DALLAS — For 15 months of singing, dancing, and acting, KD College students give it heart in hopes of a dream.
Erica Harte is one of those dreamers. She walks by the Wall of Success with stars from major shows and films, knowing that she too could someday reach that level.
"It makes it possible that you've been exactly where they've been standing in the same place," Harte said.
Students try out to get into the KD program, and they come from all over the world.
"Nigeria, Uganda, Sweden ... Norway, said Michael Serrecchia, chair of the college's Musical Theatre program. He — like all the other professors here — continues to practice in the arts industry.
Serrecchia was an original cast member of "A Chorus Line," and he knows what it takes to make it.
"Success is not measured in the hire; it's measured in the re-hire," he said.
He is preparing Harte for auditions prior to her move to New York City. She — like about 40 percent of KD College students — get placed with agencies who push for jobs.
"You're never going to get rid of the nerves; they're not going to go away, so acknowledge them and use them as a tool," Harte said. "Don't push them down — they'll still be there."
With technical guidance and advice for the business side of show business, Harte's 10-year goal is a big one: "Opening a show on Broadway."
KD College also offers summer and Saturday programs for people looking to test the waters before trying to fully enroll at the school.
E-mail sslater@wfaa.com
