Don’t Stop Believin’: Madison College Students Transformed by “Rock of Ages” Experience

“Don’t Stop Believing” is pounding through the amplifier as Aroonsavath catches the beat.

“This kind of music is actually kind of new to me, but my dad is a big fan of Journey, so I know all those songs, and they are really fun to sing,” Aroonsavath says. “My dad is the most excited about my performance; he is my biggest fan.”

Musicals at the Mitby are coming back big with “Rock of Ages” March 1-9. It’s the first musical since the COVID pandemic hit. With pent-up demand for well, actors to act, singers to sing, and stagehands to create, the Tony-nominated music by Chris D’Arienzo is a brazen, loud time trip into the glam metal rock bands.

More than 20 students are in the Rock of Ages production: singing on stage, installing neon lights, monitoring the soundboard, and ironing costumes backstage.

Rock of Ages Producer Karen Saari rallies the students from her Madison College Acting 1 class, the Stagecraft class, or recent graduates of the former Stage and Entertainment Technology certificate program.

“We have a great program here at Madison College and amazing students,” Saari says. “Some students are interested in the acting side, and some in the tech side. They have talent and work hard.”

During the last year, the Performing Arts Leadership organization helped students hone their skills and craft, and with mentoring partners in the local theatre industry, Madison College Theatre is elevating its position in the performing arts.

“We are a viable option when choosing live entertainment in the Madison area, with quality production, and not only are attendees supporting students, but they are also supporting artists in the area,” Saari says.

Her performances have garnered national attention, reaching the semi-finals for the Irene Ryan Award, only the fourth Madison College student to advance in the competition.

Manicor credits Saari for mentoring her and making introductions to the Madison area theatre industry when she helped with Saari’s Bartell Theatre production of “Bad in Bed.”

Madison College students can explore a career with Intro to Theatre, Acting 1 & 2, and Drama Practicum.

“Madison College has given me lots of opportunities,” Manicor says. “It has been cool to make these connections and network. With the stagecraft class, it was a helpful insight to see there were more jobs in theatre than just being on the stage. This is something that I can make a career of.”

Manicor is heading to the National Theatre of Ireland this summer for an intensive acting program. After that, she plans to transfer to a four-year college and university for a degree in theatre and performance.

Rock of Ages would be a dark hole without the talent of Carson Heussner, a liberal arts transfer student and Events Team student employee. During dress rehearsals, the common refrain is “Hey Carson, we need…” He’s the go-to guy for everything electric, but also repairs and supplies.

Heussner, who took a certificate of merit award and a silver in the tech Olympics at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in January, understands the power of electricity in the “Rock of Ages” to tell a story-it supplies the amps, lights the scenes, and has a role itself.

“There’s a lot of charm in the theatre of how we do it: Making that magic for the audience,” Heussner says. “I see the whole process and piecing to create a full production is what I find so enticing.”

Don’t Stop Believin’

Aside from bringing his father real joy performing on stage, Aroonsavath sees his role as Drew as a bit of fun, professional development, and skill building.

He graduated from Madison College with an associate degree in computer networking, but he came back and enrolled in education transfer and certification classes. As an advisor at East and West High Schools, Aroonsavath helps seniors enroll in college. The goal is to get a four-year degree in education and playing the “Rock of Ages” Drew's character reveals the extrovert in his introverted personality, Aroonsavath says. It is also a fun way to learn about being comfortable being in front of a large audience—like a room full of students.

“This is the first time I have sung on stage, so I’m exploring vocal stuff and expressing my character who is goofy and naïve,” Aroonsavath says.” I am finding my balance because I am introverted, and Drew is very out there—an extrovert.”

Madison College student Mauriana Barksdale honed years of theatrical skills to fill out the persona of Regina, who is a passionate firecracker who cares about preserving the Sunset Strip. A student in Karen Saari’s acting class, Barksdale learned she got the Rock of Ages part on her birthday.

“It was great to have this opportunity to be back on stage and to meet great people both in the cast and crew,” says Barksdale, a liberal arts and humanities student.

She also credits the Madison College academics for molding her character.

“I feel that psychology is a very vital course that I’m taking that helps me in my acting—knowing the human brain helps give me more insight to bring my character to life,” Barksdale says.

Barksdale’s rich voice is a highlight of the show, singing 80s hits that she has just discovered.

“I’m a huge Def Leppard fan now—the songs are really good, and it’s opened up this door to learn and expose myself to different genres of music,” Barksdale says.

Barksdale has also shifted more than just her musical taste, taking her cues from Regina’s fight in the mayor’s office to stop the takeover of the Sunset Strip.

“It’s okay to fight for what you believe in. Even when all odds are against you, to remain true to yourself.”

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