We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jack Austin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jack below.
Jack, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I often contemplate what my life would be like if I had a “regular job.” Not because I wish I had pursued one, but out of curiosity about how different my life might be. I feel incredibly fortunate to have achieved many milestones in my early professional career while still being in school—things on my bucket list that I never thought I’d accomplish. Yet, I achieved them because I made the leap into pursuing my dreams. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m on my way because I decided to chase after what I wanted, put in the immense amount of work, and believed in myself.
At the beginning of my senior year of high school, I was asked, “What do you want to do with your life?” I couldn’t see myself doing anything else but performing. I’ve always valued my work in the performing arts; I’ve been writing music and performing on stage my whole life. Performing gave me an outlet for expression that I had never experienced before. While many people have stage fright, I feel the most free on stage. The idea of leaving that behind was never an option for me. I decided to pursue musical theatre performance in college at Western Michigan University, where I’ve been studying since 2022.
My typical day as a student is quite different from that of most students. My classes consist of acting, singing, and dancing—either separately or all at the same time. During the day, I attend these classes (and a few gen-eds), and in the evening, I work on my other creative projects, such as my theatre company and original music. Often, I go to rehearsal at night for a show that I’m in. These days are busy, but I never stop doing what I love.
It’s interesting how a childhood hobby has become my actual livelihood. In this journey, I aim to balance the artistic work I do for a paycheck with the artistic work I do for my heart and enjoyment. It’s easy to view a career in performance as just a job, but I don’t want that for myself. I want to maintain the passion and joy that led me to pursue this path in the first place. By staying true to my artistic values and continually seeking projects that resonate with me personally, I ensure that my work remains fulfilling and meaningful. This balance is essential to me, as it keeps my creative spirit alive and reminds me why I chose this path. It’s this blend of professional success and personal fulfillment that makes my journey in the performing arts so rewarding and what I wish to pass along to others in my experiences.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
That’s a really good question because I do a lot! People might know me for many different reasons. I am a stage performer, write original music, have gained mass exposure on TikTok for my singing, and own my own theatre company.
As a performer, I have done a variety of things. I am a frequent performer at the Tony Award-winning venue 54 Below in New York City. I have performed and worked with many notable Broadway stars who have been in shows such as Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Back to the Future, Into the Woods, Parade, and more. Last year, I starred in the debut of the brand-new musical Boy on Billboard in Dallas, Texas, which will be making its NYC debut this summer at a sold-out 54 Below show. I will also be featured on its upcoming cast recording album, which will be released this year. I have also worked locally at the historic Barn Theatre in Augusta, MI. As a performer, I look for projects that inspire me. I was asked to be a part of Boy on Billboard’s debut after the writers discovered me on TikTok. This new musical shares real stories about mental health and paves the way for important topics to be discussed in musical theatre. I am extremely proud and grateful to be a part of this new musical’s journey and positive impact. You can learn more about the show at boyonbillboard.com.
Another huge part of my journey in the arts has been through my original music. I am so grateful to be a critically acclaimed and nominated songwriter and vocalist. I am a six-time Josie Music Award nominee at the Grand Ole Opry, and my singles “Veronica” and “GET AWAY” have been critically acclaimed. This year, I have been nominated for Song of the Year (Rock) for “GET AWAY,” Vocalist of the Year (Pop), and Rising Star of the Year. Songwriting and singing were the first things that made me fall in love with performing and eventually led me to theatre. I find that I can express myself in my most vulnerable moments through my songwriting, and that’s why I love to share it with the world. I write music about grief, loss, patience, perseverance, love, and joy. If it’s not clear already, I love to express myself through performing, which is why I explore so many outlets, whether on the stage or in the studio. You can find out more about my original music and listen at jackaustinmusic.com.
A ton of these opportunities have come because I share singing videos on TikTok where I have gained over 15 million views and over 75 thousand followers on the app. This outlet to share my voice has been a key part of making all of this happen and has been a place where I have gained a ton of support.
Last but not least, at the age of 19, I opened my own theatre company in my hometown of Battle Creek, MI. This year, and only after our first year of operation, Unity Theatre Company has been nominated for ‘Music Business of the Year’ at this year’s Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. This prestigious category honors outstanding contributions to businesses that are part of the music industry in any form. We’re thrilled to be recognized for our contributions to the music industry through the lens of theatrical arts. This nomination is a recognition of all the hard work my team and I put into shows, and just like the lyrics from our first-ever musical we produced, Matilda, “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot.” At Unity Theatre Company, we produce a full-length musical in just a two-week camp. Starting from scratch, we rehearse for two weeks and conclude with a weekend of performances. This year, we are excited to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with performances the weekend of August 9-11. We are proud to offer the only community theatre opportunity in Battle Creek where 10-18-year-olds can perform in full-length Broadway musicals. It’s an incredible chance for the youth in our area to embrace a challenge and come together as a community. You can learn more at unity-theatre.com.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I think a career in performance is a constant act of resilience. There is so much uncertainty in a field like this, and it’s the determination of “I’m going to keep going” that makes it possible. You’re going to get 99 “nos” before you get one “yes” but that one yes doesn’t even make you bat an eye at all of those nos. Resilience in this field looks like believing in yourself and figuring out what makes you unique. No one is you. Constantly reminding yourself that is crucial.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to help others. It obviously is much broader than that but instead of looking at an overall goal, I look at how each thing I do can help someone. Taking it step by step if you will. For example with my theatre company, I look at how I can positively impact our youth campers who do our shows. During their two weeks with us, they will build confidence, find community, be able to express themselves, etc. The same things that made me fall in love with theatre I want to be able to provide to others.
Setting intentions is the first step in making them happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unity-theatre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack.aaustin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacktaustinmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCVzqgnYchgOu6ZMycFSxKw
Image Credits
Steve Sickman