First, always lead with kindness. I think being adaptable is also important. Not with just your talents, but with people. Covers are constantly going on, casts change, and no two people are the same. Lastly, be accountable. We still have a long way to go with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be there to support it.

The hardest part of an actor’s life is the time between gigs: You always wonder if you’ll ever work again (at least I do). Writing lifts some of that pressure off because you realize you can still enjoy making theater in your own imagination, which can be a surprisingly fun place to be. There is so much in this business that is out of one’s control. Cultivating your own creative outlet is a great way to make yourself feel that you are in the driver’s seat.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t. Make sure you bring a little bit of yourself to each role you are given. Characters are interesting, but it’s you that’s giving life to the character, not the other way around. If this is your passion, and you believe in your talents, then the sky is the limit! When you walk into an audition, focus on the things that you can control.

“I didn't truly discover theater until my late 20's and now I'm on Broadway. Just do you and follow your path. It will work out the way it's supposed to, even if it's different than you had envisioned.”

“Learn the “business” part of “show business” just as well as you learn your craft.”

“I want to help people recognize that there is more to musical theatre than just the hits of Broadway or the West End. That there is a whole world of musical theatre to discover.”

“I really don’t think it matters where you train as long as you dedicate yourself to it 100%.”

“I think my favorite messages of all time are the people who say they didn't like musical theater or didn't get it and listening to my version made them understand the song for the first time, made them want to know more about Sondheim. If I can be your gateway into him, I've done my job.”

“Begin doing whatever you’re inspired to do and don’t wait to be accepted into a school or to have a degree or an internship. Reach out to people that you admire and ask them a question or try to recreate the thing that inspired you.”

“Be the one with the strongest work ethic and the best reputation to work with, and you'll go farther than 95% of them.”

“You have to claim the territory you want and not apologize for that desire. Back up plans don't make you a failure, they make you a smart business.”

Personally, I believe there will be a great hunger for live theatre and for any kind of live performance that’s actually the way we used to enjoy it in a crowded room. I think it’s still the reason people go to the movies as opposed to watching them at home alone. There’s something about a shared experience…

“With a crystalline tenor and natural grace, Alvin Ing fought headfirst against racial discrimination, becoming a legend to those who have had the honor of knowing him. Last month, I had the honor of speaking with Mr. Ing about his career, his legacy, and his hopes for the future.”

“Keep going even when you don't think you can. Time isn't linear. You have to trust what you can't see. You have to believe in magic and miracles. Continue to work daily on self-love, self-worth, and self-confidence.”

“Promote your friends. Promote the people you admire. When someone you know and/or respect is doing a show, or promoting a piece of art of any sort, post about it on social media, tag them, and tell everyone just how highly you think of them and/or their work.”

“Pay attention to and study all facets and perspectives of the world, science, politics, visual arts, literary work of all kinds. Acting and the performing arts are a reflection of the world, so keep your eyes wide open on all fronts.”

I did a lot of outdoor activities. I was literally turning into Candide without the optimism angle. I was tending my garden, I was growing tomatoes and clearing parts of the property, sort of a physical manifestation outside the home that I was hoping to achieve for myself on the inside.

“I can honestly say that every single day since the release announcement of ‘Cinderella’ on Disney+, I have shed tears of grace just from reading the comments and all the wonderful things that people are saying about the movie, how much it means to them, and how much it affected their lives over the years.”

“Do whatever you need to do to keep your mind and your skillset sharp. We are coming back, and you want to be ready when it’s time.”

I want everyone to be able to return safely and for audiences to feel welcomed but also taken care of. I don’t want to rush anything. Even though I’ve had to confront the injustice of how certain things can be open while others have to remain shut, I understand the motivations and financial interests, it just feels like artists get the rough go of it again.