Connor Sullivan’s pathway to the stage began with his high school experience in Oshkosh.

“My incredible theatre teacher, Jim Hart, inspired me to pursue a career in the arts,” Sullivan said. “He ran a youth theatre program that focused on helping young people build self-confidence through performance. Jim was a huge inspiration to me both personally and professionally.”

Fast forward to his college search, and Sullivan said that when he met with Rick Walters at Viterbo, he felt right at home.

“Rick made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the process of auditioning for and ultimately choosing Viterbo University’s music theatre program,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan gave a big shout-out to his college voice professor, also. “Karla Hughes taught me for four years, and she was instrumental in preparing me for my career as a performer,” he said. “Without her, I would not be where I am today.”

“The late Jeff Stolz also helped to create an incredible community outreach program,” Sullivan continued, crediting Stolz for connecting theatre students like himself with the local Boys & Girls Clubs, where theatre workshops and master classes engaged and developed students. “Jeff really believed in using the performing arts to inspire and connect people within the community, and I am lucky to have witnessed and been inspired by his legacy.”

Sullivan described the excitement that comes with traveling and seeing new cities and places, yet he also acknowledged that it can be difficult.

“You are on a bus for eight hours traveling from one city to another, so you often don’t have the conveniences of home,” he said. “It’s not the most comfortable or exciting part of the job, but it is certainly worth it.”

Speaking highly of his Viterbo education, Sullivan recommended students take all the classes they can.

“You can expand your skillset and learn what other people in the industry do, such as lighting or stage management,” he said. “You learn how to relate to people. Be kind. You don’t know where you will land. You don’t know what door you will end up going through. Be open to different people and experiences.”

One of Sullivan’s favorite roles and productions happens to be the one in which he is currently performing. He is playing Billy Flynn in the national Broadway tour of Chicago.

“I also enjoyed performing in live shows at Walt Disney World and for Disney Cruise Line,” he said. “Stage adaptations of iconic Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, and Cinderella were great experiences too.”

Sullivan met his wife, Brielle, during a production.

“She was Belle and I was Gaston in Beauty and the Beast when we both worked for Disney Cruise Line,” he said.

Follow Sullivan’s career on his website, connorsullivanactor.com, and on Instagram at @connorpsully.

The current tour of Chicago will run through May 19. The full itinerary can be found on www.chicagoontour.com.