USC Student Takes the Stage with Pittsburgh CLO

Part of the Pittsburgh CLO's Summer of Musicals series, the production ran June 23-28, 2026, at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

Beautiful chronicles the inspiring journey of Carole King, from her early days as a songwriter in Brooklyn to becoming one of the most influential singer-songwriters in music history. The Tony Award-winning musical features beloved classics such as "It's Too Late," "You've Got a Friend," "So Far Away" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman."

As a student at the CLO Academy, Trevor earned the opportunity to audition for the company's professional summer productions. As a member of the 10-person teen ensemble, he performed throughout the show, providing background vocals, moving props and set pieces while remaining in character, and helping bring many of the musical's iconic scenes to life.

“It was an amazing opportunity to see what professional auditions will look like in the future,” he said. “The entire rehearsal process is only one week long, so it was very hard to learn an entire show in that amount of time.”

While the fast-paced rehearsal schedule pushed him as a performer, Trevor said one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was learning from seasoned theater professionals. 

“I’ve been able to connect with numerous people, which helps me gain insight into how to manage life as an actor as well as gain connections into the acting world already,” he said.

The experience also reinforced one of the most important lessons he has learned about pursuing a career in musical theater.

“Talent only gets you so far in musical theater. Putting hours into learning and rehearsing songs and dances outside of rehearsal time is so crucial, especially in such a short amount of time,” Trevor said. “This show has helped me understand the amount of time and drive I really have to put in to not only be good, but be the best I can possibly be.” 

Among his favorite moments was performing "The Loco-Motion," when the full ensemble filled the stage with energy.

“The entire ensemble is on stage dancing and having a fun time,” he said. “It’s a moment when I can take in the entire audience and just have fun and be grateful that I’m able to perform on such an amazing stage.”

Trevor credits his experiences at the CLO Academy, Upper St. Clair High School and the Center for Theater Arts in Mt. Lebanon with helping prepare him for the opportunity.

“This show differs a lot from a school production,” he said. “Everyone at Pittsburgh CLO has an amazing love and dedication for the arts so you know that if something didn’t work one day, everyone would go home and perfect it before coming in the next day.”

One of the most meaningful moments came after a Thursday evening performance during a post-show talkback with audience members.

“Seeing the impact and importance that Carole King’s music had on so many people reminded me why I want to pursue musical theater – to impact  the audience’s lives and help them find the joy in life,” he said.

As he enters his senior year, Trevor is preparing for the rigorous college audition process, with plans to pursue a degree and career in musical theater.

“The process for applying to colleges looks a little different for musical theater and most colleges only take about 12-24 students, so it is a lot of work and grit to audition for schools,” he said. “After college I hope to pursue a career in acting or musical theater for as long as I can.”

Trevor has already built an impressive résumé of performances. His favorite role to date was Bobby Child in Crazy for You at the Center for Theater Arts.

“That role had so much energetic dancing, enjoyable singing, and funny moments,” he said. “I also performed alongside some of my closest friends, which really makes the show so important to me.”

This spring, he also portrayed Sam Carmichael in Upper St. Clair High School's production of Mamma Mia!

Looking ahead, Trevor has no shortage of dream roles.

“I would love to be Pony Boy in The Outsiders. The songs in that show represent the story so well and his character goes through a rollercoaster of emotions that would be fun to play,” he said. “I would also love to play Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen because I think his character is so misunderstood and important. A show I would love to do is Singing in the Rain because the dancing seems so fun to perform – especially the tap numbers.”

With professional experience already under his belt and his sights set on a future in musical theater, Trevor is well on his way to turning a lifelong passion into a career.