While at Rider, Hasbrouck was involved and held leadership roles in various campus organizations, including the Rider Dance Team, Rider Dance Ensemble, Residence Hall Association, Order of Omega and Zeta Tau Alpha.
Prior to attending Rider, Hasbrouck had no formal training in singing or acting.
Hasbrouck, who has been dancing since she was three years old, decided late in her high school career that she wanted to pursue musical theater. Despite having been accepted into Rider’s highly competitive musical theatre program with minimal experience, Hasbrouck says that one of her biggest challenges as a student was her confidence.
“Musical theater was brand new to me going into college. I had danced my whole life but singing and acting were like a foreign language. Rider University took a chance on me and saw my potential even though I have never tried to act or sing. I actually took my first voice lesson and acting class at Rider.”
Through hard work and the help of her professors, she honed her raw talent and turned it into success.
“There were certain staff members who saw my potential and continued to work with me in and out of the classroom. They made me feel worth it and showed me that I could and would make it in this competitive world that I chose. Working hard on my craft was something that helped me gain the confidence I needed to be successful and continue to be successful and grow in my career.”
Hasbrouck also took advantage of Rider’s unique programs to gain invaluable performance experience.
Programs like Rider’s signature Engaged Learning program allow students the opportunity to apply their classroom training to professional settings to help them explore their career interests and be better prepared for life after graduation. Before the last semester of college, Hasbrouck took an approved “gap year” to work professionally, an experience that undoubtedly developed her skills as a performer and shaped her current career path.
“I got a job working for Royal Caribbean Productions in Cats the Musical on Oasis of the Seas. I was Rumpleteazer in Cats the Musical, and part of the last cast in the entire world to do the full original production of Cats before changes were made, which I think is a cool fun fact. I was also a dancer/vocalist in the production show onboard, Come Fly With Me.”
She continues, “I would not have been able to take this amazing job opportunity if it weren't for the musical theatre department.”
There is always room for improvement and growth, and throughout my time at Rider, that is what I did. With the help of a few professors, along with my hard work, dedication and passion for what I do, I am now successful and continue to grow.”
Performer, "Hamilton"
Now, Hasbrouck is performing in musicals on tour.
Hasbrouck is currently performing in Hamilton as part of the ensemble. Previously, she made her national tour debut in the first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. In the musical, she was in the ensemble, performing the show eight times a week along with understudy rehearsals. Hasbrouck previously shared this about her experience, "It is a dream come true to be in a show of this caliber, and I am super excited to show everyone that I am living my dream.”
College of Arts and Sciences: School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts
Rider’s School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts is the perfect place to cultivate your artistic ability. You’ll explore your creative passion in a connected community of emerging talent, build technical skills specific to your area of interest and develop practical knowledge that can be applied to various careers within the ever-evolving arts and entertainment industry.