We recently connected with Teddy Trice and have shared our conversation below.

Teddy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I am a true believer in taking risks when it comes to your life as an artist. More specifically, calculated risks, where you can put yourself in the best position to succeed. I’ll relate the story of when I booked my first Broadway tour. Originally i’m from Kansas City, MO, and most of my upbringing and creative life derived from that area. After graduation from college, I moved back home to pursue a career as an actor. I knew KC wasn’t my end goal, but I needed to lay a foundation somewhere. Fortunately, my hometown is arts centric, so I was able to cultivate my skills, gain credits on my resume, and qualify for status as a union member in Actors Equity. During this period of time, the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon was holding auditions in Kansas City. I was doing a show at the time, but was able to schedule an audition. Using it as more of an experience, I didn’t heap too much pressure on myself and was able to have two solid rounds of auditions in KC. Three weeks later, they asked if I can do a callback in NYC. Mind you, I had never been to NYC at that point and was unsure of how the whole process was going to work. I went back and forth on the decision to go because I only had one day available to do the audition, I had to foot the bill for my return flight, and battling the idea that it was a long shot. I even had a friend at the time doubt the probability as well. After long deliberation and conversations with close friends and family, I decided to take the risk. Upon getting to the audition room, the wave of doubt rose again. Feeling like the smallest fish in the biggest pond. However, during the audition I had to convince myself there was nothing to lose, and I was betting on myself in that moment. As I return home, I keep in contact with casting, but little movement had happened within the first couple months. On my final attempt of clarity, I receive a phone call from casting saying please don’t take any other work, we want you apart of the team. Not only did I book my first Broadway tour, but it was Australian leg of the company. I fulfilled multiple dreams because I chose to bet on myself and take a risk. It wont always work out that way, but I know if I’m risking something for the betterment of my life and career, then I can live with the outcome.

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?

I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, and my upbringing has played a large role in my artistic life, which eventually led to my career in the arts. I grew up in a musical household with music all around and my parents exposing me to all the great throwback artists. My grandfather was a professional singer/musician in Chicago. I wasn’t born before he passed away, but I feel a sense of duty and responsibility to carry on that legacy. My grandmother discovered I had a gift for singing when I was about two years old. Throughout school I participated in choir and other choral programs. When I got to middle school, I auditioned (and booked) my first musical. I had never combined my love of singing, with acting, and dance before that time. That certainly was the kicking off point and I never looked back. As a kid from the midwest, I’ve always had lofty goals, and dreams from myself. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve had a chance to work globally, on Broadway, across America, doing the thing that I love. With some extraordinary people. I also understand that as an actor i’m upholding a tradition of storytelling that has existed since we as humans have had the ability to communicate with each other. I don’t take it lightly because I know how powerful this work can be. In addition, I write and perform my music. I released my debut EP, Soul In 92, that can be streamed on all major platforms. Through music I have the ability to tell my own story which is really cathartic for me. As I continue to grow throughout my career, I want to pass along my knowledge to others that i’ve gained, and be a resource to people as they navigate this industry.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This is a pretty big question. On a larger scope, I’ll always be in favor of allocating more government funding to the arts. A baseline where theaters, etc, can operate, while devoting more time to job creation, and expanding the options for audience members. On a smaller scale, I think it’s important for anyone who is a lover of the arts to diversify what we consume. Support the cabarets, music venues, art shows, small black box performances, the list goes on. Many times the funds go directly to the artists themselves and can provide much needed spotlight on work that takes a lot of effort to produce.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal and mission on my creative journey is to live a life of meaning, while having the ability to provide for my family and community at large. We only have so much time on this Earth, and work dominates most of our lives. I want my work to create beautiful art for people. As a person of color, I want to continue to move the needle on representation and highlight how as humans we have more similarities, than we have differences. I’m a life long student, so my goal is to challenge myself within different mediums of the industry, and continue to expand and grow my world view.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @teddytrice
• Other: Tik Tok: teddytrice Teddy Trice on all streaming platforms. Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

Image Credits
Jmar Teran Ron Heerkens Jr Ian Johnston Russ Rowland Carol Rosegg