Actor Colby Lewis is a 2014 MFA graduate of URTA member program, University of Connecticut. Since graduating, he’s performed a variety of major roles including, notably, Cassius Clay in the Denver Center Theatre production of One Night in Miami. Currently, he’s the Male Principal Standby in the Chicago company of Hamilton, understudying the roles of George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, and Hercules Mulligan/James Madison. Lewis took part in the URTA Auditions in 2011. He took a moment from his hectic production schedule to talk with us about the URTA Audition and Interview process, his training at UConn, and his current work on Hamilton. Thanks, Colby!

How did you prepare for The URTAs? Do you have advice for candidates who will be attending The URTAs in January?

I had one of my professors as a coach for my prep. I also had a great group of actor friends, and we all performed in front of each other. That’s my best advice really, once you’ve learned the material, do it in front of people for feedback and so that you are confident. It’s helps tremendously.

Can you talk a little about your experience at The URTAs and how you ended up choosing University of Connecticut.

My experience was great. Myself and three of my friends flew to NYC for the auditions there. As a southerner on his first trip to NYC, it was a bit of a shock to experience it all at once, and honestly I had nerves as I went through the two rounds of auditions. But when UConn brought me into their room for an interview, that’s when I really was able to connect, and understood their dedication to making better actors. They worked me in the room, to a point where I started to take real ownership of the material unlike I had in the general auditions. From that day on we stayed in touch, I made a visit, and that confirmed that they had the perfect mix of faculty for me to grow both as an actor and person.

What was the most valuable takeaway you had during your graduate school education?

The most profound thing I gained from graduate school is that it is always about the love of the work and the process. If you continue to let those things guide your path, you’ll never go wrong.

What was your career journey from graduating UConn in 2014 to joining the cast of Hamilton?

I was blessed to get work pretty consistently out of school, which is not the case for a lot of actors. Moving to NYC, the place that once overwhelmed me, became my biggest motivator–making me work hard to survive between gigs, being creative in how I grew, and providing the best audition opportunities. UConn (through our showcase) helped me secure my agents at CGF which ultimately led to my submission, auditions, and booking of Hamilton.

How did your graduate school training help you prepare for this kind of physically demanding show?

The majority of that credit goes to my movement professor, Greg Webster. He is a master and not only taught us disciplines that helped us in craft, but also in life. Everything from Pilates to boxing training, Aikido, to mime. Hamilton is a tough show but it was just as intense in our movement classes. All of our professors had a command of what our bodies, spirits, and minds needed, when we needed it, when to push and pull back. It’s something that is now innate in me and allows me to gauge my own needs in performance.

You are the understudy for three actors (five characters). What has the rehearsal process been like to prepare you for all of those roles?

It’s been a dream to explore these roles. I consider myself a multifaceted actor, and to have the opportunity to explore the stoic and strong Washington, up against the flair and fun of Lafayette/Jefferson, as well as the grit and stillness of Mulligan/Madison, it’s the best job. The piece is so well written, it’s not as difficult as it would seem to keep them separate in my mind. As an actor, it stretches my range, and this range of character work was something I was able to explore deeply at UConn, so it gives me confidence knowing those experiences are helping me professionally.

What has been your favorite aspect of being a part of Hamilton?

More than anything it’s being a part of such a special show in history, and knowing that I’m doing art that matters. These times are bringing a lot of uncertainty and fear to the forefront, and it’s a blessing to know I am affecting CHANGE directly with such a diverse, inclusive, standard-shattering show.

What advice would you give to an actor just starting their career?

Just starting out, I’d say to that actor a few things. 1)Do the work. Learn to love the practice, be prepared. 2)Be kind to your peers and even more so, to yourself. 3) FAIL. Fail beautifully. It’s the only true way to learn and succeed.