Turner Rouse, Jr., a 2012 Elon graduate and music theater major, hated going to dance classes.
Now Rouse is a part of the international touring production of “American Idiot,” a Tony Award-winning musical based on the popular Green Day album. As an ensemble member, his responsibilities include filling in for the cast as needed, which includes mastering all corresponding choreography.
“He used to have a little trouble waking up in the morning, as I recall,” said Linda Sabo, professor of performing arts at Elon. “When Turner began as a freshman, he was at a very different place than he was when he graduated. By the end of his junior year, he was solid and I tell you, I always felt he was a knockout on stage. There’s like a light around him.”
In his senior seminar, which was led by performing arts professor Catherine McNeela, Rouse was introduced to Carrie Gardner, the “American Idiot” casting director, during a mock audition process.
“Honestly, it was the worst audition of my life,” Rouse said. “I stopped midway through. I messed up and it proved to me that it wasn’t all about playing the right notes and rhythms. It was a type placement. She saw potential in me. She saw that I could do it."
About a month before he graduated, Rouse was in New York City persisting through a series of callbacks. He didn’t receive feedback from the casting directors and assumed he did not get the parts.
Rouse had no idea that very soon he would attend weeks of rehearsals, prepare for a tour starting in Europe, travel the United States and perform for two weeks in Tokyo. Gardner notified Rouse he had made it to callbacks, which ultimately led to his invitation to join the ensemble.
Though Rouse is currently resting in his hometown of Flat Rock, N.C., after the long tour in Tokyo, Rouse and the “American Idiot” cast will make their way to South Korea in a few days.
“American Idiot” centers around three rebellious youths who attempt to flee their suburban hometown for the city in hopes of finding solace in a post-9/11 world. The musical explores themes like loss of love, self-loathing and media influence on the nation.
Rouse said he has extended his talent to include photography as the unofficial cast photographer.
“I’m not technically in the show every day,” Rouse said. “So every time they were doing cast photo calls, I was behind the camera.”
One of Rouse’s photos has even been sold as a major advertising shot to promote “American Idiot” around the world.
In reflection, Rouse said the Elon faculty and training led him to where he is today.
“It was really a family of support,” Rouse said. “Through my dance professors, I was able to turn myself from a person with two left feet and I now consider myself a dancer.”
Sabo, Rouse’s former teacher and mentor, said she witnesses many talented Elon students like Rouse grow up in the Department of Performing Arts. She said Rouse shared his joy as a performer and other students, new or old, should do this to remain joyful, as well.
“Just follow your dreams,” Rouse said as advice for younger performers. “Keep taking dance classes, or whatever isn’t your forte. Keep fighting.”
"American Idiot" will perform in Durham April 29 and 30 at the Durham Performing Arts Center.