”
Soo’s conversation was moderated by visiting theater professor Ashley White and Gareth Woo, a University of Richmond theater student and student leader. The pair guided a lively discussion that ranged from inclusive casting practices to which Hamilton character Soo would most like to play other than Eliza — her answer: Aaron Burr.
“When she encouraged students to ‘see as much as possible,’ it made curiosity feel like part of their artistic practice and essential to the creative process. It’s advice I’ve been given throughout my own training, so it was nice to hear her pass it along to them,” White said.
Before the main event, Soo met privately with 30 UR students involved in the performing arts. The small-group session provided a unique opportunity for aspiring artists to connect personally with the Broadway star.
Senior Michelle Darfour, a mathematical economics major and member of the African dance team, called the experience unforgettable.
“I’ve always loved Broadway, and even being in the same room as someone like Phillipa Soo is an honor, but getting the chance to meet and speak with her was amazing,” Darfour said. “It was such a unique and special opportunity. You think of celebrities as so far away, and she was right here with us.”
Tyler Morales a senior double major in politics, philosophy, economics, and law and Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies, agreed.
“It was humanizing to be able to meet and talk with a star from Hamilton,” said Morales, who is on the LatinX dance team. “We’ve had several major celebrities on campus since I’ve been here, and they’ve all met with students. My friends at other schools don’t have that experience.”
###