Kelly Kapur
Name: Kelly Kapur
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Musical Theatre
It almost didn’t happen.
Kelly Kapur was going to study theatre at a university with a prestigious program somewhere in this country. However, before she wrote down one final school she should would audition for, Coastal Carolina University was not on her list. However, something inspired her to make one final addition, giving a growing institution in Conway, S.C., a chance. Soon, Kelly was on campus at CCU giving it her best shot.
At Kelly’s audition, she had the opportunity to catch a performance of the production that was running during the time of her visit. Blown away by both the talent onstage and the kindness exuberated off of it by the current B.F.A. students, Kelly hoped her audition would turn heads. It did. Kelly shined so much that she was offered admission into the B.F.A. Musical Theatre program, beating out close to 500 other high school seniors who vied for the same opportunity.
The unmistakable drive and promise displayed by Kelly at her audition four years ago has only intensified throughout her time as a Chanticleer. Dazzling in numerous different CCU productions while also taking full advantage under the tutelage of a nationally renowned theatre faculty, Kelly has made herself a highly sought-after talent.
Describing herself as “optimistic” and “silly,” Kelly has quite the summer lined up. She will head off to Montana after graduation where she will perform in 5-6 shows for the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. After about four months she will join the Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s National Tour. Her goal is to eventually live in New York as a working actor. Based on her natural talent, her training at CCU and her impressive theatre resume off campus, her goal will be reached and the name Kelly Kapur will one day be well-known.
Q&A with Kelly
How did you hear about Coastal?: I heard about Coastal through friends from high school who had also auditioned for Coastal’s B.F.A. program, which receives about 500 submissions from high school students around the country; they only accept 10-12 students into the B.F.A. Musical Theatre class each year, so it was such an honor to have been accepted! Coastal was actually the last school I put on my list of schools that I was auditioning for, so thank goodness I put it on the list, because I fell in love with the school the moment I walked on the campus for my audition.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal because the theatre faculty love their students unconditionally; there is nothing my teachers wouldn’t do for me. I also came to Coastal because the theatre students are so incredibly kind, intelligent and talented. I remember seeing CCU’s production of Pippin the night of my audition, and simply being blown away by the talent on stage. It was so inspiring.
Favorite professor: Adam Pelty. He is the most inspiring man I’ve ever had the privilege of studying under.
Favorite class: World Dramatic Literature with Kevin Ferguson. We read so many amazing plays and had insightful and passionate discussions about each piece of text every class.
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: Without a doubt, my fellow classmates. They are my family, and I don’t know where I’d be without them.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: Definitely the beach, but also Soho and Rotelli’s (specifically the parmesan breadsticks. If you haven’t already had them, please do, they are absolutely life-changing).
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am the President of Alpha Psi Omega, which is the Honors Theatre Fraternity on Coastal’s campus. I am also an honors student!
Plans after graduation?: This summer I will be traveling to Bigfork, Montana, to perform in the Bigfork Summer Playhouse’s productions of Mamma Mia as Sophie, The Marvelous Wonderettes as Missy, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as Ruth, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat as a member of the ensemble, and The Drowsy Chaperone as Kitty! After that, I will join Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s National Tour of A Christmas Carol as The Ghost of Christmas Past!
What are your hobbies?: My hobbies include working out, photography, eating hibachi and making beautiful theatre with my friends.
Do you have any hidden talents?: It’s not really a “hidden” talent, but I love to sing, dance and act. I started performing when I was in third grade, and I haven’t stopped since!
Bonus Info: If there is anything I have learned during my four years at Coastal, it is that no matter how small I may sometimes feel, I am definitely not small. I am so important, and I have a voice in this world that my professors and friends have taught me how to use. I can only hope to make a difference in this world, no matter how small or large it may be, and I know that Coastal has given me the tools to do so!