Thanks to a new and developing collaboration with the iconic New York City venue 54 Below, Flagler students stepped onto a legendary stage and into the real-world hustle of hospitality and performance at the highest level.
The partnership—spearheaded by faculty in both the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and Musical Theatre programs—developed rapidly this year from a conversation and an idea to a fully realized professional development experience.
Early this spring, four HTM students traveled to NYC to shadow and work alongside industry professionals at 54 Below, known as “Broadway’s Living Room.”
Behind the scenes, HTM students rotated through every aspect of the restaurant and show experience at 54 Below—from food running to hosting and beverage service. Mandisa Boxill, general manager of 54 Below and a former colleague of Flagler faculty member Kip Taisey, hosted and mentored the students. She was impressed with their professionalism and eagerness to dive in.
“One of the students had memorized our entire floor plan by the second night,” Boxill said. “Their passion and drive were remarkable—and set a high bar for the partnership.”
After returning to campus, the students brought what they learned into Flagler’s own Cabaret production and the Spanish Food and Wine Festival, serving as peer leaders and managers for their classmates. They introduced professional standards like pre-shift briefings and modeled how to respond to unexpected situations with poise.
Next, it was time for Flagler’s Musical Theatre Cabaret ensemble to take their turn learning at 54 Below. In March, during spring break, a group of approximately 20 students performed live at the venue, sharing the stage graced by Broadway stars like Patti LuPone, Jenn Colella, and Charles Busch.
“This was surreal,” said Angelica Parisen, a theatre student who performed at 54 Below. “It’s a dream venue for so many performers. I plan to move to New York after graduation, so this was an amazing stepping stone into the professional world.”
Angelica and fellow student Charity Walton described how the experience stretched their skills beyond the classroom. “Performing there with the ensemble is a memory I’ll cherish forever,” Walton said. “And having video of our performance at 54 Below really legitimizes us as performers as we launch our careers.”
The opportunity was made possible through generous support from Board of Trustees Chairman John Rood and his wife Sonya, who provided funding to help students travel, stay, and perform in New York.
“The talent in this Flagler cabaret group was absolutely amazing, and the event was something everybody at Flagler should be proud of. The students worked so hard, and the atmosphere at 54 Below was so intimate, which made the experience that much more special,” said John and Sonya Rood. “We can’t wait for next year, and we look forward to helping make it an even better experience for everyone involved.”
Additional financial backing came through Flagler’s HTM “Funds for Excellence,” generated in part by the College’s annual Spanish Food and Wine Festival.
Professor Taisey reflected on the transformational value of the experience: “I can challenge students for four years in the classroom, but until they’re thrown into a real-world environment like 54 Below, they don’t fully rise to their potential. Something clicks when the stakes are raised to that level. Watching them thrive was fantastic.”
As the College looks ahead to expanding the partnership, plans are already underway for future student selections, summer internships at 54 Below, an internship experience for Music students like those offered for HTM students, and deeper integration of the model here at home.
With stars in their eyes and real-world skills in hand, Flagler students proved that whether they’re on stage or behind the scenes, they belong in the spotlight.
