A Lakeland College performing arts student found herself in the heart of Hollywood - virtually.

Brooke Tluchak had the unique opportunity to develop and hone her musical theatre skills through the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Musical Theater Summer Institute program from July to August.

“In January, I auditioned for the UCLA Musical Theater Summer Institute. I sent in video clips of myself singing, dancing, acting and then wrote an essay. About a month later, in February, I received an email telling me I got into the program,” Tluchak says.

Mona Smith, Lakeland's previous performing arts coordinator, also submitted a letter of recommendation as part of Tluchak's audition package.

“From a young age, Brooke has been a diligent and creative student. Her strong work ethic combined with her vocal talent has served her well as she wins awards and scholarships at our local music festival. Ever gracious in her demeanor, she shares equally in lead and ensemble roles with her fellow students, understanding that every role contribute to the quality of the production being performed,” Smith wrote.

The UCLA Summer Musical Theater Institute is a virtual three-week intensive conservatory-style program for high school musical theatre students interested in musical theatre and seeking the discipline and training required for participation in a university theatre program or a career in the performing arts. The program encompassed acting, singing, dancing, and guest workshops, culminating in a final performance.

"We did a lot throughout this course. I took vocal, dance and acting classes in the mornings. After lunch, we would rehearse for a show that we did, and in that show, we would film ourselves at home, then we had editors who put it together for a virtual presentation,” she says. Tluchak studied 12 hours a day, Monday to Friday, and seven hours on weekends.

Tluchak raved about the people she met, including her show's director, Jeff Maynard, a UCLA alumnus who studied with actor Jack Black and an active Los Angeles theatre community member for more than 20 years. 

A diligent and creative student, Tluchak's combined vocal talent and work ethic served her well in numerous musical theatre productions, including Lakeland's 2018-19 production of Wizard of Oz as the lead character, Dorothy. She also previously acted in the Young Performers' Edition of the Lion King and Little Mermaid. Tluchak is also a regular anthem singer at many of the Lakeland Rustlers games.

"Taking Lakeland's musical theatre program helped prepare me for UCLA. Lakeland has a great program that teaches you the basics of musical theatre, and it helped me find my passion for it. 

"When I'm performing, I have this amazing feeling. When I think back to the Wizard of Oz production, getting to work with an amazing cast and having friends act alongside you, it's just a fantastic experience. It's unique compared to a lot of other things," Tluchak says.

Upon successful completion of the course, Tluchak earned two university credits that she can use toward a degree at UCLA or transfer to another post secondary institute.

With her experience with UCLA, Tluchak says she's confident that the film and television industry is the career path she wants to take.

Photos: Top to bottom-Brooke Tluchak as Dorothy in Lakeland's 2018-19 production of The Wizard of Oz. Tluchak attends the virtual UCLA Summer Musical Theater Institute. Tluchak (right) performing in The Wizard of Oz.