Anthony Rapp sat on the floor of the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom with his legs crossed in front of about 25 UF students Thursday. Best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical “Rent,” Rapp spoke in an open forum for students interested in theater three hours before his scheduled public speech.
Rapp, who was paid $15,000 to come to UF, gave advice to actors trying to break into the business.
“Good luck trying not to be nervous,” he said. “Whatever you have going on for you … Nerves are energy.”
Wesley Huffman, a 19-year-old exploratory freshman, was among the students in the private session.
“I thought it was really cool to hear from a seasoned Broadway veteran up close in person,” he said.
During the event hosted by Reitz Union Board Entertainment and Accent Speaker’s Bureau, Rapp spoke to nearly 300 students about the road to “Rent” and the death of the musical’s creator, Jonathan Larson, who only witnessed rehearsal versions of the show.
“I feel a tremendous honor and responsibility to bear witness to what we all went through together and honor Jonathan’s legacy,” Rapp said. He said working on “Rent” was an exciting musical endeavor, but he had no idea how big a sensation it would become.
“It’s utterly transformed my life,” Rapp said. “Thank you for being interested and celebrating the work he [Larson] and everyone did to bring this into the world.”
Contact Alexa Volland at avolland@alligator.org.
Actor Anthony Rapp, best known for his performance in the Broadway musical and film “Rent,” speaks to students in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom on Thursday evening before his show.
