The Penn State Student Programming Association (SPA) welcomed actress, singer, and director Liz Gillies on Thursday night for a fun and witty lecture. Gillies, who began acting at twelve and made her Broadway debut at fifteen in “13: The Musical”, is widely known for her iconic roles as Jade West on “Victorious” and “Fallon Carrington” on Dynasty. She also produced and starred in her original project, “Spread”, and she recently completed her role as Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” on Broadway. 

Broadway Beginnings and TV Talent

Gillies opened the evening by reflecting on what sparked her love for music and performing. She shared how she has always been drawn to music. Her father used to place headphones on her mother’s belly while she was pregnant with her and play opera music. Her family exposed her to the warm environment of the arts early on, and she fell in love. As she grew to love acting as well, her parents’ support led her to begin her auditioning process. 

She spoke highly about her time on Broadway, calling it her “first love”. She explained how vocally demanding but rewarding it is to take on such an incredible atmosphere. She said starting young made her eager to absorb everything around her, but with age, she’s grown more appreciative of the craft and the importance of staying curious. She emphasized how her recent role as Audrey was a vulnerable role that was heartbreaking and beautiful, a wonderful way to return to the stage. The actress also discussed how her definition of success has evolved. “Your goals change,” she said. “When you achieve some early, it’s a rare surprise, and things get harder. It becomes an uphill climb.”

She admitted that she still battles imposter syndrome, but staying level-headed pushes her past fear. She emphasized the importance of being bold and saying yes to things that scare you. 

She delighted fans with stories from “Victorious”, revealing that the cast still keeps in touch through a group chat. She even FaceTimed Matt Bennett, who played Robbie in “Victorious”,  during the event so the audience could sing him “Happy Birthday”. She admitted to taking a few keepsakes from her set: Jade’s cuff bracelet, Beck and Jade’s matching nut and bolt necklace, and her signature red boots. She has always been drawn to playing strong women, characters who challenge her and leave her feeling empowered. One of the roles that resembles her most is Gigi from “Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll”, though she sees elements of herself in both Jade and Fallon.

Songwriting and Directing 

Comparing her Broadway roots to her television work, she explained that stage performance on Broadway demands constant preparation and leaves little downtime. She felt prepared during her switch to television because Broadway is so challenging. She compared her return to Broadway to riding a bike—something you remember, and just comes naturally. She also spoke proudly about producing and starring in “Spread,” explaining how amazing it was to be involved from start to finish with casting, directing, and editing. This project was something she was so proud to see come to life and really deepened her understanding of the industry.

Gillies has recorded two albums with Seth MacFarlane, along with a handful of singles. She explained how writing has been a lifelong challenge and one she finds more complicated than acting. Singing is a supreme comfort to her when she isn’t singing originals, and she has a soft spot for jazz music. A musical moment she cherishes was singing at The Carlyle with her husband, Michael Corcoran, who has written songs for “Victorious”, “iCarly”, and “Drake and Josh”, as well as her father, who she says is very talented on the harmonica. 

Rapid-Fire With Liz Gillies

Gillies closed the night with humble, thoughtful advice.  She encouraged students to pursue every opportunity, stay observant, take notes, and learn from others. “There’s always something to be learned from someone else, and most importantly, embrace failure; it’s a beautiful part of life,” she said. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”