The Online Reflector

Broadway actor and world-known movie star Anthony Rapp came to the University of Indianapolis on Sept. 28, as a part of the university lecture series this year.

Rapp, known mostly for his role as Mark Cohen from the Broadway hit “Rent,” spoke of his career, and his time working on the production of the show, including  the sudden loss of producer, playwright and his close friend Jonathan Larson.

Rapp talked about how “Rent” made an impact on the people involved in the making of the play and also how it impacted those who have seen the movie or play.

Senior Mark Wolfe said what he liked the most about the lecture was Rapp’s use of storytelling.

“Through my experience, I have learned that storytelling is one of the best ways to convey a message that engages the audience, and I think I learned a lot from his narrative,” Wolfe said.

Mark also appreciated that Rapp didn’t just explain random moments in his career.

“Rapp played the role of an actor and shared a compelling story. It was the best way to portray his message,” Wolfe said.

Rapp also spoke to the students in the theatre department on two separate occasions. He spoke about how to be authentic while performing.

Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre Jim Ream was excited about the timeliness of Rapp’s lecture.

“I was really excited about him coming to the university to speak to our students,” Ream said. “He also wanted to make it a point to speak to our theatre students on separate occasions throughout the day.”

Ream also spoke about how Rapp talked to the theatre students about the best ways to achieve their goals.

“What I liked most about Rapp speaking to the theatre students is that he told them that perfection is not as important as authenticity,” Ream said.

Wolfe mentioned how Rapp wanted the students to be positive influences and show positive character.

“I think he was expressing that people do not need to be perfect in order to make a difference,” Wolfe said. “During the talk, he often referenced that he did not act perfectly, but that people still recognized his worth and his ability to contribute.”

The theme of the lecture was “Performance,” and Ream said that Rapp’s lecture fit perfectly with that theme.

Ream believed that Rapp’s lecture inspired students not only in theatre, but a majority of students who were in attendance to reach their goals.

“If he had any words of advice to the student body as a whole, it was to be legitimate and be authentic,” Ream said. “He couldn’t stress enough that you have to be authentic in what you do.”