Before that job kickstarted his Tinseltown triumph, McPhail graduated in 1988 from Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita. He attended BCC on a music scholarship but quickly switched gears to theatre after a small role in "Babes In Arms" gave him a better look at what the department and the artform had to offer.

"The lessons being taught were so much more palatable and real," McPhail said. "I connected so much more with them."

While at Butler he formed a lifelong friendship with theatre instructor Bob Peterson. They still talk on the phone two or three times a week.

"Bob has been a mentor," McPhail said. "We all hope for people like that in our lives that can give us advice and wisdom, but allow us to make our own decisions."

"Scott proves that if you set your sights on a goal, it's achievable," Peterson said. "He still tells me that all the basics he learned at Butler are things he is still using in Hollywood every day."

McPhail said his time at Butler taught him to trust his instincts and to follow his passion.

"At that age, you're so vulnerable and impressionable that some people just go with the flow," McPhail said. "I learned to form my own opinions and set out to do what really makes me happy."

He now works in the Dreamworks production department. Since "Prince of Egypt," McPhail has worked on every animated film in the company's oeuvre.

"Have I reached my goal? Not yet," McPhail said. "I'm still working on it, though. Because I've been introduced to so much here, I want to do so much more."

When he stops through Kansas, McPhail said he always tries "to get over to El Dorado" to visit friends.

"I love El Dorado," McPhail said. "It's a home away from home for me."