At UniLaSalle Rouen, students are trained primarily in agronomy and veterinary medicine. At the same time, numerous associations, clubs and other extracurricular student initiatives punctuate the campus!

It's in this rather unexpected setting that Orphéa was born, a musical created and directed by three passionate students. It tells the story of Mia, a young girl torn between entering traditional higher education and her artistic passion. It's a dilemma common to many students, and one that was brilliantly portrayed by the Orphéa team. As scriptwriter and director of the project, we find Louise Balthazar, a second-year veterinary student and theater enthusiast from an early age, she says: “Elea, Cassandra, Franck, Guillaume, Maelys and I first sculpted the idea at the beginning of the summer of 2024. Once we had a rough outline of the story and songs, I took the reins to write the script!”. 

Louise and Cassandra are joined by vocal coach Elea Helary. All three have taken on the artistic direction of Orphéa. For them, more than an artistic project, it has become a real collective adventure. “This project has brought us together around shared passions... so many friendships have been made, it's incredible”, describes Cassandra. “The emotions couldn't have been stronger, from start to finish,” adds Elea. Indeed, the project brought together over 60 students from all walks of life: actors, dancers, singers, musicians, ... but also the indispensable “little hands” (decoration, make-up, security, ..)! “I'm at a loss for words... it was so rich both artistically and on a human level,” explains Elea. We had to train all the participants, who were at very different levels. Not always easy, she says, but very gratifying: “I was proud to see them evolve and gain confidence in their own talent”.  

In addition to the artistic challenges, logistical management also proved to be quite a challenge for the three coordinators. Learning how to manage a team, cope with stress, find a budget and equipment, but above all finding the time to do it, was a major challenge. “3 30-minute rehearsals every lunchtime, evenings in the amphitheatre until 9pm, weekends planning the organization, ... it was a lot of work, but we managed to make the best of it!” enthuses Louise.  In the end, at the beginning of December, they closed each of the 3 performances to thunderous applause.  “I cried my eyes out... it was crazy, I'd rarely felt anything so intense,” recalls Louise. “I was like a madeleine all evening!” adds Cassandra, laughing. Parents, friends, students and employees were all touched by Orphéa's universe and history, but above all blown away by the work carried out. “It was exhilarating, there was so much adrenalin,” says Elea, with stars in her eyes.  It was a unique opportunity that gave many students confidence and passion.