In August, it was announced that alumnus John Goodman, class of 1975, would be the chairman of the Onward, Upward campaign. But it’s far from the first time that Goodman, a renowned actor, has supported his alma mater.
In 1991, he established the Professional Performance Award, a scholarship that is granted each year to a graduating senior or seniors.
For more than 20 years, this award has given MSU’s top acting students the confidence and financial boost they need to pursue their career dreams.
Training great actors, with an emphasis on being good people
Actor training at Missouri State is professional and serious.
“Entrance to our program is based on auditions. We admit 18 to 20 students a year from around the country,” said Dr. Kurt Heinlein, coordinator of the acting program and professor in the theatre and dance department.
“Every year, we have more auditionees and get more competitive.”
Students train with a variety of experienced faculty members.
“All of our faculty are working professionals, with credits from TV to Broadway to film,” Heinlein said. “We’re so lucky to have the faculty we have here at Missouri State.”
Another standout feature of the program, he said, is a focus on kindness. That’s related to MSU’s public affairs mission and its emphasis on ethical leadership.
“We want to create great actors who are also great to work with — we try to model that. We want our students to walk out in the real world and know how to fight for their roles, but also be good people. They should be efficient and competitive, but support their peers.”
When he talks with casting or acting specialists at student showcases in L.A. or New York, they tell him MSU students have taken that message to heart.
They also say the program creates prepared entertainers.
“The goal is that when they leave us they are equipped to go into professional acting, whether that’s in television, film or on stage,” Heinlein said.
About 60 percent of graduates go straight to Los Angeles, he said. Many others go to New York or Chicago.
Giving students the power to enter a tough industry
Goodman’s scholarship for graduating seniors can really make a difference.
It goes to students who have demonstrated real promise to succeed in the tough acting industry.
“The students who earn this have shown us unbelievable work ethic and progress,” Heinlein said. “They also have shown they have a game plan for once they get out the door.”
This support helps them transition away from college.
“It’s a huge help for recipients, especially because they are going into a difficult profession in big-city markets,” Heinlein said. “It’s also a boost for their confidence. They know when they get it, it’s a big honor.”
Goodman is a career, personal role model for students
It’s not only the monetary aspect of the award that students appreciate.
Goodman has an incredible legacy in the theatre department, Heinlein said.
“Just being a working actor is an amazing accomplishment, and he’s gone so far beyond that — he is a household name. When our students come here, they may have seen Goodman in 20 movies. They walk into our classrooms knowing these are the same classrooms he learned in. That is powerful.”
Students can look to him as a personal role model as well. Goodman has used his celebrity status to help people and causes.
He was one of the leading voices for rebuilding efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. He has also supported the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and contributed to programs at MSU and his high school alma mater.
“It comes back to wanting our actors to be good people, and he’s a genuinely good person. You can’t overvalue that,” Heinlein said.
“Acting can be a selfish profession if you allow it to be, but he has not. He models that to them.”
“I was so fortunate to find that passion here, where there were great, caring people to teach and guide me, to open doors for me, to unlock secrets and guide me to open my eyes and ears and observe life, to awaken and really have an honest look about what was going on around me so I could apply it to my craft, and, later, my life.”
Goodman may come back to campus to work with students, or see friends in the department.
“He is open and available to the students when he is here. He sat in on a student meeting a few years ago — he just came in and watched from the back,” Heinlein said. “He wants to be there for them but doesn’t want to make it about him.”
And “even when he can’t be here, he’s still around in spirit,” Heinlein said. For instance, he may drop students a line of support when they come to L.A. for a showcase. “That’s sincere and the students see that.”
All of these ways he gives his presence and time help his alma mater.
“I’m so very grateful for the friends that I made at this school. Friendships that were forged through endless hours of rehearsals, study and work — except it really didn’t feel like hard work because we were having so much fun!”
“I don’t think you can put all he does for us into words,” Heinlein said. “We appreciate everything so much. It makes a huge difference in students’ lives. It means everything.”
Recent recipients pursuing their dreams in L.A.
Cecilia (Dorhauer) Tripp; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, 2014
Why are you an actor?
It’s the only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life. I started with a school play in second grade and did theater throughout middle and high school. At MSU I was in plays, films and web series, and was an assistant director for a play. I went to MSU with my now-husband, Garrett Tripp. He was in the film department.
What was it like moving to L.A. after graduation?
It was terrifying! I moved in August after I graduated. The first year was a whirlwind. I got engaged and started planning the wedding, all while we were both trying to get our careers started.
