“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.”

No one’s experience is the same, but don’t assume you’re going to be the overnight discovery. Those careers seldom, if ever, actually happen overnight. All that being said, if you have the passion and the work ethic to make it happen, the performing arts rewards its artists in ways no other job can. Believe in yourself, listen to those who know of what they speak, and ignore those who don’t.

I would tell young performers to have an open mind and never give up. The industry is slowly changing and with that, old narrow views of who can play what is being thrown out in exchange for a wave of non-traditional casting. This business in many ways is also a matter of last man standing, if you keep working hard things will happen eventually. Keep showing up and being unapologetically you.

Do not EVER compare yourself to another, everyone’s acting journey is so different. “The world belongs to those who dare” is my personal motto. You have to learn to think outside the box, you can’t expect greatness by being like everyone else. Find out what makes you different and make that your brand!!! Lastly, NEVER STOP.

The 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.

“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.”

Get to know yourself. As deeply as you possibly can. And start early. Get a therapist. Work through your stuff. Your primary relationship is with yourself. Being an artist is a long game, especially if you don’t have a ton of resources like money. It’s so important to know how you like to work when you need to rest, and what type of environment you want to work in.

“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.”

Like many of us, my time with this show far precedes our first rehearsal. I hope for every theatre artist to be as inspired by anything like the PBS stage broadcast of Into the Woodsstunned 10-year-old me. I’m happily sharing that sentiment with so many.

If you seek a career in the performing arts I say you and your well-being matter. Take care of yourself, and honor your needs and boundaries. You can only build a sustainable career if you treat yourself as worthy of care. It is very hard: you have to give yourself that care while also working at your art, while also finding a way to pay your bills.

It's been such an amazing experience! I'm still in shock that I've been given the opportunity to be a part of this production. I still haven't found the words to express how happy I am to be a part of this cast. Rehearsals have been a dream.

“Things that make you a better/well-rounded human being will inevitably make you a better performer.”

My 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.

A performer who wants a career in the performing arts should study, study and study all facets of the performing arts and the business and public relations aspects as well.Be prepared and open and grateful for opportunities large and small to exercise the creative muscle.

It's never too late. I moved back to New York City in my 50s and in the middle of a pandemic. Life is short. There are enough people pushing paper but do have a flexible jobs. Understand that as an actor you are a small business person. There is room for everyone, so really, why not you?

It was truly an honor to be a part of the new version of The Tick. Knowing that what I was helping to bring to life would have the same impact on others as it had on me, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

My 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.

Striving 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.

It’s fine to know what you want to do but there’s always more than just one way to get there. Try not to compare your journey to others and most importantly, know that at the end of the day, there’s nobody who can do you better than you can.

I have had the privilege of directing, and sharing the stage with these talented young artists in the past year or so and I am so honored to share them with you. I promise you when I say that these five young performers are the future and you heard it hear first.