Jasmine Villaroel
Degree: BFA, musical theater
College: School of Theater, Film and Media Arts
Hometown: Sharon, Massachusetts
Why I chose Temple: “I first heard about Temple when my high school boyfriend at the time was applying. I decided to look into it and found out Temple had a musical theater program. I’ve always been performing. I did musicals all through middle school and high school. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, so I looked at what needed to happen to be a musical theater major, including the vocal and acting auditions and dance videos. It was different because it was 2020 during COVID-19, and everything was virtual. I visited Temple after I was accepted and met some of the musical theater majors and the head of the program. They were all so wonderful, so I decided this was where I was meant to be.”
Transformative Temple moment: “During my sophomore year, I performed in Once on This Island with people in my major and non-musical theater majors. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever been part of with a wonderful group of people. The community on that show was like no other, and it was such a formative experience for me so early in my college career.”
My time on Broadway: “I just left The Great Gatsby this month after my time as a partial swing, covering seven ensemble members. I was in it for just over a year. We started rehearsing in February 2024 and opened at the end of April 2024. I did 150 full performances of the show and was also on stage in one of the dance numbers every show.
“On my last day, the cast signed a graduation cap for me and got me a diploma. They threw a surprise party with all my favorite things. It was wonderful to be surrounded by a great group of people. They’d see me with my backpack coming from school and make me do homework before I went out for the night. They saw me through so many milestones, including turning 21.
“My classmates and professors at Temple were also incredibly supportive. Not only did I have so many people come to New York to support me in the show, but I also had teachers who were understanding about me working full time while also studying full time. I was regularly commuting to and from Philly Monday–Wednesday each week, but they were very willing to find some alternatives when I couldn’t make it to class because of rehearsals or shows. It made it that much more special being able to be on campus with some of my favorite people—all my peers whom I’ve spent the last few years learning and laughing alongside.
“I’ve grown so much over the year from what I learned in school and by working professionally. I can’t imagine what my junior and senior years would have been like without being in New York. The people I’ve met have shaped me so much. It’s been hard yet so rewarding. I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world.”
What’s next: “I can say I have an upcoming project I’m excited about. It’s been great to be in Philadelphia and New York. I look forward to continuing to perform and finding new communities.”