How did MSU alumni help?
When we first got here, I produced and starred in a show. It was an entirely MSU-alum production.
I had met Troy Metcalfe (an acting alumnus who has been on “The Middle” and many other shows) at an MSU showcase, and I reached out to him. I said, “I have this idea to do this play in a loft.” He went all in, and became the director.
The three actors were graduates of MSU. All of the crew, including my husband, were MSU grads.
We came together and said, “We’re going to learn how to do this.” We sold out two nights of the show!
What are some of your career highlights so far?
- I wrote, produced and starred in a short film that made me Screen Actors Guild/ union eligible.
- I signed with an agent and management team at the end of 2015.
- Outside of acting, I work as a social media manager and consultant from home. In 2019 I co-founded a boutique design agency, Laurel Canyon Creative. One of our clients is the Casting Society of America. When I started working with that group, it was huge for me. It’s opened so many doors.
What’s on the horizon?
Garrett and I wrote a script about our life that we’re getting ready to shoot. It has been a goal to work together because I want to act, and he wants to produce and direct. The film is not named yet. We plan to put it online when it’s done.
How did receiving the performance award help as you were starting out?
It’s so funny. I tell this story all the time. That amount was the exact amount I owed my parents to buy their car so I could move to L.A.
I legitimately don’t think I would have moved to L.A. without this award, because you can’t NOT have a car here. The award played a huge factor in me deciding I actually could be here. I tell everyone John Goodman bought my car!
What would you say to those who make scholarships possible?
I would thank them profusely.
No way would I have been able to go to L.A. without it. Five years later I am still out here, loving it. I have had so many opportunities that I could not have if I weren’t here.
It also is great to feel that someone out there thought I could do this. It makes me want to do the same thing. My husband and I talk all the time about starting our own scholarship when we are able. This kind of support shows people who have the passion and fire for something creative like acting that they can and should pursue it.
Kate Pennington; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, 2018
Why are you an actor?
I took my first drama class in eighth grade and just fell in love with it. My teachers strongly encouraged me to pursue it and then I figured I was pretty good at it. From there, it is all I have ever wanted to do!
What experience did you gain at Missouri State?
I loved Missouri State so much. If I could do it all again, I would choose Missouri State every time. I found a conservatory-style program, without it being at a conservatory. I could pursue my arts degree, but go to football games and be connected to other organizations on campus.
As far as acting, I was able to be in a great variety of art forms. I did main stage shows and worked my way up to lead roles. I branched out by working with film students. I directed shows and student works. I did a one-woman show. I worked at Tent Theatre.
My professors were so great and encouraged us to make our own work. My classmates and I took that to heart. It was hard work, but so much fun.
What motivated you to move to L.A.?
I did a scouting trip by myself in January of my senior year to see if could picture living here. I fell in love with the city.
Then, I performed in MSU’s showcase in L.A., where I signed with an agent. That was pretty much my final green light: Yep, I am going! I moved that summer. Best decision I’ve ever made.
What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
It’s a lot of hustling!
- I wrote and produced a filmed comedy sketch that featured my friend Dana Powell (an MSU acting alumna who has been in “Bridesmaids,” on “Modern Family” and many other shows). She has been a gracious mentor to me out here. I reached out to her and I said, “Hey, I am new to L.A.” We hit it off and I really admire her as an actor and a friend.
- I am now studying at The Groundlings, which is a pretty intense improv school. Almost everyone in comedy has studied there.
- I audition a lot. Through networking and mutual friends, I’ve built a relationship with a casting director and have done some pilot auditions.
- I am in pre-development for producing my first song, and in post for another comedic sketch I wrote. I’ve become good pals with Garrett Tripp (another MSU alum) and I always request him to direct my projects.
What’s your career goal?
The goal of almost everyone here is to support themselves by just being an actor.
More specifically, I would love a recurring role on a hit TV show, or to be in the movies. I want to tell a really moving story and play a character who experiences a journey. Something that really inspires somebody else.
How did receiving the performance award help as you were starting out?
Financially, it helped a lot. I was saving up for the move, and buying my first car. It made me feel like this is right; this is something I can pursue.
It also gave me encouragement that there were people behind me who believe in me. That means the world to me. It’s really hard to be in this business without that feeling!
What would you say to those who make scholarships possible?
As an artist, there really aren’t enough “thank yous” that can be said to people who support what we do and care about our craft. No matter the amount, it makes such a big difference. It’s a game-changer. Definitely. So, thank you!
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