For Dylan Markey '28, performing has never been just a hobby. It has been part of who he is for as long as he can remember. 

Long before he became a student at TCU, Dylan was a five-year-old stepping onto the stage for the first time in a production of Seussical. Cast as Baby Kangaroo, he discovered something that would shape the course of his life. 

“It was just a life-changing moment for me,” Dylan says. “Ever since then, I haven’t stopped doing shows.” 

Now a sophomore musical theatre student from Leawood, Kan., Dylan has found a place at TCU where his passion for performing continues to grow, not only through rigorous classroom training, but through professional experiences, campus involvement and a community that has helped him feel at home from day one. 

Center Stage in Fort Worth’s Thriving Arts Scene 

When Dylan began his college search, he knew he wanted a program that would challenge him artistically while also surrounding him with opportunity.  

“When I started my college search, I was looking to find musical theatre programs that were in a good location,” he says. “There are tons of theatre opportunities in Fort Worth and in Dallas, with nonstop auditions every weekend.” 

That access to professional theatre became one of the biggest reasons TCU stood out. The university’s location in the heart of a thriving arts scene gave Dylan the chance to begin building professional experience immediately. 

Since arriving at TCU, Dylan has already performed professionally at Casa Mañana, a renowned theatre just minutes from campus. He recently appeared in Hairspray as IQ, a role he landed through an audition process that mirrored the realities of the professional industry. 

What made those opportunities even more meaningful was the support he received from TCU faculty members who remain deeply connected to the theatre world themselves. 

“What drew me to TCU’s theatre program were the professors,” Dylan explains. “They still work in the industry today. I’ve had professors that have been my directors in outside shows, my music directors and choreographers.” 

Those industry connections help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, giving students the opportunity to build both their skills and professional networks long before graduation. 

“All of our professors highly recommend auditioning for professional theatres,” he says. “We get tons of training in classes to bring to our auditions, so I feel very well prepared when I go into those auditions.” 

Check out Dylan’s video interview.

From Rehearsal Rooms to Real Growth 

Life as a musical theatre student at TCU is demanding. Dylan’s weeks are filled with classes, rehearsals and performances, often stretching late into the evening. 

“I’ll take acting, dance and script analysis classes during the day, and then rehearsals usually start at 6 p.m. and go until around 11 or 11:30 p.m.,” he said. 

Despite the packed schedule, Dylan says the experience has been incredibly rewarding because every day is centered around the work he loves most. 

“The most fun part about being a musical theatre student is honestly just getting to do what I love every day,” he says. “Some people are in lecture classes right now, but I get to be dancing, singing and performing in front of my friends.” 

Since arriving at TCU, Dylan has trained in acting, voice and speech, movement, tap, hip hop and modern dance. One area that challenged him the most was dance. 

“I didn’t come in as the strongest dancer,” he admits. “But I’ve definitely grown.” 

He credits much of that progress to TCU faculty members who continually push students to improve while supporting them throughout the process. 

Beyond performing on stage, Dylan has also explored the technical side of theatre through lighting, sound and box office work. Those experiences have given him a greater appreciation for everything that goes into a production. 

“Since I’ve learned more about sound design and lighting, now I better understand what goes on all around the theatre,” he said. 

Building a Life Beyond the Spotlight 

Although theatre occupies much of Dylan’s time, some of his most meaningful college experiences have come from the relationships and communities he has built outside the stage. 

“What surprised me about TCU is when I’m not in rehearsals and I don’t have homework, I actually have a good amount of free time,” he explains.  

Rather than staying confined to one group or organization, Dylan embraces opportunities all across campus. He joined intramural sports, participated in campus organizations and became a TCU Ambassador, helping prospective students experience the university for themselves. 

“Being part of these organizations has really helped build community at TCU,” Dylan says. “Now I have friends from all fields at TCU — sports, fine arts, orchestra, admissions and marketing. I feel like I always have someone to say hi to everywhere.” 

One of the experiences that shaped his sense of belonging most was Frog Camp, TCU’s extended orientation program for incoming students. 

“It helped me build a group of friends before I officially started at TCU,” Dylan reminisces. “My favorite part was getting to know people on a deeper level. Now I feel like I have those people on campus that I know beyond just surface level. It was truly a life-changing experience for me.” 

A Campus That Feels Like Home 

For Dylan, TCU felt special from the very first visit. “My first impression of TCU was that the campus was beautiful,” he said. “I was enthralled by the flowers and all the brick buildings.” 

What began as admiration for the campus itself quickly grew into something deeper: a feeling that this was exactly where he belonged. 

“I had my mind set on TCU for all of my last two years in high school,” he said. “When I found out I got accepted, I was over the moon.” 

Now, as a TCU Ambassador, Dylan has the opportunity to help prospective students discover that same excitement and possibility. 

“Representing TCU is one of my favorite parts of the job,” he says. “I was so excited to come to TCU, and I just want to do the same for others.” 

He often describes the university with a phrase that many students quickly understand once they step onto campus. 

“I call it ‘Purple Disneyland.’ This place is incredible.” 

For Dylan, TCU has become more than just a place to earn a degree. It is a place where he can grow as an artist, gain professional experience, build lifelong friendships and discover opportunities far beyond what he expected when he first arrived. 

And if there is one thing he hopes future students take away from his story, it is that there is a place for everyone at TCU. 

“If you think you won’t fit in at TCU, there’s always a group of people for you,” Dylan said. “TCU wants people from all walks of life, and we really foster those communities on campus.” 

From professional productions in Fort Worth to late-night rehearsals, lifelong friendships and experiences across campus, Dylan’s story reflects what makes TCU unique. For students willing to step outside their comfort zones, pursue their passions and embrace every opportunity, TCU offers the chance to create a college experience that is just as transformative as it is unforgettable.