The College of Arts and Letters congratulates Lisa Brescia of the department of theatre and dance. Brescia will join the Broadway cast of the Tony-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”

Brescia is taking an artistic leave to play the role of Heidi Hansen.

In a statement, Brescia said,

“After I received the offer to join the Broadway company, and Missouri State gave me their blessing to take some time away, we loaded up a truck and now here we are.”

Dr. Shawn Wahl, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters said, “Lisa is a valued member of the Missouri State community. We’re thrilled that Broadway audiences will once again get to enjoy her work and thankful that our students have the opportunity to learn from her skill and experience.”