Take me back to your time at Sacred Heart Cathedral. What are some memories that stand out? 

Many of my core memories at Sacred Heart Cathedral are from my time with the Performing Arts Program. It’s where I met some of my best friends. My first musical was Suessical the Musical which was the show that made me realize that performing was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. We also had a choir trip where the entire choir program traveled to New York City and had the opportunity to stay in Times Square and explore the city. Not only was this my first time going to New York City, but it was the first time  I got to see a Broadway musical. Aladdin was the first show that we watched and I will never forget the feeling of the lights going down as the show was about to start. Little did I know that only six years later, I would be in a Broadway show.

Who were some teachers who had an impact on your development as a student while at Sacred Heart Cathedral? 

My English teacher Mr. Michael Knapp and my AP US History teacher Ms. Erin Diner Kayser ’93. They allowed me to be myself, ask questions, explore my curiosities and express myself freely and respectfully. The teachers at SHC are who I credit for who I have become. When I told Ms. Kayser that I was pursuing Musical Theatre at Emerson College, she opened up and told me about her time and experience with the arts. She taught me that being a well-rounded human is what makes us successful after high school and college. She encouraged me to be the best I could be at everything I did.

Could you share your journey from taking acting classes at SHC to pursuing a career in acting? How did those classes influence or shape your decision to enter the acting profession? 

Mr. Spenser Morris was the Director of Dramatic Arts while I was at SHC. He had a great understanding that everyone was at a different place in their journey. He took pride in teaching us how to be professionals first and foremost; which, now looking back, I am so thankful for. Being successful in this industry is not solely about talent and ability. People will hire you if you are reliable, kind and respectful of everyone. The theater program at SHC treated all of its students as young professionals, regardless of whether or not they wanted to pursue it as a profession. 

Tell us about your current role(s) as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in the Hamilton North American National Tour. What was the audition process like? 

Playing Laurens/Philip is a dream come true. John Laurens is Hamilton’s best friend. He is a firecracker, leader and a true revolutionary who fought for the freedom of slaves at a time when nobody else was speaking up about it. Philip Hamilton is Hamilton’s son and sees his father as a true inspiration. He wants to be like his “father, but bolder.” The first time I auditioned was during my sophomore year of college. I had about four separate auditions and each time I would get a little farther in the process. It took me almost four years to book this role. By the end of it, I had auditioned for Lafayette/Jefferson, Hamilton and Laurens/Philip. 

What is the most important lesson you learned at SHC that you use in your life today? 

The most important lesson I learned at SHC was to be respectful of everyone. It is cliche, but treating everyone the way that you want to be treated is what will take you far. I am blessed to be able to work with a group of people who all come from different backgrounds and have different strengths and weaknesses. SHC taught me how to work with all types of people, and it all starts with respect and understanding for their opinions and ideas 

What would you say to current SHC students who are embarking on the next step of their lives and their profession? 

Try everything!!! With my time at SHC, I tried everything at least once. SHC has so many resources at your fingertips, and what you get out of your time there is up to you.