2025 grad makes Off-Broadway debut in 'Heathers,' with a fellow Bronco in her corner

KALAMAZOO, Mich- Aniya Thompson had six days to find out whether her life was about to change.

It was June 8, and Thompson - a 2025 graduate of Western Michigan University's BFA musical theatre program - had just walked out of an amazing New York callback, for the role of Martha Dunnstock in the Off-Broadway revival of "Heathers the Musical." There was just one complication: she was booked on a flight back to her next cruise ship contract, leaving June 14 at 6 a.m.

"My audition process was fairly quick! I received my audition late May via self-tape. I hadn't seen Heathers before, so I took the opportunity to check the show out. I fell in love immediately and was so excited to tape for Martha, which I sent in a few days after," Thompson says. "Heathers was actually my first in-person callback in NYC! I went in on June 8, and while incredibly nervous, I had to remind myself that this opportunity wouldn't be placed in front of me if I wasn't ready."

The clock kept ticking.

"That meant I needed to hear back within the week, or I was heading home to Illinois to repack! I received a call from my agent the afternoon of June 12, and he asked the exact question I imagined him asking: 'Is your flight refundable?' I knew as those words left his mouth, I'd booked the role!" Thompson says. "Chills shot through my body, and I immediately ran to call all of my family! Such a rewarding experience seeing the shock and joy on their faces."

Booking the role

Thompson began performances as Martha on July 8, marking her Off-Broadway debut and just her second contract since graduating. Before that, her stage had been a cruise ship - and before that, Kalamazoo.

Thompson had moved to New York in late March on a kind of trial run between contracts, with an official move planned for early 2027. Landing "Heathers" changed the timeline.

"Sometimes your plan changes unexpectedly, and you have to accept and adapt! I began bouncing between sublets and had to figure out what life in New York looked like for me," Thompson says. "This was certainly a learning curve, as I prefer to have everything laid out in advance, but it forced me to step back and allow life to show me what was next. I'm so grateful to be learning how to let go!"

She didn't walk into the "Heathers" rehearsal room alone. Fellow Bronco Brian Martin - a WMU musical theatre graduate whose Broadway résumé includes the original companies of "Some Like It Hot" and "Mrs. Doubtfire," plus a national tour of Disney's "Frozen" as Pabbie - had been with the "Heathers" company since it reopened at New World Stages in July 2025, first as an understudy and dance captain and now as associate choreographer. He was already rooting for Thompson before she'd even auditioned.

Martin was in the audience at Thompson's senior showcase in New York, and what he saw stuck with him.

"I was so excited!! After Aniya's senior showcase in NYC I whispered to my friend and casting director Jimmy Larkin, 'She should audition for that role in Heathers!' There's always an instant connection when you meet another Bronco in New York," Martin says. "Western has such a special program, and I think there's a shared work ethic and sense of community that comes with it. I immediately felt proud that another WMU artist was joining the company, and I wanted to make sure Aniya felt supported from day one."

Thompson had already made up her mind about working with Martin before she ever set foot in the rehearsal room.

"I immediately texted Brian once I finished my callback, and later to let him know we'd be working together! We first began growing our friendship after my senior showcase, and I knew he was someone I wanted to work with," Thompson says. "His support in the room was absolutely invaluable, and I appreciated the time and care he gave me throughout every rehearsal. He would consistently reassure me, as he knew this was my first contract being put into an already established cast. He is an amazing resource and friend to have. I hope we can work together again in the future!"

Finding her footing

Once Thompson arrived at Westerberg High - the fictional setting "Heathers" never leaves - she found in Martin someone who already understood exactly what she needed.

"It's been a lot of fun. She's incredibly prepared, curious, and eager to learn, which makes the process so rewarding," Martin says. "I remember how overwhelming it can feel walking into a new company, especially one that's already up and running, so I've tried to create an environment where she feels comfortable asking questions and making the space her own. Watching her confidence grow each day has been one of the best parts of this experience."

Martin sees a lot of his own early career in what Thompson is experiencing now.

"I remember walking into the room thinking everyone else knew exactly what they were doing and hoping I could keep up. Looking back, I realize almost everyone feels that way. There's a lot to take in, but there are also so many people who genuinely want you to succeed," Martin says. "Watching Aniya reminds me of that initial excitement and wonderment. Those first rehearsals are filled with nerves, but they're also filled with possibility. It's such a special time, and before you know it, the show starts to feel like home."

For Thompson, stepping into an established, celebrated Off-Broadway run - one that's broken the New World Stages house record four times over - carries its own weight.

"Making my debut in a show like Heathers means the world to me. This is my second contract post-grad, and I am honored and so blessed to take over the role of Martha," Thompson says. "It feels so rewarding to have the fruits of my efforts pay off. To also provide representation as a plus-size Black woman in the role is all I could've ever asked for. Opening night I was surrounded by family, friends, and so much love and support. It is a high I will chase forever."

The Bronco network

It's a small moment playing out on a New York stage, but it's one WMU's School of Theatre and Dance sees again and again: graduates scattered across national tours, regional houses and Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, showing up for each other long after they've left the Gilmore Theatre Complex behind.

Both Thompson and Martin have advice for the Broncos who'll one day follow the same path from Kalamazoo to New York.

"My advice for current WMU students is to stay open and proactive. These types of opportunities don't just fall into your lap. To achieve the goals you dream of, lots of hard work and training goes into it," Thompson says. "Put yourself out there and be seen! Audition for things you're good for, things you're not right for, things you want to do, things you don't, because if not now, when? Put yourself out there with kind confidence and good energy, and with time, the world will return the favor!!"

"Trust that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's. There isn't one right timeline or one definition of success. Some opportunities come quickly, others take years, and sometimes the moments that feel like setbacks end up opening doors you never expected," Martin says. "Western gave me an incredible foundation, but what has mattered just as much is staying curious, continuing to grow, and treating people well. This industry is built on relationships. Work hard, be someone people enjoy being around, and don't lose sight of why you fell in love with performing in the first place. If you keep showing up with kindness and persistence, amazing things can and will happen."