<p>A dear friend shared this video on FB . . . how cool is it that Sutton Foster gave a commencement speech at Ball State? It is inspirational and educational. If CollegeMom has to delete it :0) just search on YouTube (although it is educational CollegeMom!): “Sutton Foster’s Commencement Address at Ball State” </p>
<p>[Sutton</a> Foster’s Commencement Address at Ball State University - YouTube](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2ViecT-aARU]Sutton”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2ViecT-aARU)</p>
<p>Great speech. I love the “Don’t be a jerk” refrain. But lots of wisdom in these 10 or so minutes. Dumb question, but why is Sutton affiliated with Ball State? I thought she went to CMU (for a short while, anyway). Why does she give so much to Ball State? (Not that they don’t deserve it…just curious.)</p>
<p>You don’t need affiliation to get a honorary doctorate, the school picks deserving candidates.</p>
<p>I think monkey was referring to all of the directing and teaching Sutton does for Ball State (and has since about 2005). She did go to CMU but only for 1 year, then left to work. Maybe Ball State Bill will weigh in and tell us the story of how Sutton came to work closely with them! :)</p>
<p>I asked this question during a visit in March and was told that Sutton was exposed to students and program through the NYC showcase and basically just approached Ball State because she wanted to get involved with an academic program.
Maybe someone at BSU can confirm or provide more detail.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what I meant, CoachC! 
She gives so much to the Ball State students, and I was wondering why she chose Ball State given there are so many programs out there (and many closer to NYC where she spends much of her time…although now with Bunheads, maybe she is spending more time in LA…not sure where it shoots).</p>
<p>I heard she does or use to teach at NYU Tisch</p>
<p>Yes, she was on the faculty at Tisch last school year for NSB. But once Anything Goes opened, she had to take a leave. Now, she is doing Bunheads. My D was the accompanist in all of Sutton’s vocal performance classes last year for NSB freshmen. She loved working with her.</p>
<p>Sutton is on board at Ball State again for 2012-13. My D is so excited to have the opportunity to work with her and more importantly, to learn from her. It is so wonderful when these comtemporary female performers give their time and advice to the incoming MT-ers.</p>
<p>OneMTDad is right…that is what my son told me as well. Right place, right time. Thank goodness for us at Ball State!</p>
<p>My son has worked with Sutton in a couple of capacities (she co-directed The Drowsy Chaperone this past semester and she comes and does classes with them regularly). Last fall when she was there, she gave them feedback on the original mainstage musical that was written and staged by the previous years’ senior students and was being fully staged publicly. (p.s. It went on to win Kennedy Center honors as the best original student musical of the year!)</p>
<p>When they went out to NYC this spring for the senior showcase, she arranged a talkback after a performance of Anything Goes that they attended.</p>
<p>My son loves her…so gracious, funny and very down to earth. We are very lucky that the students have this (personal) connection with such a great lady. We will be watching “Bunheads” religiously!</p>
<p>I know other schools do this as well…would love to hear some of your kids’ experiences with Broadway performers…</p>