Megan Hasse played Leonide in “Triumph of Love”
Photo courtesy of Mike Peters
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
Hasse: My biggest motivation is my passion. I try to live every day in pursuit of this passion—to be a better person and performer, to make better theatre, to connect better with others. Ultimately, with respect to my vast network of supporters, I am my own best cheerleader. If I have a bad day or a bad audition, it’s up to me to pick myself up and keep going.
Q: How has Montclair State University fostered you as an artist?
Hasse: Montclair State, specifically the BFA musical theatre program, has fostered me as an artist by supplying me with “tools” for my proverbial “tool-kit” in the fields of acting, singing and dancing. The program has exposed me to many teachers, classes and resources that have honed my craft.
Q: Who are your biggest supporters?
Hasse: My biggest supporters by far are my parents. They have supported me unequivocally through years of voice, dance, cello and piano lessons, through college and professional auditions and much, much more. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for my dreams. I owe them my life in many senses of the word.
Q: Who are your biggest inspirations?
Hasse: I’ve never had a consistent source of inspiration throughout my life. I take inspiration as it comes, whether it is by reading an excellent novel, watching a great tap dancer, admiring the handiwork of a craftsperson, observing an elite athlete in training, etc. I don’t think I will ever be fixated on one person or thing.
Q: What’s your latest project?
Hasse: My latest project is myself. I try to have a sense of humor about a profession that smells not-so-faintly of narcissism. I’m pushing my body. I want to master some tumbling, a skill that’s becomingly increasingly valuable in the musical theater business.
Aside from musical theatre, I’ve run all my life, but I want to run my first half-marathon by the end of the semester, and run it fast. It’s exciting to be in training every day.
