Chris McCarrell performed the role of Percy Jackson on- and off-Broadway and just wrapped up his run with Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s production of Prelude to a Kiss. Between rehearsals and shows, he stopped by the Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre to share his insights as a musical theatre professional and as a former Percy.

The after-school workshop began with students performing some of the major numbers from The Lightning Thief. Sophie Wondracheck, DSHA ’25, who is portraying Percy, rehearsed portions of her solo in “Good Kid,” and Natalie Hartung, DSHA ’27, playing Annabeth, practiced "My Grand Plan." Wondracheck and Hartung both received high praise from McCarrell: “So fun!” However, to help the students take their performances to the next level, he demonstrated how all vocalists could emphasize diction and play with rhythm.

One of the highlights of the workshop was McCarrell’s vocal “latte” exercises. According to McCarrell, “Every famous voice is a latte. We need to make our voices a latte with the right amount of foam and milk.” From there, McCarrell explained that the “foam” part of a voice is what makes it unique – but on its own, it’s not enough. A good voice also needs the “milk” of the latte, or the depth and strength to perform. Along with McCarrell, students practiced their silly foamy voices and strong (and also silly) milk voices. When combined, the girls made perfect “lattes.”

Of the vocal coaching, Hartung said, “Receiving guidance from a professional like Chris who knows the show so well really helped me grow with my vocal technique and as a performer. Working with him was such a privilege and I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity.” 

McCarrell didn’t just stop with vocal training. He also walked through the all-cast “Campfire Song.” With a full stage, McCarrell explained that directing the audience’s attention is paramount. He explained that this can be done by “reducing static.” Static can be extra movement or noise. By keeping the right focus and maintaining stage presence, “you build audience confidence,” said McCarrell.

After more than an hour of workshopping several songs, McCarrell opened the floor to questions from Dashers. Students asked McCarrell about the audition process, challenging moments on stage, and his favorite moments during his tenure as Percy. He concluded by sharing his favorite songs from the show: “‘Send in the Monsters,’ but ‘Strong’ always gets me.”

After the workshop, Dashers reflected upon the experience. Lucy Halpern, DSHA ’26, playing Chiron, summed up the afternoon well: “Getting the chance to work with Chris McCarrell was such an exciting opportunity! It was really interesting to hear feedback on our work from somebody who is both a professional actor and knows our show so well.” 

Director of Theater, Choir, & Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler was just as thrilled with this visit as the cast. He said, "Chris has the heart of a teacher and knew how to adapt his lessons for the students." He went on: "This experience was really positive and encouraging for the cast."

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical runs November 8-10 and 15-16 at DSHA’s Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. Purchase tickets here.