Rent Rocker Annaleigh Ashford Remembers an Early Fashion Tragedy

As kids all over America head back to school, Broadway.com decided to ask our favorite Broadway stars to look back at their own years in the classroom, sharing memories of favorite subjects and activities and describing their younger selves. Annaleigh Ashford may currently be prowling East Village fire escapes in black pleather as Maureen in Rent, but it sounds like she spent some of her earlier days in a much sweeter environment.

What’s your favorite back to school item?
I love markers. Crayola skinnies are my favorite. I still buy them every September.

What is your most embarrassing school moment?
I projectile vomited all over my desk and anything in a three foot radius around me on my first day of third grade at a new school. What a lively and lovely first impression. The janitor had to come in with a mop and the class had to take an early recess. I was wearing floral print overalls that were ruined. Looking back, that's more sad than the entire class seeing my breakfast.

In which extracurricular activities did you participate?
I was in choir, peer counseling, drama, and student council. As part of my student council duties, my senior year I was in charge of the decorations for homecoming and I created the entire gameboard of Candyland leading to the gym. Lifesize, cardboard characters included. I can still make a mean fake tree with some butcher paper and a bag of balloons. Real classy.