Class of 2026: The stage loves Rine Nguyen

By Anastasia Mineiro

Choosing to study the arts can be a leap of faith, even for the multitalented Rine Nguyen, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts.

"I was really unsure if it was going to be a good idea, but at the end of the day I just realized I care too much about my happiness to force myself into a career path I don't want," she said.

A Fredericksburg native, Nguyen always knew she belonged on the stage. But growing up, she felt as though art programs were underappreciated. That led her to prioritize applying to a school that valued the arts - VCU.

"I really felt like this school championed the arts and celebrated the meaning of it," she said. "And that's pivotal for an artist who wants to develop. Like a plant needing sunlight."

In 2022, she enrolled in VCU's musical theatre program.

"I think I knew I wanted to pursue acting as a career when I realized being on stage was the only thing I could picture myself doing forever, without ever getting sick of it," Nguyen said.

During her time at VCU, she's starred in a host of productions on stage, including her favorite, "Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play," where she played both Bart Simpson and Quincy, a businesswoman character in the show.

She also brought a beloved event back to life, the Theatre Ball - a prom for VCUarts students.

"It's such a great community-building event, and theatre people are always showing out with their outfits, too," she said. "It's tons of fun. I couldn't do it without my committee, which comprises a bunch of other students who are willing to help bring it to life. They're awesome, and I'd probably cry without them. It's a lot of work, but it always pays off."

Besides her appearances at VCU, Nguyen also performs on stages across the country as an independent singer-songwriter. Between music and acting, she's found two true passions in her life.

Immediately after graduation, she hopes to take those passions to a larger audience.

"I want to pursue acting and music professionally," she said. "I'm going to work really hard to audition as much as I can."

Nguyen realizes that auditions matter the most when it comes to landing a gig, but she sees her degree as a sign of commitment and hard work, which can go a long way.

"There was a time when I felt like choosing a creative path was the wrong choice," she said. "But I'm really proud of what I've been able to accomplish as an Asian American woman in performing arts! I feel like I've been able to be the representation I always wanted to see in this field."