Where are they now? Nebraska Theater Academy spotlight on Marcel Daly

O-pa’s Nebraska Theater Academy is often the beginning of a young artist’s journey, but it’s far from the end of the story. Each year, students across Nebraska build confidence, sharpen their craft, and discover what’s possible through the performing arts. For many alumni, those early experiences became the foundation for professional careers in theater.

In this spotlight series, we’re catching up with Nebraska Theater Academy alumni to learn where life has led them since their time with O-pa. Their stories are a reminder that the skills gained through theater extend far beyond the stage, shaping the people they become and the communities they impact.

Spotlight on Marcel Daly, 2015 National Nominee

Marcel Daly is an artist, singer, lyricist, and actor from Bellevue, Nebraska. After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Marcel has performed and traveled as an artist on stages across the U.S. and internationally in Japan, China, and Mexico. Offstage, Marcel shares his passion for the arts by performing, leading workshops, coaching auditions, and creating original work as an a cappella arranger, composer, and lyricist. Currently, Marcel is working on a visual album of Hip Hop and Jazz Music under the persona of M.A.D. Prophet.

1.   How did you get involved in the performing arts, and how did that lead to you joining the Nebraska Theater Academy?

I was introduced to theater by joining the Bellevue Dance Academy summer program until high school, where I started doing music and theater at Bellevue West. I was nominated [for the Nebraska Theater Academy Awards] for my performance as Edward Bloom in Big Fish, and the rest was history!

2.   What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a student in the program?

A few things. First and foremost: getting to meet lifelong friends. Some friends I met during the program are friends who I reached out to and still talk to this day, after over a decade! There aren’t a lot of students in the world who get to do what they love with like-minded peers, so it’s a beautiful community amongst students across the state. Second: learning. There are so many impactful master classes, traveling productions, and concerts with discounted Student Rush rates to see professionals in action.

3.  What are some of the most important skills, lessons, or experiences you’ve taken with you from the Nebraska Theater Academy?

So many! One is that it’s such a small world. Many people who I’ve met in the program — regardless of whether they received awards or have been nominated for the Jimmy’s — are doing so well outside of those well-earned accolades, and it’s so joyful running into them in the business. Another is to be kind. Even during the stressful moments of the show or rehearsals, at the end of the day we’re all on or off the stage to tell stories that help the world. That means a lot to me, and I feel we can bring some more grace and kindness in the world of the arts. Thankfully I learned that lesson early on! And being open to learning as much as you can — you can never plateau in theater, AND in life. Sure, life will have its downs, but look around the corner. Things are looking up.

4.  Why do you think it’s important for young people to get involved in the arts at an early age?

I think that being able to express yourself in any way, shape, or form is crucial to everybody, regardless of the age, but it’s even more crucial to introduce it at a young age. For theater,  being able to create your own sense of empathy with an infinite amount of characters, to music, playing or singing music that is for the soul. Even in dance — it keeps kids physically engaged while also expressing themselves through movement! There are other outlets such as filmmaking, photography, art, etc, but whatever I recommend to students — do anything and everything you can while you’re still growing up before you enter adulthood.