Taking the skybridge

Using the skybridge between the Wabash and the Auditorium buildings, musical theater senior Nathaniel Thomas regularly steps in between the 19th and 21st centuries. “You kind of go backwards and forwards in time, and it is fascinating and beautiful,” he said of switching classes between the two spaces.

The Columbus, Ohio native was absolutely thrilled at the idea of going to school in Chicago. “It’s such an amazing place. Many universities claim to be in the heart of the city, but Roosevelt truly is. Buckingham Fountain, the Bean, the Art Institute, Michigan Avenue — they’re all steps away. And if you want to go further, the “L” can take you anywhere.”

All the ambient city perks aside, Thomas sought out Roosevelt’s musical theater program because it is one of the best in the country.

As a singer, dancer and actor, Thomas is rehearsing for his fourth school show, “Bright Star,” a bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell that runs in early November. He specifically chose Roosevelt because of 1. its musical theater program, 2. its conservatory teachers and 3. the easy, affordable (student-rate) access to world-class shows.

“Since it is a conservatory, majors only have one class per semester that’s not a theater class, so most classes are in the Auditorium Building, which is breathtaking with its rich history, gorgeous architecture, molding and chandeliers. Not to mention its separate world-renowned theater.”

It’s a different world when he crosses over into the Wabash Building. “It’s very sleek and modern and has everything you could look for in a modern skyscraper,” he said.

Nathaniel Thomas lived his freshman year in the Wabash Building, which he describes as “a big, blue, beautiful skyscraper.”

Thomas noted that his gen-ed professors are also super accessible. “For instance, I ride the elevator down to the lobby with my philosophy professor almost every day after class.”
Upon graduation, Thomas hopes to use his access to Roosevelt’s robust alumni association to continue interacting with those who’ve come before him and have graduated into the performing arts world.