Crossroads Repertory Theatre, Indiana State University’s professional summer theater company, proudly announces that Zakk Massa, a senior at Terre Haute North Vigo High School and a top-five finalist in BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage High School Competition, will join the cast of The Wizard of Oz this month.
Massa will take on the roles of Uncle Henry and an Emerald City Guard in Crossroads’ production of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of the beloved classic during their 60th anniversary of performances. This exciting opportunity follows his recent national recognition as one of the top young musical theater performers in the country.
Massa’s passion for theater began at just eight years old when he appeared as a jock in High School Musical Jr. at Ouabache Elementary School. “I always wanted to do theater - it was something I looked up to,” Massa shared. “My father is a musician, so I grew up with music in the house.” His aspirations grew stronger two years ago when he landed the role of Arpad Laszlo in She Loves Me. “That was when I really started working on my theater voice,” he said.
In what BroadwayWorld calls the largest national musical theater competition for high school students, Massa impressed audiences with performances from Ordinary Days, Pippin, The Great Gatsby: A New Musical, and The Little Mermaid. The competition was based on public voting, and Massa credited his success to the strong support of his family and community. “My choir director, Michelle Azar, told us about the competition. I was the only one to submit a tape,” Massa said. “Out of about 70 male contestants, I made it to the top five thanks to everyone who voted.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Zakk to the Crossroads stage,” said Dr. Christopher Berchild, Artistic Director of Crossroads Repertory Theatre. “His talent, drive, and community spirit represent exactly what we aim to celebrate in our productions. One of our goals this season, especially as we celebrate our 60th anniversary, is to spotlight rising talent from our region and inspire audiences with stories old and new. Zakk’s journey is a reminder that anyone can follow their dreams.”
Crossroads Repertory Theatre will present The Wizard of Oz in Dreiser Hall Theater on the Indiana State University campus from June 20–29, 2025. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students, and $10 for children (ages 10 and under). For tickets and information, visit crossroadsrep, call (812) 237-3333, or email ISU-CrossroadsRep@indstate.edu.