When Thomas Gloven graduated from HHCA in 2014, he didn’t have a perfectly mapped-out plan, but he did know one thing: he wanted to work in theater.

After spending time in college and realizing it wasn’t the right fit, he made the leap to New York City. With family ties to the industry, he began wherever he could: unloading trucks, setting up stage gear, and learning how live productions worked from the ground up.

I just started talking to people and making connections. That’s how everything started.

Thomas Gloven, HHCA Class of 2014

Those early jobs led him backstage, then into front-of-house roles, and eventually into technical theater. Concert gigs turned into bigger opportunities, and through persistence and relationships, he found his way to Broadway and to Wicked.

Today, he works as the spotlight operator on Wicked - one of Broadway’s longest-running shows, performing eight shows a week. Over the course of seven years, he has seen the show nearly 3,000 times.

“In high school, I used to say I just wanted to run a spotlight at Wicked,” he reflects. “Somehow I got it.”

Recently, he returned to HHCA to share his journey with current theater students, taking time to participate in a Q&A with classes eager to learn what life behind the scenes on Broadway is really like. He spoke candidly about persistence, the importance of relationships, and the realities of building a career in the performing arts.  

Life on Broadway comes with unforgettable moments, from onstage mishaps to celebrity encounters, but what stands out to Gloven most is the teamwork. “Some days are hard,” he admits. “Other days I think I have the best crew in the world.”

Working on a long-running production like Wicked is rare in the theater world, and he doesn’t take it for granted. “A show that runs for 20 years is something special,” he says. “For me, this is kind of a dream job.”

From HHCA classrooms to a Broadway spotlight, his journey is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the power of following a passion.

Click HERE for a look behind the stage!