Lissa deGuzman, DSHA '12

While at DSHA, Lissa deGuzman, DSHA ’12, found her niche on the stage. She was a part of DSHA musicals every fall and spring, participated in the winter plays, and was a part of the Angelaires – including holding the role of president her senior year.

“DSHA taught me to be myself. It is a safe environment that fostered the ability to be oneself, cater to my strengths, work on my weaknesses, and be a safe space to receive love.”

After graduating from DSHA, deGuzman attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. Post-graduation deGuzman performed in regional theatres across the country, with roles in Bliss, Chasing Rainbows, Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Godspell, 9 to 5, Pippin, Spring Awakening, The Wizard of Oz, and Les Miserables.

deGuzman made her Broadway debut as the lead role of Ann Darrow in King Kong in 2019. In 2021 reopened Aladdin on Broadway making her a part of the post-pandemic Broadway reopening. In February of 2022, deGuzman was named the cast as the lead of Elphaba in the National Broadway Tour of Wicked the Musical. Elphaba is known as one of the most challenging female roles currently on Broadway – but deGuzman remained confident. Wicked has been running on Broadway for almost 20 years and is one of the longest running musicals on Broadway. This current tour started in Spokane, WA in March of 2022 and will run through fall of 2023.

deGuzman credits, in part, her time at DSHA to the success she has had throughout her time on stage. “I have continued to grow into a confident and capable person in my life. I have been in many productions and many theatres in different environments, and I feel equipped to blossom in each environment. I have been given that confidence and it all stems from my high school experience.”

While off the stage, deGuzman enjoys volunteering with an organization called Sing for Hope. She meets with nursing homes via zoom and performs sets for the residents who live there. She also taught at the New York City Department of Aging, teaching vocal classes weekly. deGuzman loves being able to give others an opportunity to move, use their voice, and enjoy music as much as she does. Currently, in every city in which the Wicked tour performs, members of the cast provide service to local organizations or gather clothing, food, or monetary donations to help support non-profits around the country.

Working with organizations around the country has pushed deGuzman to not be afraid to go outside her comfort zone. “I encourage Dashers today and all Dashers who have ever existed to continue to push their boundaries, to continue to go out of their comfort zone, to travel, and to say yes to experiences you would normally say no to.”

In her spare time, deGuzman loves to eat at local restaurants while she is on tour; she’s on a mission to find the best cinnamon roll! She likes to explore the different cities she travels to, drink tea, cook, bake, and keep up with her Duolingo.  

“Going to DSHA really helped me empower other women, which in turn has helped empower me.”