We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lee H. Alexander . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lee H. below.
Lee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I am blessed to be able to earn a full time living from my creative work. I just graduated from The University of Michigan last year with a BFA in Musical Theatre and minor in Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship. I am currently on The First Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill. It definitely was not a straight shot to get to where I am today and I still have so much farther to go. I moved to New York about a year ago to pursue my dream of being on TV or a Broadway Show. It was a year full of no’s and maybe laters, but eventually the industry broke open for me. Persistency and Consistency is rewarded in this business. Less than a year after I graduated and started auditioning in the city I booked a reading at City Center Encores, The Muny’s Produciton of Sweeney Todd, and then right after the Muny I got on a plane to start previews for the First Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill. You never know when your big break is gonna come, but know that the energy you put into your craft will eventually be reciprocated. Success comes when Opportunity meets preparation , so keep grinding, learning, and be kind to yourself. Also having a year where work was scarce helped me pursue other creative outlets and opportunities. I got into voice over work, modeling, background and commercial work, and I’m now a recording artist who now has an album coming out soon and also a Single “Pressure” that drops December 9th! (Presave Link Below) Me and my friend Stephen Reisen aspire to create our own affiliate label that helps young artists get access to the resources and community they need to be successful.
Lee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Lee H. Alexander. All my life I loved performing , but I had no idea I could pursue it as a career till my High School Theatre teacher suggested I attend The University of Michigan’s M Pulse Program. There I fell in love with musical theatre all over again and realized I had the potential and the interest to pursue it as a career. 2 years later I auditioned for my dream school, U of M, and got in to The Musical Theatre Program. My time at Michigan was challenging and invigorating and prepared me for the industry that I am now finding success in. I am currently on the First Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill. Even though I identify as an artist , I know that I am so much more than a performer, hence why I minored in Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship at U of M. I wanted to explore other facets of the industry and adopt a business like approach to my artistry. As an Artist “You are Your Own Business”. I have been successful at creating multiple streams of income from my artistry and talents. I feel like actors often think of themselves as just “artists” and because of this they limit their creativity and potential. In this industry I believe it is essential to generate multiple streams of income and creative expression. In addition to being a musical theatre actor I am an entrepreneur, model, voice over actor, and recording artist. Check out my Spotify @Le$Lie. New music coming very soon.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is to tell stories in new and innovative ways. Whether I’m doing voice over work for a new Spider Man Miles Morallis short, acting on stage in a Broadway National Tour, writing a song for my new album, or organizing a business venture I get the opportunity to tell stories and collaborate with people and expand my network. Collaboration is the most beautiful thing about the industry. If your an artist , 9 times out of 10 you love collaboration, because how else could amazing art be made and captivating stories be told.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I think NFT’s are the next big thing when it comes to entertainment and acting opportunities. I recently was on an independent contract with a Virtual Reality/ Video Game Company and they recommended that I look into licensing myself as an NFT. Essentially actors could license their likeness as NFT’s and get compensated if a company uses their image, voice, or movements. However you must make sure there is a contractual agreement between you and the company or they can simply used your likeness without your permission and without needing to compensate you.
Contact Info:
- Website: Leehalexander.com
- Instagram: Leehalexander
- Facebook: Lee H. Alexander
- Linkedin: Lee H. Alexander
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IycOorNCyPAMWDjzYszIt?si=l8ytE9MKTmqFHidwSj32Dw
Image Credits
Sammi Stollof for Pic of Throwing Hat