A theatre student at Emporia State University has been selected to visit New York City to participate in the Open Jar Institute.
Hewleek McKoy, an Olathe native, is a senior at ESU and is now the third Hornet since 2012 to claim this opportunity. The Open Jar Institute is a highly competitive and prestigious training program for theatre students to study with Broadway performers, directors, choreographers and more.
Only 60 students from around the nation are selected for the Institute annually. McKoy has been involved in theatre since he was 12 years old and says this among other factors gave him the edge on the competition this year.
McKoy auditioned for this role back in January at a university theatre festival in Sioux Falls, SD. He was provided with choreography and music to formulate his winning performance.
This trip to the Open Jar Institute in NYC will cost McKoy around $3,000 out of pocket. McKoy is asking for community support and explains how people can donate.
McKoy’s campaign is currently sitting at $1,130, with just under $2,000 left to go. Visit www.gofundme.com to support McKoy’s trip.
