Ana Castillo | Reporter
From Print [March 22, 2016] | Lindenwood Legacy

Raylon Bivins’ curiosity for musical theatre began during his junior year of high school. Though excited about his new venture, theatre conflicted with his previous desire to be a financial adviser.

“I wanted to be a financial adviser since I was about 6 years old and I loved it,” he said, “but I found out that I loved theatre after doing ‘Grease’ in high school.”

Though a business major, Bivins continues to pursue his interest for dance and musical theatre at Lindenwood University.

“I was originally coming here solely for business,” he said, “but after I auditioned for the theatre department, they offered me a scholarship, so I decided to do both.”

After taking a dance class, he decided to study the art as his minor.

“I took my first dance class, Beginning Ballet, and from then on I just loved it,” he said.

He claims that the passions he has recently discovered have made him reconsider what he wants for the future.

“I believe I will leave business aside for the moment. I would still have the degree, but I will first try to get jobs performing,” he said. “I really would love to move to New York or Chicago as soon as I graduate and pursue a career on Broadway.”

Bivins said he is grateful for learning through the Lindenwood productions he has performed in, especially with “Legally Blonde,” in which he worked with Broadway performer and choreographer Nikki Snelson.

“It was awesome to work with Nikki because she pushed me to a new level that I didn’t even know existed,” he said. Bivins is also a part of Voices Only, the school’s a cappella ensemble. Though minoring in dance, the challenge to juggle performing with completing schoolwork has not been difficult for Bivins.

“I am an OCD planning freak,” he said, “so I’m really good at managing my time well.”

Throughout his life, Bivins has found his mother to be an immense support.

“My mom is my biggest inspiration,” he said. “She once told me to do whatever I wanted to do as long as I put my whole into it.”

He plans to continue performing and building a career. He said, “I’d love to possibly be in a cruise line or on Broadway, and just take all the opportunities that come my way.”