“Find a way to create. I come from a place where I didn't have a lot of access and resources to having a career in theatre, so I had to seek it out. The more I searched, the more doors were opened to me.”
Read MoreThe greatest thing I've gained from this show is a community of people I absolutely adore. It has been such a joy getting to know every single person and having as much fun together offstage as we do on stage. Our love for each other is palpable.
Read More“Throughout my whole time with Evan Hansen, I was taking classes on the side and voice lessons and anything I could grab my hands on to make sure that my mind was always learning and growing. That is what keeps me motivated when times are tough, there is never going to be a time where anything is perfect so continuing to learn makes you so much stronger as a person.”
Read More“Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. Don’t wait for the perfect time or place or blah blah blah. Don’t wait. Get up off your butt and do it.”
Read More“Things that make you a better/well-rounded human being will inevitably make you a better performer.”
Read MoreMy advice for any young person pursuing a career in the arts is to identify the artists that inspire you most and learn as much about them and their journey as possible. Find a way to study and practice your craft daily and the work will come.
Read MoreMy number one advice is always about sustainability and self-care. To want to do this, you already must have heart and talent. But to stay and be happy, you need to have purpose and an already full life.
Read MoreStriving to achieve perfection wouldn't be the best path to go down. I say this as a person who's traveled that road many times and still frequently falls into the trap of it. But perfection is highly overrated and more than anything, people want to see you be authentically you. Because that is something special.
Read MoreI’d tell young artists that if performing is what you want to do, go do it. Don’t let anyone stop you or try to discourage you from doing it. Find a way that works best for you and give it your all.
Read MoreBe kind. Above all. This world is too small and life is too short to get caught up in the competition and comparison and let that take over. Find moments of gratitude even in the low points. And remember- Broadway isn’t the end-all-be-all. Beautiful theater is made all over the world. Just keep making art. Because work begets work!
Read MoreI’m being honest when I say that “Into the Woods” has been my favorite musical since middle school. It holds the perfect balance of levity and gravity and is chock full of profound messages and gorgeous music. To be a part of this revival has truly been my dream come true.
Read MoreI had gone on for Mrs. Strakosh and Mrs. Meeker, but I hadn’t been on for Mrs. Brice until Beanie Feldstein’s final performance as Fanny. She was so giving and generous and genuinely surprised when I started to sing, that it crossed one thing off my bucket list. But I am so happy to be performing with my friend Julie Benko. Julie is phenomenal and it’s cute that she calls me her “standby sister”, because I am old enough that I could actually be her mother!
Read MoreIf you have the instinct to play a scene a different way… Try it… You cannot do anything wrong. You will never lose going after and exploring meaningful, truthful work and relationships. Also, equally important… Do not attempt to wax off your mustache before getting publicity photos. Leave these things to the professionals.
Read MoreI tell everyone the same thing. You have to love it because there will be hard times. You have to trust and know yourself because you can get caught up in other people's stuff and never give up because the next opportunity may be yours and always believe that which is for you, won’t be denied you.
Read MoreAlways be a student! Be kind! And don’t waste time dwelling on rejections. Rejection is part of the biz. The second you are spending time being sad about a rejection- another opportunity might be passing you by! Also- be open-minded to what a career in theater and the arts can be
Read MoreMy experience has taught me that it's all about people. It sounds basic, but it's SO important: never be afraid to shake a hand, say hello, or ask for advice. The worst anyone can say is no, and most of the time, that won't be the case.
Read MoreWe try not to give in to the mentality of "the show must go on" and, instead, encourage each other to listen to our physical and mental health first and foremost when assessing if we can go on for a certain performance. Because of this, the standbys have been on a lot and it's been amazing to watch the company come together to support each other in this way night after night.
Read MoreTake care of your health. That means mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. You have to treat the whole person. Your body is your vessel, treat it well because it's batting for you every night at 100%. Go to therapy, have a support system, and talk about your fears and insecurities.
Read MoreIt feels incredible. I’m so grateful to finally be here, doing this work with the team at Chicago. David Hyslop (PSM), Rob Bowman (Music Director), and David Bushman (Dance Captain) have been so welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring throughout this process.
Read MoreYou have to do you. People do, in fact, want you to succeed, and the best way you can do that is by bringing what you want to bring and not what you think “they” want you to bring. It may not pay off immediately, but if you stick to it and keep present with yourself, it will attract the people who want to work with you!
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