STAGE TUBE: Sutton Foster Speaks at Ball State's Commencement

Tony Award-winning actor Sutton Foster spoke at Ball State's commencement ceremony yesterday, May 5, where she received an honorary doctor of arts degree. Watch the video of her speech at Ball State's graduation below!

Foster received the honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding career in theater, television and music and for her contributions to the educational experience and professional growth of Ball State students.

Foster won Tony Awards in 2011 and in 2002 and has been nominated three other times. She has received three Outer Critics Circle awards, two Fred Astaire awards, which honor excellence in dance and choreography, and two Drama Desk awards. She recorded two solo albums and performed live in some of the country's finest concert halls. Her acting credits include substantial television appearances.

Foster has often mentored Ball State students. She became affiliated with the Department of Theatre and Dance in the spring of 2005 when she conducted a workshop for students at the department's annual New York Showcase Since then, Foster has visited campus several times to teach, mentor and provide guest clinics. She has helped Ball State students transition to the professional world. Students have also benefited from her performance at Sursa Hall, consultation on "The Circus in Winter" and co-directing the department's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone."

Sutton Foster, who was most recently seen on Broadway in 2011's revival of Anything Goes, is next set to appear in ABC Family's BUNHEADS, premiering June 11th.