Q&A with Tony Nominated Actress Ariana DeBose

February 25, 2025

By: Bella Cesarini

February 25, 2025 – On February 22, the Fisher Center held a Q&A with actress, singer, and dancer Ariana DeBose. She is best known for her role as Anita in the 2021 movie adaptation of West Side Story, as an original ensemble member of Hamilton, and for hosting the Tony Awards three times. Hosted by Curtains Up! Belmont University, Belmont Women in Entertainment, and the Fisher Center Brand Ambassadors, DeBose engaged in questions about her career in the entertainment industry.

DeBose began her journey in competitive dance, where she found her love for storytelling. One of her earliest experiences in the entertainment industry was as a contestant on the 6th season of So You Think You Can Dance. She shared how through this experience, she learned about auditioning in the industry and finding what works for her. In the same spirit, the actress talked about how she has transformed her relationship with rejection and nervousness by finding positivity while emphasizing the importance of being yourself during auditions.

“Nerves are indicative that you care,” Debose said, “If you try to get rid of your feelings, you’re doing yourself a disservice.”

Later in the Q&A, DeBose expressed her fondness for her past roles and shared the experiences that came with them, including her time hosting the Tony Awards. She specifically highlighted her desire to honor performers in the theater industry who often do not receive the respect they deserve, such as swings, understudies, and ensemble cast members. Through this platform, Ariana aimed to shed light on aspects of the industry she knows well, and her efforts were favorably received by the public audience.

Near the end of the event, DeBose imparted her wisdom on topics such as female representation in entertainment, building community, and pursuing work you’re passionate about. She encouraged students to stand up for and support others and to always invite people to the table, even if there are disagreements.

“Stay curious,” DeBose said. “There are no dumb questions, except for those you don’t ask. Be genuinely interested in the industry you want to work in, not just the role you want to play in it. Always be open to where your answers are going to come from, and have no expectations, so that way you can always be surprised.”

With her insightful advice and clever responses, Ariana DeBose fostered a warm atmosphere for all who attended this event.