Lillian Duncan Bicheno: Argyle Teen Shines on the National Stage
At just 17 years old,Lillian Duncan Bicheno is proving that dreams rooted in hard work, faith, and passion can carry you all the way to Broadway. A senior in high school and longtime resident of Argyle, Lillian recently earned a coveted spot among the Top 3 finalists in BroadwayWorld’s national Next On Stage Competition, a nationwide search for the best high school and college musical theatre performers.
Her achievement will take her to New York City this January, where she’ll perform live at the legendary 54 Below for a chance to win a full scholarship to AMDA College of the Performing Arts.
For Lillian, the moment represents the culmination of years of dedication and a lifelong dream that began when she was just 6 years old.
“I’ve been singing since I was 6 and performing in musicals since I was 11,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a performer, and advancing to the top three is a big step toward accomplishing my life and career goals.”
This isn’t her first time competing — Lillian entered the same national competition last year and made it to the Top 5, just shy of the final cut. But this year, her perseverance paid off. Selected by the judges themselves, rather than through public voting, Lillian’s advancement to the finals feels especially meaningful.
“In this industry, you hear a lot of no’s,” she shared. “There have been times those no’s made me feel less than or unworthy. To be hand-selected this time is so special — it’s proof of a God who redeems.”
Lillian’s story is one of determination, faith, and gratitude. She credits her family — especially her mother — as her foundation of strength and inspiration. “My mom approaches everything in life with vibrancy and passion,” Lillian said. “She commits fully, protects wholeheartedly, and loves fiercely. I hope one day to be even half the woman that she is.”
She also finds inspiration in her theater mentors, including her director Tyler Hutchinson who has not only helped her grow artistically but spiritually as well. “Tyler has shown me how to be a performer rooted in Christ, surrendering your talents as an offering to the Lord.”
Managing the busy life of a high school senior, performer, and national competitor isn’t easy. Between rehearsals, performances, and academics, Lillian admits it takes balance and creativity.
“I often have to turn errands into quality time,” she laughed. “I’ve had my best friend drive me to a performance just so we could spend time together. I also make sure my practice time is effective and efficient so I can prioritize time with the people who matter most.”
Her proudest accomplishment so far, though, goes beyond rankings or accolades — it’s the growth she’s experienced along the way.
“I’ve struggled with perfectionism and feeling like my worth depends on my performance,” she said. “But I’ve learned that mistakes make us human, and my worth isn’t contingent on my work. I overcome those feelings every day with the help of my friends, my family, and my faith.”
In addition to her competition success, Lillian has already built an impressive resume. She began performing with a touring troupe at age 7 before joining Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Dallas.
Since 2020, she’s appeared in 20 productions — 18 with CYT and two with Casa Mañana, a professional theater in Fort Worth. Her roles have given her opportunities to showcase not only her vocal and acting talent but also her leadership, discipline, and joy for performance.
The support of the Denton County community has been instrumental in propelling Lillian to the Top 3, and Lillian hopes her journey inspires others to pursue
their passions.
“Winning this competition would be life-changing,” she said. “But even more, I’m proud to represent my community and the next generation of performers with heart and integrity.”
When she’s not rehearsing, Lillian focuses on maintaining balance through prayer, routine, and self-care. “Prayer and a sense of routine help me stay grounded,” she said. “Taking care of my voice and body, reading, and spending time with my friends and family keeps me sane.”
BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage competition has become a national platform for emerging talent, spotlighting students through themed performance rounds judged by Broadway professionals.
Contestants advance through multiple stages—Top 30, Top 15, Top 10, Top 5, and finally, the Top 3 — culminating in the live finale in New York City. The overall winner receives not only a full scholarship to AMDA but also professional coaching, Broadway tickets, and industry connections that can launch a career.
As Lillian prepares for her trip to New York, she does so with gratitude, faith, and the same drive that has fueled her since childhood. Whether or not she takes home the top prize, her journey already stands as a testament to perseverance and purpose.
“Being on that stage will already be a dream come true,” she said. “If my story inspires even one person to believe they’re capable of more than they think, then I’ve already won.”
