Elon music theatre alumna Kennedy Caughell ‘12 returns to Elon University while on tour with Hell's Kitchen for an audition techniques masterclass
Elon music theatre alumna Kennedy Caughell ‘12 emphasized preparation and audition techniques during her masterclass in Yeager Recital Hall on Monday, Feb. 23.
Caughell, who is currently starring as Jersey in the national tour of “Hell’s Kitchen,” made a stop at her alma mater while performing at the Tanger Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, offering Elon music theatre students a chance to learn directly from a working Broadway professional.
Caughell’s ability to guide young performers comes from more than a decade of professional experience. After graduating from Elon in 2012, she quickly built an impressive musical theatre resumé, including national tours of “American Idiot” and “Wicked” and the Broadway companies of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” with Josh Groban.
Her extensive experience made her return especially meaningful for current students, many of whom had followed her career for years.
“I have followed Kennedy on social media since before coming to Elon, so it was super exciting to meet her in person.” Brooke Chamberlin ‘27, the first student to sing for Caughell, said.
That energy carried into Yeager Recital Hall, where students packed the space for the masterclass. Performers sat in the front row, sheet music in hand, while observers opened their laptops and notebooks, ready to absorb all that they possibly could.
Ten students performed for Caughell: Aubee Billie ‘26, Nate Kromer ‘26, Brooke Chamberlin ‘27, Ella Davison ‘27, Victoria Martinez ‘28, Leilani Miranda ‘28, Treasure Capers ‘29, Laney Gaston ‘29, and Grace Santo ‘29. After each performance, Caughell offered individualized feedback, adjusting her approach to meet each student’s artistic personality.
“It was clear each person who participated in the masterclass had different needs and different styles of learning, and yet Kennedy was able to cater to all of us in such an effective way,” Chamberlin said. “She had such a calming, grounded presence that cured my nerves as soon as I stepped on stage. Her gentle and kind demeanor also helped each of the performers feel safe to push out of our comfort zones, which can be a very scary thing to do when performing in front of your faculty and peers.”
Leilani Miranda ‘28 echoed that sentiment: “Singing for Kennedy was so incredible,” she siad. “I learned and retained so much from this masterclass. She is such a joy to work with!”
Miranda said the class gave her concrete tools to improve her technique, including “how to support a high mix belt and shape vowels while singing.” With Caughell’s guidance, she applied each correction in real time, watching her piece shift and strengthen as they worked.
Moments like these reflected the larger lesson Caughell brought to campus: dedicated preparation, proper training, and courage when it counts can take you from the audition room to the Broadway stage.