Selected for a once-in-a-lifetime fellowship, Belmont students worked alongside professionals on DOLLY: A True Original Musical, shaping skills and career goals they’ll carry far beyond campus
This summer, nine Belmont students stepped into the world of a Broadway-bound musical as part of the Dolly U Fellowship Program. From company management and costumes to sound design and music, they worked alongside seasoned professionals on DOLLY: A True Original Musical during its residency at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The show wrapped its Nashville run Aug. 31 and is now preparing to move to New York City.
For the students, the fellowship was a rare “only at Belmont” opportunity: hands-on experience at the highest level of theater, working directly with industry leaders in a venue on their own campus.
We spoke with four Fellows about what they learned, the moments they’ll never forget and how Belmont prepared them for this stage of their journey.
👗 Margo Dobbs, Costumes
(O’More, Fashion Design)
Margo’s O’More training in fashion design allowed her to step seamlessly into the costume department, where she quickly went from running errands to being entrusted with meaningful projects — including sewing garments that went straight onto the Fisher Center stage.
Q: What was your experience in costumes?
At first, we were doing basic tasks like unboxing and errands. But once the designers saw my sewing skills, I spent the rest of the fellowship doing alterations and even making some garments completely. I created aprons for the Tennessee Mountain Home scene, a blue bag for Middle Dolly and part of a plaid dress for the Music Row scene.
Q: What lessons did you learn?
I gained a clearer understanding of the costume design industry and the collaboration between actors and designers. Sometimes an actor would come in with a comfort issue and we had to creatively fix it before rehearsal. I also learned a lot about fittings and how clothes move on stage.
Q: Any standout memories?
One day Steve Summers, Dolly’s longtime creative partner, came rushing in and handed me a dress, telling me to alter it and add trim — giving me full creative liberty. It was amazing to realize they trusted me to contribute in such a meaningful way.
Q: How did Belmont prepare you, and how has this shaped your career goals?
My O’More classes were invaluable. Knowing how to sew and construct garments gave me the confidence to take on real responsibility. Honestly, pretty much every day I walked in with my badge, I felt both awe and assurance — like I should be there, and like I knew what I was doing. This fellowship confirmed that I want to pursue costume design professionally, and it gave me concrete next steps for getting there.
🎶 Hudson Blake, Music
(CMPA, BM Musical Theatre & BM Music Theory)
Hudson’s dual training in theory and performance uniquely prepared him for a role where he was constantly inside the evolving score of a brand-new musical — even transcribing Dolly’s ideas straight from her voice memos.
Q: What was your role with the music department?
I was kind of a day-to-day music copyist. I’d make adjustments to the score as the director, music director or even Dolly herself introduced new ideas. Sometimes Dolly would sing into my phone, and I’d transcribe it into sheet music. It was surreal to be part of that process.
Q: What did you learn from professionals?
I had never seen a show change so quickly. During previews, it wasn’t a matter of if things would change but how much. Watching the music team handle that kind of flexibility was amazing.
Q: Was there a favorite memory?
One day Dolly joked with me, saying, “Young man, don’t look at me in that tone of voice.” Later that line even made it into the script for a short time — so I like to say I inspired Dolly Parton!
Q: How did Belmont prepare you, and what’s next?
My training in both music theory and musical theatre really came together here. It was like taking a magnifying glass up to a musical theatre score and analyzing it every day for my job. This fellowship confirmed that I want to keep working on new musicals, both performing and composing. It hit the exact sweet spot of my passions.
🎧 Cece Twohey, Sound Design
(CEMB, Audio Engineering Technology)
Cece entered the summer focused on studio work. By the time the curtain fell on the Fisher Center run, she had discovered a new love for theatrical sound design — and a path she hadn’t imagined before.
Q: What did your days look like as the sound design fellow?
In the beginning, I was more in an observing role — taking notes on sound ideas and researching effects. Once we moved to the Fisher Center, I worked closely with the associate sound designer, even helping program part of the show. I also logged instrumentation changes so the sound team could adjust in real time.
Q: What lessons did you learn?
I discovered how meticulous theatrical sound is compared to live concerts. Every speaker has to be perfectly timed so every audience member feels like the sound is coming from the stage. Watching Justin Ellington’s process was eye-opening — seeing how he experimented with sound effects and then observed audience reactions in previews showed me how sound can literally shape storytelling in real time.
Q: Was there a favorite memory?
Standing just a few feet from Dolly as she greeted me and gave me a hug — that’s unforgettable. She always kept everyone laughing and in good spirits.
Q: How did Belmont prepare you, and what’s next?
My studio background gave me the technical skills, but this experience opened my eyes to sound design for theatre. I didn’t see it as a career path before, but now it’s something I really want to pursue.
🎭 Ellie Thompson, Company Management
(CMPA, Music Major – Musical Theatre Emphasis)
Ellie began the summer unsure of her career direction. By the end, she had discovered a new interest in company management and was even asked to stay on with the team after the fellowship concluded.
Q: What did your role look like day-to-day?
I worked with the General and Company Management team, so every day was different. I handled things like payroll, processing ticket requests, arranging travel and even planning the opening night party. By the end, I was also managing the house seat book and filing workers’ comp claims. One of my favorite projects was designing the backstage pass that all the company members wear.
Q: What lessons did you take away?
I learned how important problem-solving and professionalism are in such a high-energy environment. Brad and Annie, the company managers, were incredible mentors — they always handled difficult situations with grace, humor and kindness.
Q: Was there a moment that stands out?
Definitely when Dolly and President Jones brought us on stage to recognize the Fellows before a show. Getting hugged by Dolly while hearing cheers from the cast and crew was so special.
On my last night, the cast even said goodbye over the intercom, with Carrie (who plays Dolly) singing “I love you Ellie” — a moment I’ll never forget.
Another memory I’ll treasure was when Dolly complimented a cake I baked for the cast — that made my summer.
Q: How did Belmont prepare you, and how has this shaped your career goals?
My classes gave me the background, but this fellowship showed me Broadway isn’t out of reach. I realized I love company management and could see myself pursuing that path professionally.
A Summer They’ll Never Forget
From Margo sewing garments worn on stage, to Hudson transcribing Dolly’s melodies, to Cece shaping the soundscape, to Ellie coordinating company life — Belmont’s Dolly Fellows lived a summer of “only at Belmont” experiences.
Other Dolly U Fellows included Mackenzie Thompson with the video department, Rachel Phinney and Elise Olson with the costumes department, Jude Whalen with stage management and Riley McConnell with directing.
Working side by side with Broadway-level professionals during DOLLY: A True Original Musical’s Fisher Center run, and standing on stage with Dolly Parton herself, these students gained more than industry insights. They left with new mentors, deeper confidence in their skills and career dreams that suddenly feel within reach.
Dolly U Fellows: Elise Olson, Cece Twohey, Rachel Phinney, Ellie Thompson, Margo Dobbs, Mackenzie Thompson, Riley McConnell, Jude Whalen and Hudson Blake
Learn More
Get to Know Dolly U at Belmont