ORU Theatre Arts Student Abi Groves Aims for the Bright Lights of Broadway
Abi Groves
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Following in the footsteps of other successful actresses and musical artists seems
like a smart strategy to ORU freshman Abi Groves.
“Emma Stone and Anya Taylor-Joy,” Abi recalls, “and there’s Christy Altomare too, who was the star of Broadway's Anastasia; they’re great examples of hard work and excellence. I was obsessed with Christy’s performance in that show. There are so many women in Hollywood and on Broadway whose pathways to success inspire me.”
Before coming to ORU, Abi found success on the stage, starring in productions of Seussical and Footloose. As a talented singer, she also earned a spot in Kristin Chenoweth’s summer boot camp, where she had the opportunity to work with Broadway stars and voice coaches. Abi wants to achieve excellence as a performer, and at ORU, she’s finding that opportunity in the theatre curriculum.
“My first acting class completely rewired my approach to acting,” Abi said. “My professor—Courtneay Sanders—has been teaching the Meisner technique, which is a branch off the Stanislavsky tree. I feel like I have been doing it wrong my whole life. We're only a couple of weeks into the semester, but already, this class has changed my thinking and made me a much better actor.”
“I’d love to do Broadway, and I'd love to do film,” Abi said, looking to her future. “Oklahoma has a growing reputation in the movie industry so there are a lot of local opportunities for students and graduates."
ORU: Graduating Artists of Talent and Faith
ORU’s investment in the arts is a testament to the University’s track record of producing talented performers. Alumni like Matt Bittner, who toured with School of Rock and Slater Ashenhurst, who performed at Shakespeare's Globe in London, have found success on stage. And ORU graduates, from Emmy-nominated composer Jeff Lippencott to “Pianist to the Presidents” David Osborne to newly-recorded singer Joy Werner, continue to influence and impact the music industry. These amazing performers and alumni are only a small part of ORU’s artistic legacy. It’s a legacy that reaches far and wide—a legacy that has set the foundation for ORU’s commitment to future artists.
“Our legacy in the creative arts is expanding,” ORU President William M. Wilson said. “The new Media Arts Center expresses ORU’s unwavering mission to produce the highest quality education and training for next-generation artists.”
Abi Groves is a next-generation artist. She chose ORU for its pledge to the arts and for its expanding programs. But she also chose ORU for the faith-filled community she’s finding off the stage.
“When I ask most of my friends ‘What brought you to ORU?’ they usually tell me ‘It’s God!’” Abi said. “They woke up one day and knew they had to come here. This is a community that’s intentional and tenacious about their faith, where students organize worship nights and prayer meetings. The culture here is amazing, and it all makes sense. I’ve been blown away by the genuine kindness around campus.”
Artistic Growth at a University that’s Growing for Artists
At ORU, Abi is growing in her faith while she grows in her craft; the two are connected as part of ORU’s Whole Person education. And as a member of the Theatre Department, she’s studying to work professionally, surrounded by students and professors who share her love for the stage.
“I’d love to do Broadway, and I'd love to do film,” Abi said, looking to her future. “Oklahoma has a growing reputation in the movie industry so there are a lot of local opportunities for students and graduates. But then, there are also opportunities all over the world. I’d love to live in New York City. But I can also see myself in L.A. or London or Chicago. For me, traveling is one of the biggest appeals to working in the theater. After graduating from ORU, I’ll have the opportunity to live anywhere, to travel all over the world, and explore my profession as a performer.”
Leading in the arts is one of the intentional strategies of Oral Roberts University. ORU is committed to this, recently breaking ground on a new Media Arts Center (MAC). Once completed, the MAC—a $38 million, 72,000-square-foot performing arts center—will house a 450-seat Proscenium Theater, along with a 144-seat music Performance Hall and a 100-seat Black Box Theater.
“While other universities are discontinuing their investment in the arts, we believe in the arts and the power of the arts to change the world for the glory of God,” President Wilson said. “We want to graduate artists who can lead from day one, and they can step onto Broadway full of the Holy Spirit and make a difference for Jesus Christ.”
Learn more about ORU, ranked Top 5 in America for Student Engagement by Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed.