On The Road: Billy Tighe
Today's On The Road interview features the incredible actor Billy Tighe! At the time of this interview and photoshoot, Billy was touring the country staring in the hit musical Finding Neverland. He has since left the tour, but you can catch him back home in NYC performing in Sweeney Todd. Billy is a Wicked alumni (he played Fiyero)! He made his Broadway debut in the revival of Pippin and performed on the West End in The Book of Mormon. I've loved getting to know him, and I hope you enjoy this interview and gorgeous pictures of Billy and his wife!
How long have you been a performer?
I started performing in high school so its been almost twenty years now.
What is your favorite show you’ve ever worked on?
I know you’re asking for what big broadway lavish production has been my favorite, but I think my all time favorite production was my very first. That was JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at my high school. Broadways Tyler Hanes was a senior and played Joseph and I was a sophomore and played one of the brothers. It was the first time I had ever done a musical and when I stepped out on stage I knew this was what I was meant to do.
Who is the coolest celebrity you’ve ever met at work?
I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of my favorite actors and idols, but two stories stick out in my mind. I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Vereen when I was in PIPPIN on Broadway. He had come to see John Rubinstein play Charlemagne and I was able to get a picture between the two of them backstage. I felt so fortunate to be in the same room as these two legends as they discussed the metaphors in PIPPIN let alone get a picture with them. My other favorite is Russell Brand. He came to see me in Book of Mormon in the West End. We had a great conversation about our show and about art and its influence in our world. A few days later he sent me a copy of his book with the inscription “We can change the world, you and me, but mostly me.”
What is the most interesting day at work you’ve ever had?
My broadway debut. I had just joined the revival of Pippin and was still learning many of the responsibilities of my job. We caught wind that one of the girls was going to be out that night and we didn’t have anyone else to go on for her except for me. They needed me to do all the basic stage moves that she was a part of… moving the set, props etc. I didn’t have costumes, a makeup plot or know any of what this girl's blocking was. I spent some time that afternoon with our dance supervisor learning what was most important about what she did in the show and when It needed to happen. I borrowed a pair of jazz pants and made up a clown makeup plot out of a random book in the dressing room and went on that night. It was by far the craziest way to join a show that I’ve ever had, but it truly felt like I had joined the circus.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Getting to explore the country and share our story in new places.
What is the most challenging part of being an actor on tour?
Creating a routine. We’re traveling constantly and our living environment is never the same. The most challenging aspect is figuring out how to accomplish all the normal things you would do on a weekly basis. Going to the gym, groceries, laundry.
What is the most surprising part of your job?
That after a year of doing 8 shows a week on a show it still feels different every day.
How long do cast members usually stay on tour?
It really depends. Some cast members are only on tour for six months, but some stay out for years.
What are some items you absolutely can’t live without backstage?
I love Grether’s Pastilles. I’m on stage about 90% of the show and some of the theaters are really dry. I only have limited opportunities to get water so having pastilles to suck on occasionally makes it easier to stay ready to sing at any moment. I also can’t live without a full water bottle and a sweat towel.
What has been your most memorable moment on this tour so far?
In Louisville a group from Down Syndrome of Louisville came to see the show. One of my classmates from CCM works for them and brought them to the show and stayed for a Q&A afterward. They had just finished reading Peter Pan as part of their book club and this was a field trip as part of the research. We talked for 30 minutes about the show, about being an actor and about the messages behind PETER PAN and FINDING NEVERLAND. It was special for me in two ways. It showed me how magical our show is to all types and how the messages have different meanings for everyone. It also was a beautiful reminder of the power of theater. My classmate and I both studied theater together and here we were 10 years later using it in different ways. She was working for Down Syndrome of Lousville taking groups to shows, holding book clubs on the material and introducing art to groups of new people and I’m on the other end bringing that art to life. It was a truly beautiful night to encapsulate everything about what we both love about the magic of theater.
What is it about this job that makes you come back each day?
The more I perform the more I learn about myself. By focusing on a character's journey I’m stepping outside my own daily thoughts and it gives me perspective and allows me to grow. I’m creating these characters so every aspect that I bring to them is something within me. The more I learn the more I want to learn.
What advice would you give to a young performer who wants to move to NYC and pursue a career in the arts?
Drive and perseverance are the most important things you need when you move to NYC. This business is really tough. Being available to audition for everything you possibly can and work harder than you thought possible.
What piece of advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Take more tap classes.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
In high school I had a director who requested of us that we never “mark.” This meant every run through of a number or every rehearsal needed to be at full performance level at all times. While over time I’ve certainly learned that its important to know when to rest or save your instrument for when its most important, but the mindset has still made its impression. Its about drive and level of accountability. It means approaching your work ready to do your best and always attempting to exceed your best. If you practice to do something safely than you’ll always create just safe results. The most interesting work has always come from me working my hardest and pushing the limits of what I think is possible.
What is your favorite part of telling this story every night?
Meeting people who are moved by the story at the stage door. My favorite example of this happened in Tokyo. I met a mother and daughter after one of our performances and the young girl was very emotional. She spoke to her mother in Japanese and the mother did her best to translate in the limited English she could speak. The young girl had lost her father earlier that year and she felt like her story was very similar to Peter’s. While the sadness of the musical made her upset because it reminded her of her father it also gave her hope. The show reminded her that her father is always a part of her. That his presence in her life will always be something that she can hold on to and treasure. That family will always stick with me. Thousands of miles away and in a completely different language our show was able to reach this girl's heart in a time of need. That gives my job importance and its my favorite part of doing it every night. I have the chance to be a part of something that can build hope in someones life.
FUN FACTS:
Where did you train/go to college?
I went to a performing arts high school in GA called Pebblebrook high school or CCCEPA. For college I went to University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music or CCM.
What is a random fact about you that people are always surprised to learn?
That I was born in Germany. My dad was in the Air Force and I was born in Germany and lived there till I was almost 4.
What was the first Broadway show you’ve ever saw?
Seussical
What is your favorite Broadway show you’ve ever seen?
Hairspray
What is your favorite costume you’ve ever worn?
Fiyero’s top of act two costume.
What is your favorite US city you’ve visited on tour?
Seattle
What is your favorite restaurant or bar you’ve found on tour?
That’s a tough one. Every city has something great to offer, but my favorite has to be Flour + Water in San Francisco.
