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Tucci hits high note with acceptance to OCU musical theater program
Published 2:45 pm Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Sophia Tucci, a senior at Higher Ground Academy, was one of 400 students selected nationwide to join the prestigious Music Theater and Voice program at Oklahoma City University. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
One senior from Covington County will take the stage on a much larger platform following high school after being accepted into the prestigious musical theater program at Oklahoma City University.
Sophia Tucci, a senior at Higher Ground Academy and dual enrollment student at LBW Community College, will enroll in OCU’s Department of Music Theater and Voice. The college reviews over 1,500 pre-screen applications and chooses 500 to audition each year. Sophia was one of approximately 40 students to make the final cut.
“I’m very excited to start at Oklahoma City University. I can’t wait to learn and grow more as an individual,” Tucci said. “Hopefully, I’ll be fortunate enough to have a long performing career after school. I’d love to teach the younger generation about theater magic as well.”
Sophia’s passion for musical theater began early in her life during childhood.
“When I was a little girl, I was known for always humming a tune. Melodies had their way of entrancing my mind. It was in one of my first shows when I embodied my love for theatre and chose it as my lifestyle,” she said.
She set a goal to pursue musical theater in the eighth and ninth grades. Before that, she had aspirations of working in the field of psychology.
“I was always fascinated with the inner workings of a person’s brain and growing a deeper understanding of perspective, empathy, and overall compassion for what others feel. Being an actor it takes ‘understanding’ to a whole new level. We step into a character’s shoes to deepen our connection to the storyline and hopefully take those who struggle out of their own shoes for just a moment. We transport them to a new world, which is why this path has, and will always be so fulfilling,” Tucci said.
While Sophia always had a passion for the arts, she said one role solidified her love for the stage. That moment came at the Southern Broadway Dinner Theater in Enterprise when she performed “Time to Say Goodbye” by Sarah Brightman.
“Feeling the energy from the audience every night as I sang that song has forever changed me. It was magical, and I couldn’t be more grateful for those memories.”
Sophia served in numerous roles with the Covington County Schools Collaborative Arts program over the years.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for my high school experience. I was very fortunate to have a solid group of people surrounding me with love through those formative years,” she said. “I have changed so much from the girl I used to be. I’m no stranger to mental health and the effects it has on young teens. I credit the arts when it comes to finding my way and for providing a safe place. Singing is my therapy, my love, and my everything. It grounds me and lifts me up all at the same time. I have finally found my way to peace, even though getting here was chaotic. Performing was a huge outlet for me during that time and continues to be.
One of her most recent roles was playing the character of Jo March in the CCS production of “Little Women” during April 2024.
“There have been so many that have imprinted on my heart, but this one sticks out to me the most. This show was full of laughter, heartbreak, love, and most of all, family, which is what theater is all about. Family. It brings people together, teaches us about humanity, and what it means to be a human. Through every battle, love story, and obstacle, we have each other. ‘Little Women’ highlighted every bit of that,” Tucci said.
With the next level fast approaching, Sophia knew the next step to reaching her goals would not be easy.
“College auditions are no joke. Lots of preparation goes into each performance, whether it’s the pre-screen or the audition. It can be very daunting, so doing what you can to prepare physically and mentally is very important. Putting mind, body, and soul first is key,” she said. “OCU has a killer program that offers a hybrid of opera and musical theater. Their rigorous program will challenge me and prepare me for the future.”
Although OCU was only one of several choices Sophia was pursuing, she said it was the “scariest” audition.
“I couldn’t believe it and honestly was shocked but excited when I was accepted. At that time, I had gotten into Baldwin Wallace, passed my pre-screens for Carnegie Mellon, and was waiting to hear back from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. OCU was the only audition that truly made me nervous. My mom and I told my dad and brothers the news first,” Tucci said.
Sophia added that leaving the high school theater community would be bittersweet after building relationships with her peers.
“I’ll cherish every bond I’ve made as I’ve met some of my closest friends through theater. They have played a huge role in shaping who I am, and I’m so incredibly grateful for them. I can’t wait to see what my fellow classmates create and accomplish. As they shoot for the stars, I’ll be cheering them on. They never fail to amaze me with their talent and unwavering support for one another, and I love them all so much.”
Sophia acknowledged individuals with Covington County Schools for helping guide her to where she is today.
“Beth Dean and Joy Sowards were the musical minds behind our shows. They offered countless hours of time to help us prepare for our musical numbers. Both brought a generous amount of comfort not only musically but also with their support. They played a huge role in each show.
“Jennifer Withrow was the director for each show I had the privilege to be in. She is a loving person who never fails to make a student feel included. She allows room for her students to thrive and listens to each creative outlook and trusts her students’ process.
“Tina Shiver is a creative genius. Her devotion to each set shined through brighter with every new show. She’s responsible for every work of art that graced the stages at LBW and Straughn. Her problem solving with each piece of set was an incredible thing to watch from an outsider’s perspective. Her talents go above and beyond every time,” she said.
Her advice to younger students looking to pursue a similar path was simple: “Do it because you only have one life.”
“You should wake up having tried, rather than waking up regretting you didn’t. Don’t be afraid to change, grow, and want more for yourself. Do everything you can and do what you love. This path, just like anything else, is not always easy, but it is so fulfilling,” Tucci said.
Sophia is the daughter of Michelle Sharon and Nicholas Tucci, both of Andalusia. She has two older brothers, Wesley and Nick.
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