MBU Senior Stories: Allen Berryman

Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre | Warrenton, MO | Theatre Department, MBU Ringers, In Charactre, Chamber Singers, Chorale, Student Activities

Favorite MBU hangout?
In the lobby on the first floor of the fine arts building.

Favorite spot on campus?
The swing in from of the administration building at sunset. It’s so beautiful!

Favorite Perk drink?
Iced Carmella Con Pana

Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
Every single “circle time” before theatre performances. It’s at those moments where I am reminded how special MBU is. The sense of community and fellowship is so strong here and it’s because of how the professors pour into their students. So many people have joined the circle and left the circle, but they are always a part of the MBU theatre family. Because what’s the point if community stops beyond these walls?

Funniest memory?
All of my funny memories include my dear friend Holland Doherty because when we get together, it’s always a hilarious time. One of my favorites was when we were in West Side Story during sophomore year. We were dance partners throughout the show and at the iconic “Dance at the Gym” scene there was a moment where one of us would fall each night — because we are the clumsiest people ever. So throughout the rest of the number we would laugh for the rest of the sequence. It sounds lame out of context, but I promise it was always funny on stage.

What does being a Spartan mean to you?
Being a Spartan means to stand strong. There are times when you will get pushed down and you’ll want to stay there because it’s the easy way. It’s those that get up and stay up after times of struggle that show their Spartan spirit. On the other side, it also means to stand strong for what you believe in. God will test you in practically every aspect throughout college. I cannot say how many times I have had to defend my faith. But it’s helped me to stay strong and keep moving on because the road gets harder, but so much better.

What professors/staff inspired you and why?
There are so many faculty and staff that have poured into me throughout my time at MBU. From beginning to end, Dr. Ladd Faszold, Dr. Cathy Benton, Mrs. Kasey Cox and Sarah Dickey have all been encouraging. At some point, each pushed me to do my best work and truly believed there was something special in me that I didn’t see at times. Their commitment to their students is so evident in their work; it’s so inspiring. Thank you all so much for a wonderful five years!

How has MBU impacted your faith?
As a freshman, I came in as a Christian but not truly knowing what that meant. God has placed so many people on this campus that I have grown close to who have helped me grow and learn more about God. I’m still learning! And I think that’s the coolest part. I have friends who give me tools to help keep me on track with my faith walk and are always there to answer my questions. Not only has MBU taught me what I need to know for my major, but also how to keep in contact with God in your career field and to put Him first.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Start out strong! Work hard from the very beginning because that is going to set the tone for the rest of your college career.

How has MBU prepared you for your future?
As previously mentioned, professors teach their students ways to keep God at the forefront of their careers. With this in mind, it pushes me to do everything I do with excellence and to not fall short of that expectation. Because that work is a reflection of Him and what He has done for me. So I make sure to prepare for an audition wholeheartedly and give 110 percent in the audition room, I make sure my resume and headshot are up-to-date, and when I land a job I put my heart and testimony into my performance so the audience sees how God is working through me — even if the story doesn’t directly point to Him.

What are your next steps after graduation?
I get this question a lot and my response is almost always, “I don’t know.” Then what follows are strange looks like I’m crazy. But I’m content with that. I know that I am going to stick around the St. Louis area and continue to perform with various theatre companies to make my resume strong before moving anywhere. I do eventually want to move to New York. If God opens up opportunities for me to do that, then I will answer His call. Until then, I will keep shining my light in St. Louis theatre.