A Broadway actor and now professor at Rochester Christian University, Blake Whyte will present a night of live music, “Broadway & Beyond: An Evening with Blake Whyte and Friends,” on Feb. 21-23 in the RAC Theater as a fundraiser for the RCU Department of Theatre and Music.
Whyte starred in “Wicked” and “Mamma Mia” on Broadway and he leads an eponymous seven-person band that performs around the nation. “Broadway and Beyond” is a brand-new show about Whyte’s journey told through storytelling and original soulful music.
After serving as a visiting assistant professor of theatre and musical theatre at nearby Oakland University, Whyte joined RCU’s Department of Theatre and Music in fall 2024 as an assistant professor of musical theatre. He teaches classes and serves as the director of RCU’s Performance Ensemble and Music Ensemble.
“RCU brings an incredible amount of curiosity and energy like nowhere else I have been,” Whyte said. “Our students are hungry and they want to learn about everything!”
Whyte also attributed his move to RCU to Rob Arbaugh, artistic director and associate professor of theatre. “Rob is a master producer, director and organizer, and his work ethic is second to none.”
Whyte said he enjoys sharing his theatrical and musical experiences with his students, recalling his opening night in “Wicked.” “I can still remember sliding on my knees singing the words ‘Good News!’ It was a culmination of quite literally years in the practice room doing scales and wanting something so badly. It’s a very positive memory.”
He said working in his profession while also teaching is positive. “They both feed each other. I want to be acting, singing, writing songs professionally, and also teaching that craft.”
Whyte brings much experience to his role at RCU, having previously held theatrical and musical teaching roles at New York University, Michigan State University, Interlochen Arts Camp, Denison University and Kalamazoo College. He earned a master’s degree in songwriting from NYU and a bachelor’s degree of fine arts in musical theatre from Syracuse University.
A diverse talent, Whyte is a songwriter, film composer, arranger, orchestrator, producer and instrumentalist. He co-produced his debut album, “More Like Myself,” with Jeffrey Lee Campbell, Sting’s guitarist. In addition to his work at RCU, Whyte will play a residency at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City this spring.
At “Broadway and Beyond,” Whyte will perform the world premiere of a brand new song. “I am excited about sharing my love for music and story with our audiences. I hope everyone leaves inspired, uplifted and energized.”
“Broadway and Beyond” will be presented on Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for RCU employees, alumni, seniors and veterans, and $5 for students. Click here to purchase tickets.
For more information about Whyte, go to blakewhyte.com. For more information about the RCU Department of Theatre and Music, go to www.rcu.edu/theatre.
