10/14/2011
Even before she finished elementary school, Annali Fuchs stood out on stage at SUNY Cortland. So when it came time to decide on a college, she chose the place that felt comfortable.
“Because I danced (at SUNY Cortland) and I knew everyone here, the Performing Arts Department was already like a second family to me,” said Fuchs, a junior musical theatre major at the College, whose father, Thomas, is a lecturer of physical education and whose brother, Timothy, is a junior on campus.
She performed as a 10-year-old in the College’s production of the musical “Carousel.” Nine years later, she has continued her ascent as a performer, earning several prominent roles in musicals since her freshman year.
“Even as a little kid, she had this spark and this presence on the stage,” said Kevin Halpin, an associate professor of performing arts at SUNY Cortland. “She’s as committed as any student or professional I have ever encountered in my career.”
Fuchs, who sang and spoke on the importance of giving at the “Educating Champions: The Campaign for Cortland” kickoff event on Sept. 24 at Ledyard Farms in King Ferry, N.Y., is a star in the classroom too. The recipient of the Helen Y. Nelson Memorial Scholarship in Music jumpstarted her SUNY Cortland academic career by graduating a year early from nearby Dryden High School. She adjusted quickly to the rigors of college life, achieving near perfect grades in all of her classes. So far, her lowest grade point average in a semester was a 3.97.
“I’m kind of obsessive about my grades,” said Fuchs, a member of the President’s List in every semester of her college career to date. “My goal each semester is a 4.0 (grade point average).”
The way in which she balances her course work with her passion for the arts is remarkable. Some days, she shows up to class in the Ruth E. Dowd Fine Arts Center before 9 a.m. and returns to her off-campus apartment after 11 p.m., with a short lunch break in between.
“You die,” she said of the time commitment expected of most musical theatre majors. “Last night, I fell asleep in full clothing with the lights still on. But that’s what you do. You work.”
Working on three hours of sleep some nights, she won the role of Maureen in the musical “Rent” as a freshman. Several other lead roles followed, including two in upcoming productions. Fuchs will play Gladys Bumps in “Pal Joey,” which runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 6. She also will take on the role of Ghost of Christmas Present in the winter production of “A Christmas Carol.”
But she values her 40 or so fellow Performing Arts Department majors far more than any lead role.
“That’s the most rewarding aspect of it all,” she said. “The fact that I have 40 friends who I am so loyal to and who are so loyal to me.”
Fuchs’ long-term career goal involves big city aspirations. One day, she hopes to win the role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the Broadway musical “Wicked.” For now, though, she’s in a comfortable spot, still exceeding expectations as she did in childhood.
“I’ve found the place where I belong,” Fuchs said, referring to SUNY Cortland’s Performing Arts Department. “I know that I can walk in here and I know this is where I should be.”