Most soon-to-be college graduates are a bit nervous about finding that first post-college job. Kent State University student Ina Black landed her dream job before even crossing the commencement stage.
Black, who graduated in May with bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre and a minor in dance, is preparing to embark on her first national tour with the musical “Back to the Future.”
Black says she is thrilled to be part of the inaugural North American tour, which kicks off on June 11 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, her hometown theater.
"It's just so unbelievable. I can't describe how excited I am for that," Black told the Akron Beacon Journal. "I never would have thought how soon my time has come, that I'm gonna be on that stage."
The Stow-Munroe Falls High School alum, who grew up training in ballet, landed an ensemble role and the understudy for Jennifer Parker after impressing during auditions in New York earlier this year.
The high-energy dance-heavy show, based on the beloved 1985 film, follows teenager Marty McFly as he accidentally time travels to 1955 and must ensure his high school-aged parents fall in love to preserve his existence. As a longtime trained dancer, Black said she is enjoying being part of the ensemble cast and getting to tap into her dance skills.
Even though she’s not yet graduated, Black already has an extensive resume in both theatre and dance, including roles at Porthouse Theatre, Kent State and the Ballet Theatre of Ohio.