Broadway is Calling: Ramblers Connect with Hamilton Cast and Crew for Live Q&A

Five members of the company joined the discussion, representing the breadth of the production: Swing Actors Tyler McKenzie and Terrance Martin, Pit Cellist Magali Toy, Crew Swing Kellie DeJardin, and Lead Spotlight Operator Rachel Juozapaitis. Together, they offered students a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on performance, musicianship, and technical theater.

From the beginning of the discussion, the panel emphasized the collaborative nature of the production. Whether on stage, in the pit, or behind the scenes, each role contributes to a fast-moving, highly detailed performance that demands precision and adaptability.

For the show's swing performers, who impressively must be prepared to step into multiple roles at a moment’s notice, the challenge lies in mastering the show's complexity while staying constantly alert. Both McKenzie and Martin shared that this show in particular has so many nuances. They explained that as a swing actor, you are not only staying in your track, but also keeping your eyes open for anything that might happen at any moment.

That sense of constant motion extends beyond the stage. As a touring production, Hamilton moves from city to city, requiring cast and crew to adapt quickly to new theaters, new teams, and new environments. For musicians like Toy, even the acoustics can shift dramatically. "Every city is different," she shared. "The sound changes depending on the space, even down to how the humidity of the pit can change when the audience takes their seats."

For crew members, adaptability is equally essential. DeJardin described her role as a swing crew member stepping into multiple backstage positions as needed. Her advice to students was clear: understand the full scope of a production. "It's important to know how every department works together," she said. "That collaboration is what makes the show happen."

The cast and crew shared their love for their jobs, but also explained some of the challenges that come from being part of a company on the road. From the pressure of maintaining consistency across hundreds of performances to the reality of life on tour, which may mean missing milestones at home while also building a "ham fam" on the road. The conversation offered a candid look at both the rewards and sacrifices of a career in the arts.

Juozapaitis, who has been with Hamilton since 2018, highlighted the importance of communication and composure in high-pressure moments. Calling complex lighting cues for local crews unfamiliar with the show requires clarity, adaptability, and trust. "You have to explain things in a way that everyone understands," she said, noting that each performance must feel seamless to the audience, regardless of what’s happening behind the scenes.

Throughout the conversation, a common theme emerged: growth. Whether learning to "work smarter, not harder" to sustain energy through a demanding show or developing the flexibility to say "yes" to new opportunities, each panelist pointed to the ways their careers have been shaped by perseverance, humility, and a willingness to learn.

"Hearing directly from professionals reinforced the importance of discipline, collaboration, and passion, values that mirror Loyola's own commitment to forming women and men for others," said Umsted. "We are so grateful for the generous time the company members spent with our students. By the end of the session, students gained more than just insight into a Broadway production; they had a clearer understanding of the dedication and teamwork required to pursue a life in the arts."