Wicked has been breaking box office records and receiving major Oscar buzz since hitting the theaters, and it wouldn’t be the same without its amazing cast. If you’re wondering what their academic journey looked like before they found their way to Shiz University, we’re bringing you all the details.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo studied music psychology at the University of East London, but changed her mind one year into her degree. She transferred to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and got her bachelor’s degree in acting in 2010.
Ariana Grande
Going to college wasn’t in the cards for Ariana Grande, who was still a teen when she made her Broadway debut and got her big break with the hit series Victorious. She attended the Pine Crest School and North Broward Preparatory in her youth, both located in Florida.
Jonathan Bailey
Bailey fell in love with performing at a young age and played the piano and clarinet during his time at the Magdalen College School in Oxford. He received a university acceptance offer to go to drama school but decided to decline it after he secured a talented agent and started booking roles at 15.
Ethan Slater
Slater studied at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama in 2014.
Marissa Bode
Marissa Bode is also a classically trained actress, who graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles.
Bowen Yang
Bowen Yang studied chemistry during his time at New York University after being inspired by Sandra Oh’s character on Grey’s Anatomy. He spent his spare time performing comedy with his friends at the student center, and this was where he eventually found his true calling before joining Saturday Night Live.
