"Don't be so hard on yourself. That hamster wheel in your mind ain't worth it." Chatting w/ Luke Wygodny!
Luke Wygodny!
By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)
It is my honor to introduce you to Luke Wygodny. Luke recently starred as Judas in Godspellat Pittsburgh CLO. As an actor, Luke has toured the country in Broadway musicals Once, American Idiot, and Soul Doctor. He was also seen in Hundred Days with The Bengsons at La Jolla Playhouse & David Cromer’s production of Rent in Chicago. He originated the role of “Jumping Jack the Acrobat” under the circus tent in Jahn Sood’s folk opera The Disappearing Manat St. Louis Rep. As a singer/songwriter he has several records out on all music platforms & plans on touring this summer with his folk band The Heartstrings Project. If you have the chance to see Luke perform, it is truly something you don't want to miss. Luke is such a brilliant and talented Artist and I am so honored that he took the time.
1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?
When I was 2 my mom & dad brought me to a music store and asked if I'd like to play the cello or the violin. One of the musicians played both for me... I closed my eyes and pointed to the lower sounds of the cello... I still play today. In fact, I played it at PCLO while taking on the role of Judas.
2.) Where did you study? Are there any mentors that genuinely helped make you the Amazing Artist you are today?
I studied first and foremost through the lens of my family. I grew up with the TV off and the instruments out and about. Always a sing-along waiting to happen, with guitars being strummed and the grand piano taking over any power a speaker could hold. I've ALWAYS written songs and been in bands... while acting in plays and musicals. Eventually, I went to Syracuse for Acting. Teachers are hard to come by but there were a few in High School that taught me that belief in myself. The greatest teacher is the power of your OWN instincts. Still working on that.
3.)Congratulations on Godspell at Pittsburgh CLO. How was your time in Pittsburgh performing in that amazing Musical?
What a journey. We put the show together in about 5 days with a week of performances. I'll never be the same after that experience. The cast was top notch and having Gabe Barre at the helm gave me the confidence to take on this role with extreme procession, dedication, animalistic qualities, gentle tender spaces & deep profound truths that not only provoked my intentions within the world of the play, but also after when I stepped away from the theatre.
4.) Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?
Yes, when I closed my eyes and played an original tune in the darkness of Rockwood Music Hall when I first moved to the city. As soon as I opened my eyes after strumming the last chord the audience and I both took a deep inhale and exhaled together. That profound moment has kept me in the ring even if I'd like out. HA!
5.) What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?
Advice to young people... Don't be so hard on yourself. That hamster wheel in your mind ain't worth it. The likes & numbers on your social media are not important. What's important is that you continue to look out for yourself and find the artist within. At the end of the day, we all leave at some point... Why waste your beautiful concentration on the things that don't matter. Dream and make them come true.
Make sure you follow all of Luke's socials for more info and upcoming tour dates: @LukeWygodny @TheHeartstringsProject