One of the first things people notice about junior Jacob Yandura is his brilliant smile-and this young man has plenty to smile about. A summer internship with the musical director of Wicked has put him on the road toward achieving his dream: a career in musical theater.

A music major contemplating a second major in drama, during the summer following his freshman year Yandura held the Broadway internship that gave him a delicious taste of his future career. He assisted Wicked's musical director, who at that time was working on the score for High Fidelity in preparation for that show's Broadway opening. Yandura was responsible for transcribing music from the manuscript. In addition to valuable experience, the internship gave him the chance to make connections in the theatrical world he hopes to call home.

When he arrived at Kenyon, the Dublin, Ohio resident had already received notice and praise for a requiem he'd composed for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The piece, written for four voices with a kyrie text, cello, and tympani, was performed with a Columbus orchestra, bringing him to the attention of various music departments. The composition might have opened doors to conservatories, but it wasn't conservatory training Yandura sought.

"I wanted Kenyon," he says. "I wanted the liberal arts education I'd get here, and I wanted the strong community. I applied early decision."

Back on campus, Yandura has served as piano accompanist for a production of The Last Five Years, a one-act musical, as well as for Into the Woods. He has been hired as music department accompanist for the coming year, a coveted assignment. Five days a week he attends practice as a member of the Chamber Singers.

"At Kenyon I knew I'd have one-on-one relationships with the music faculty," adds Yandura, "and that's exactly what I've found."