Weed, who originated the role of Janis in Broadway’s “Mean Girls: The Musical,” opens up about her theatrical career, life lessons and the experiences that shaped her path in the arts.
In the latest episode of the “Elon Beyond the Bricks” podcast, President Connie Ledoux Book sits down with actor and singer Barrett Wilbert Weed ’11, known for her standout Broadway role in the hit musical, “Mean Girls.”
After earning a degree in music theatre, Weed made her Broadway debut in 2011 as an understudy for several roles in “Lysistrata Jones.” She also starred as Sally Bowles in Signature Theatre’s production of “Cabaret.”
Soon after, she originated the role of Veronica Sawyer in the production of “Heathers: The Musical,” a role she first brought to life in Los Angeles before taking it to New York City. She then played the iconic role of Janis in “Mean Girls.”
In the podcast, Weed reflects on her journey from college to Broadway, sharing how Elon helped prepare her for the ups and downs of a career in theater. She also discusses her first solo show, “Dear Diary,” which debuted in fall 2024 at Sony Hall in New York. Weed not only wrote and starred in this deeply personal production, but also worked with a team of friends, many from Elon, to bring it to life. She also opens up about the mental health challenges she has faced and how these personal struggles have shaped her career and creative process.
Learn more about the podcast and listen to the episode here.
About the podcast
Produced by the Office of University Advancement, in partnership with the Office of the President and University Communications, “Elon Beyond the Bricks” offers thought-provoking conversations with alumni, parents, faculty and staff, providing a unique way for the university community to stay engaged, no matter where they are. New episodes are released at the beginning of each month, with the following guests joining the podcast in the coming months:
May 2025 – Zora Stephenson ’15, NBC Sports Reporter
June 2025 – Alexis Franzese, Associate professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology