By Leo Feiser
Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) 2011 graduate Katie LaDuca recently debuted on Broadway in Back to the Future the Musical on August 3rd, 2023. Laduca has been performing for her whole life, first appearing on stage at the New York City Opera when she was only seven years old. During her time at PVHS she played varsity softball and participated in the drama department, further sparking her interest in performance and specifically dance. After high school, Laduca moved to New York City to live in the heart of theater culture. She studied musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). LaDuca elaborated on her experience and said, “I loved AMDA. I personally believe that with any college/training program you get out what you put into it. I worked very hard and was really dedicated to learning as much as I could, and I feel like I gained a lot of tools and connections from the program.” After arranging the best dramatic arsenal she could, Laduca decided to start dipping her toes into the industry, and she travelled the country performing on cruise ships and at local theater houses.
“I worked very hard and was really dedicated to learning as much as I could, and I feel like I gained a lot of tools and connections from the program.”
katie laduca
Now with years of experience both in schooling and practical application, Laduca moved back to NY and began being a freelance choreographer alongside auditioning on Broadway. During this time, a friend of LaDuca was cast in Back to the Future the Musical but had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts. They recommended LaDuca for the role and while it didn’t come overnight, Laduca finally got her big break with Back to the Future the Musical. She described her headspace after getting cast saying, “There was definitely a period of time where I was in shock just because everything was happening so quickly. (Within a week I auditioned, had a call back, and booked the job. After I got the call- I was at the theatre a couple days later for my first fitting!) Most of all I just felt ready.”
The PVHS theater department headed by Mr. Nettle recently took a school trip to Broadway where they saw LaDuca in Back to the Future the Musical. They were able to speak briefly with LaDuca later in the day and Mr. Nettle described the experience as a valuable lesson for the students. “I’m always commenting to the students that your reputation is going to get you farther than your talent. There could’ve been 200 people who were better than her at that role but because she had a good standing and good networking she is now on Broadway.”
“I’m always commenting to the students that your reputation is going to get you farther than your talent.”
Mr. Nettle
Katie Laduca got her start on stage at PVHS and is now on the biggest stage in the US. From AMDA to traveling the country, it has always been LaDuca’s drive, passion, enthusiasm, and optimism that has kept her pushing downstage. Her story is inspirational for all the students at PVHS who are ready and willing to chase their dreams.
