Steve Balsamo, the Welsh singer and songwriter best known for playing the title role of Jesus in the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, visited Kingsclere Performing Arts College, the academy partner of Newbury College, this week to inspire students ahead of their Spring Musical, an adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice spectacular.
The visit took place during Colleges Week 2026, which celebrates how further education creates opportunities and supports people to build skills for life and work.
Students performed selected pieces from next week’s show for Steve before taking part in a question and answer session. They asked thoughtful questions about professionalism, focus, and how to address skills gaps in a creative career. Students also explored characterisation, managing emotions on stage, and how to work closely with the wider creative team to refine their performance.
Steve shared his own journey from teenage rock musician to West End lead. He spoke about learning his craft in local bands, taking any opportunity he could find, and persisting even when there was little guidance or direction available to him at that age. He told students that the support and training available to them now can make a real difference, as long as they match it with commitment and hard work.
He also spoke openly about confidence and resilience in a competitive industry, including the impact of imposter syndrome.
“Imposter syndrome is a real thing. But it doesn’t matter. One of the things I’ve learnt is that you’ve got to work hard. Dreaming is really important. You can bend the universe to your will. You’ve got to work at it and have a realistic expectation but focus on your dream and you can achieve it.”
Students asked how to keep performances fresh when working on the same material night after night.
“I keep it consistent, but I also take notes and welcome notes. Sometimes I will say ‘that was an artistic choice’, but other times I will take it on board and learn from it.”
Steve also discussed the physical demands of performing at a high level, and how performers should prepare like professional athletes.
“It’s an important tip to treat your body like an athlete. I don’t smoke at all, and when I’m performing, I don’t drink alcohol. I drink about 4 litres of water a day. I keep hydrated, keep fit and watch my nutrition.”
The partnership between Kingsclere Performing Arts College and Newbury College supports students to train in a specialist performing arts environment while working towards recognised qualifications, with a focus on careers, not courses. Students benefit from high contact time and industry-led training in singing, acting and dance, alongside performance opportunities and enrichment that prepares them for progression into the profession or higher education.
Kingsclere Performing Arts College will stage Jesus Christ Superstar as its Spring Musical on Thursday 12 March and Friday 13 March. Tickets are available now via the Arlington Arts box office or newbury-college.ac.uk/performance
Leaving the students with one final piece of advice, Steve said:
“Be nice! That’s the most important thing. People want nice people around them.”