WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Calvin David Malone

Ask people involved in theater around Nashville to list some of their favorites who have moved on to seek fame and fortune in other places, and one name that's likely to come up is Calvin David Malone. A graduate of Belmont University's esteemed musical theater program, the Owensboro, Kentucky, native is now on the boards in Fredericksburg, Virginia, delighting audiences with his massive talents and considerable stage presence.

Here's a quote from my review of Calvin's work in Belmont University's Hairspray (2012): "Calvin Malone exudes 1960s era sexuality and bravado, artfully blending a sense of humor with adolescent sensuality. He commands the stage during his musical numbers, exhibiting a rich reserve of stage presence and moxie."

In addition to being a standout onstage, it won't be that surprising to people who know him (or even if you have only ever been in his audience at some point) that offstage, Calvin David Malone is one of the nicest young men you're likely to meet. Here's your chance to get to know him in this week's edition of Where Are They Now?

So where the heck are you now and what are you doing? I'm currently in Fredericksburg, Virginia, working for the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. I moved here in late July, 2014, and I am currently in rehearsals for my fifth show with them. On November 15, we open Mame, starring Sandy Bainum and Sally Struthers! I'm dancing in the ensemble and am the understudy for Patrick Dennis. It's my first time being back in the chorus in a few years, and I'm having an absolute blast. I'm glad to be brushing off my old dancing shoes and skills. The show is being directed/choreographed by Dann Dunn. I've worked for him several times before, and he's just great. He has such a precise vision for his, and always delivers a knock-out product. It's going to be a stellar show.

Are things happening as you thought they would before heading out into the wide, wide world of professional theater? You know, it's funny. I had pretty specific and grand aspirations for my career in 2015. I told myself that I'd have my Equity card by 2015, and would be in my first Broadway show! I'm still laugh at my younger self sometimes. Those are still big goals of mine, but life has its own course, you know? I've been fortunate to have worked professionally for some great theaters across the country, and I'm always seeking to be the best I can be, as a person and as a performer. My favorite quote that relates to this - that I have to remind myself of frequently - is "Never compare your middle to someone else's end." I'm excited to see the path that God has for me.

What brought you to Nashville in the first place? Belmont University. My senior year of high school, I was gearing up for visits and auditions and some of the big theater schools in the country, but once I visited Belmont and met everyone in the musical theatre program, that was it. I fell in love with the place and was instantly hooked. Everyone has a place where they fit, and Belmont was the perfect piece of the puzzle.

How did your time in Nashville prepare you for where you are now in your career arc? Again, it all goes back to Belmont. I graduated in 2012 with my BFA, and can honestly say that my studies there, along with the incredible faculty in the Music Theatre program equipped me with everything I need: the vocal training, the dance classes, acting, masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals, all of it. It was top notch. Not only that, but the life lessons and the professionalism. I can't say enough good things about it. People say this a lot in the business, so it's lost its luster a bit, but I was truly blessed to have gone there.

What's your most vivid memory of your time in the Volunteer State? I have so many good memories from my college years in Tennessee. I rushed and then joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and had some amazing times there. But my most vivid memory would have to be opening night of Hairspray my senior year. Emily Tello Speck choreographed the show, and her choreography there is some of my absolute favorite to date. We had just finished "Good Morning, Baltimore" and that number goes directly into "Nicest Kids in Town." The dance was so lively and so much fun. When we all ran on stage for the number, it felt like the Troutt Theater exploded with energy. On the final button of the song, the audience applauded for what felt like an eternity. The group of us onstage started giggling a little bit because we held the pose for so long. It was a literal showstopper. It was a magical moment.

Who were some of the people in Nashville who had a lasting impact on you and/or your career?
There are so many! Nancy Allen, JoLynn Burks, Debbie Belue, Dr. Jane Warren. I really looked up to my older classmates, particularly Deonte Warren, Lauren Turner, Ben Laxton and Andrea Rauch Laxton! David Shamburger directed me in all eight productions at Belmont, and the man is just a genius. Brent Maddox taught my Stage Voice, Stage Movement, and Stage Combat classes. I'll never sing, speak, or move the same on stage ever again; I'm very thankful for all he taught me. CJ Tucker was my acting teacher, and I owe her so much. She helped me discover who I was as an actor, and pushed me to be the best I could be. The person who had the greatest impact on me though was Marjorie Halbert. She was the head of the Music Theatre program, my voice teacher, second mom, mentor, life coach, and my friend. The woman is an absolute miracle worker. There are certain people that God places in your life to help better you, and she did that and so much more. If you know "For Good" from Wicked, she is the physical manifestation of those lyrics. I'm beyond grateful for everything she taught me.

What advice would you give to someone taking their first steps to becoming a part of the theater scene here? Get involved and go audition. If you don't get the part, go and audition again. There are some incredible companies in Nashville. Go and see their productions and go support your friends! Good things come to good people, and when the timing is right, it will happen.

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