Have you ever been told you can't or shouldn't do something? Have you ever felt the pressure to be something you're not?

For me, it was starting college for vocal and instrumental education. While I did enjoy it, it was not my first love. My mother was a schoolteacher and my scholarships were tied to my work as an instrumentalist—it was the path to a safe, steady career. In high school, I'd acted in many musicals and plays. I loved it but it wasn't a "real" career, or so I'd been told by many. It was at the University of Oklahoma where my voice teacher, Dr. Bruce Govich, started supporting me to pursue a career in performance. While not everyone in my life was happy in the moment, they all came around as I proved that it could be a solid career path.

Now–after over thirty years as a professional performer, director and choreographer—I am a teacher at Kansas State University. Following my passion for performance has brought me three national tours, a Broadway show, a European tour, a principal contract with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and a plethora of other magical experiences including the wonderful gift of working with this creative team on The Haberdasher Prince.

In fact, this is the journey of our Haberdasher Prince as he struggles to find the strength and courage to be true to himself, to the art that brings him joy. Through an unlikely friendship and ally, he finds the support he needs to overcome his fear and be true to his heart. My hope is this story helps you to pursue your passion and to be true to yourself and the things that bring you joy. May you find the family, friendships and support that allows you a joy-filled life.

Be creative! Be bold! Be you!

Jerry Jay Cranford