Theater students at Liberty-Eylau High School had the opportunity to ask questions and learn from Broadway actress Salisha Thomas recently, as she spoke to a class about her experiences in show business.
Thomas has performed for productions like the Broadway original "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," and was in rehearsals for The Britney Spears musical: "Once Upon a One More Time," in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Broadway.
With Broadway shows currently closed, Thomas' aunt Denise Thomas, who works at the L-E Independent School District, asked her if she'd like to speak to some students while she was in town visiting family. Thomas said she was delighted to do so.
"This is something that I used to do all the time, but it's been harder during the pandemic. I'm just always on Zoom," she said. "I've been on the other side of it. And I always remember what I felt when I was pursuing - and I'm still pursuing - but when I was just starting out, everybody who talked to me. So I was like, if I ever make it, I'll make sure that I give back and do that."
She gave advice, told stories and even sang to the students, speaking anecdotally and theatrically about her experiences on Broadway and how she got there.
Afterwards, Thomas took questions from various students about different topics. She informed one student about how the audition process works, and she told another that she still gets nervous before performances.
After working in Los Angeles and buying a one-way ticket to New York City, Thomas built her acting career through hustle and dedication.
One of her primary messages to the students was following their passions and having faith that it will lead them to the right place.
"If you have to choose between going this way or that way, choose the path that sparks the most joy," she said. "I'm a firm believer in fate and destiny, so wherever you're supposed to end up, you're going to end up there."
After Broadway shows ceased in March 2020, Thomas made her presence felt in the acting community in different ways.
She has taught Masterclass courses for musical theater students, finished a book she'd been writing over the last few years and started a podcast called "Black Hair in the Big Leagues," interviewing over 50 African-American Broadway performers on the topic of hair. She said she has learned over the years to express herself through her hair, which she previously felt like she had to hide at times.
Her final message was that no matter what challenges present themselves, they should continue to work for what they want to achieve.
"If there's ever anything that you're going through, and it's hard and it doesn't make sense half the time, don't throw in the towel," Thomas said. "Don't give up. Just keep going, however that looks for you."
Thomas plans on returning to New York soon and finding an opportunity to continue her acting career. She hopes this delay over the last year has allowed her to use her platform to positively affect those in the theater community.