On The Road: Austin Scott

Today’s edition of On The Road features the incredibly talented Austin Scott! Austin grew up in Benicia, California, and is a San Francisco State University alum. You might recognize him from his time on the Hamilton national tour in which he played the title role of Alexander Hamilton. While Austin was in Washington, D.C., with the tour back in August, he met up with my friend Karl Magnuson, and they got some epic shots of him around the Capital! I’m so excited for you to meet my new friend. Make sure to check him out on Instagram AND on Broadway where he is currently starring as Hamilton!

How long have you been a performer?

I started really young. when I was about 8, a traveling theater troupe came to my elementary school and held auditions for a small role in a production that they put on in our cafeteria. I was always the class clown so I tapped into that and landed the coveted role of Dr. Bartelow in “The Barber of Seville.” After that, my parents helped me enroll in acting classes and I went from there. It has been a hobby all these years but I didn’t really start acting professionally until after high school.

What was the first show you ever saw that changed your life?

I would say Rent was really the first show that changed my life. Seeing such a powerful story told by people that I could relate to really cemented by love for theater.

What is your favorite show you’ve ever worked on?

My favorite show would probably have to be “One Day,” a musical that workshopped in LA and eventually made its way off-broadway in NY. It was my first experience originating a role and building a story from the ground up. I learned so much from that process and i believe it really helped set me on the path that has led me to where I am today.

What has been your most memorable moment on tour so far?

My most memorable moment would have to be the night that we had all of the creatives in the audience. It was opening night in Washington DC and everyone was there; Lin, Alex Lacamoire, Tommy Kail, Jeff sellers, even Lin’s dad. Having all the “founding fathers” in the audience at once really gave me a new appreciation for what I was a part. It was the first time Lin saw me do the full show and he came into my dressing room at intermission to tell me I was doing a great job. That was a pretty surreal experience.

Since this infamous show is definitely not average and extremely high energy, how do you prepare yourself each day to really tell the story well?

My self care regimen is extensive. It has to be because the role is incredibly demanding. I have come to treat my energy as a finite resource. I always make sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep and 3 meals a day (usually 4). Daily yoga and meditation are necessities to maintain my physical and mental wellbeing. This show is physically draining for sure, but the real challenge playing Hamilton is the emotional and mental fatigue.

What are some items you absolutely can't live without backstage?

I have really gotten into healing gemstones and minerals this year. In my dressing room, I have citrine, tourmaline, hematite, tiger eye beads, obsidian and quartz just to name a few. Depending on how I’m feeling on a given day, I’ll choose one to hold onto as I meditate before a show. I also really need my thermos with warm water and honey. It keeps my voice relaxed.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the fulfillment I feel when I feel truly connected to the story and I know the audience is with me. There is so much hope and light in this show, even in its darkest moments. Getting to connect with the fans after the show and online; hearing how the show affected them, thats such an incredible feeling.

Was it intimidating taking on this role?

Oh absolutely. I had some big shoes to feel. When people think of Hamilton, they think of Lin. Going into it, I wanted to make the role my own while still honoring the character that Lin and Javier Munoz created. I think l have struck that balance pretty well.

How much did you know about Alexander Hamilton before playing this part? Did you get to work with Lin during rehearsals?

I knew very little about the Alexander Hamilton other than the fact that he was on the 10 dollar bill, and didn’t even know that until the show came out back in 2015. When I joined the cast, Lin had his hands full launching the London production so I didn’t work with him, but I saw Tommy and Lac a lot, and we also have an incredible team of resident directors who teach us the roles.

Did you read the book or observe any other men who played Hamilton?

In all honesty, I got about 3/4th of the way through the Chernow book. It is incredibly well written but I was reading several books on Hamilton at the same time and at a certain point, i felt I was starting to get bogged down with facts and history so i set the book aside and focused on the material in the show. I still reference the research now and then when I feel I want to dig deeper into a certain moment or relationship.

What do you think was the most important aspect of Hamilton for you to grasp in order to properly and accurately portray him? Are you the type of actor who is really trying to channel the person you are portraying?

As and actor, I feel that the most important thing I can bring to the character is myself. That being said, I don’t think I’m ever really channeling Alexander Hamilton, but there are definitely nights where I can feel his presence onstage with me. For me, the most important aspect of the character that I had to find and personalize was his drive; a fire which I feel comes from his need to make a place for himself and to leave his mark on the world. Also, finding the balance between confidence and insecurity every night in very important to me.

What is your favorite fun fact about Alexander Hamilton?

My favorite fun fact is that Hamilton most like lied about age, shaving off at least two years. There are many reasons why it would have been beneficial for him to appear younger, but I love it because every time I say “only 19 but my mind is older” in “My Shot,” I know that’s probably a lie.

Did your time visiting historic landmarks in Washington DC deepen the relationship you have with your character?

Absolutely. It definitely gave me some deeper context for the world of the play. Getting to see the sites and artifacts that are mentioned in the show made the world of Hamilton feel a bit more tangible to me.

What is your favorite number to perform in the show?

Honestly it changes from night to night. Often, its “Dear Theodosia.” Its such beautiful song and it the first time we really see Hamilton settle and take a breath. It’s also the first time we get to see Hamilton’s more tender side.

What is it about this job that makes you come back each day?

Every show is a little bit different. There are so many little idiosyncrasies and nuances that change from performance to performance, I never really know whats going to happen on a given night, and its that sense of unpredictability that keeps the show fresh for me.

What is the best advice you've ever been given and what advice would you give to a young person who wants to pursue a career in the arts?

I’d say the best advice I’ve ever received is to not compare myself to others. Don’t compare your “behind the scenes” to someone else’s highlight reel. In this business, especially in the age of social media, it is so easy to get caught up in comparison and self doubt because things are moving as fast for you as they are for someone else. Everyone has their own path and their own timeline. Just because you something doesn’t turn out the way you hoped it would, something better is probably right around the corner.

What piece of advice would you give your 18 year old self?

I would tell my 18 year old self of two things: Firstly, meditation and mindfulness will change your life. And secondly, life/ growth is always two steps forward and one step back.

Washington, D.C.

Images by Karl Magnuson