John Devereaux: Hamilton and Representation
Welcome to this special encore presentation of the StageLync Podcast. In this episode, hosts Kat Landry and Anna Robb sit down with actor John Devereaux, a standout performer from Hamilton. John shares his journey from hesitant high school actor to a principal standby in one of the world’s most iconic musicals. He delves into the challenges of covering multiple roles, the power of representation in theater, and how Hamilton resonates with modern social issues. Stay tuned! The full podcast episode will be aired next Monday.
What roles has John Devereaux played in Hamilton, and what is his current position in the production?
John Devereaux joined Hamilton in April 2019 as part of the Angelica Company ensemble. Initially, he covered three roles: King George, George Washington, and Mulligan/Madison. After the pandemic hiatus, he returned in 2021, eventually transitioning into a principal standby role. Now, in addition to his previous roles, he also covers Lafayette/Jefferson. As a standby, John’s primary responsibility is to be prepared to step in for multiple roles at a moment’s notice, often without prior rehearsal, ensuring smooth transitions during performances.
What does Hamilton mean to John as an American, particularly as a Black American?
John sees Hamilton as a multifaceted production that embodies entertainment, history, and relevance to contemporary issues. To him, it represents the fight for justice, equality, and freedom—parallels he draws with ongoing social revolutions in America. As a Black American, he finds it empowering to see diverse representation on stage and believes the production’s intentional casting choices challenge traditional perceptions about who can portray historical figures. For him, Hamilton reflects America’s diversity today while telling the stories of its past.
What are the unique challenges and rewards of being a standby in a major touring production like Hamilton?
Being a standby requires immense focus and adaptability. John has to memorize multiple roles and be ready to perform any of them with little to no warning. This level of preparation can be mentally taxing, but it also fosters a deep connection with both the onstage and backstage teams. Despite these challenges, John finds great satisfaction in the collaborative and dynamic nature of theater. He values the camaraderie among his colleagues and enjoys the opportunity to contribute creatively, even in a supporting capacity.
How does John view the impact of diverse casting in Hamilton and other period productions?
John emphasizes that diverse casting in Hamilton is more than just a bold artistic choice—it challenges societal norms and encourages audiences to confront their biases. He praises the production for breaking traditional casting barriers, showcasing talent based on ability rather than race or ethnicity. This approach resonates deeply with John, as it allows people of various backgrounds to see themselves represented in historically significant narratives, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.
What advice does John offer to aspiring performers looking to break into the industry?
John highlights the importance of preparation, persistence, and networking. He advises aspiring artists to train diligently, seize opportunities as they arise, and create their own content to showcase their talents. Collaboration with peers and maintaining a strong presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can also open doors. However, he cautions against relying solely on social media metrics, urging performers to focus on authentic connections and professional growth. For John, adaptability, kindness, and an unwavering passion for the craft are key to success in the performing arts.
5 Key Insights from John Devereaux
- Diverse Representation
Hamilton breaks casting norms, showcasing diversity on stage and reflecting modern America while challenging stereotypes about historical roles. - Role of a Standby
As a standby for multiple roles, John navigates the challenge of memorizing and performing on short notice, emphasizing preparation and adaptability. - Theater as Social Commentary
John sees Hamilton as a platform for addressing social justice and equality, connecting the historical revolution to modern struggles. - Advice to Performers
Preparation, persistence, collaboration, and authenticity are key. He encourages aspiring artists to create content, network, and embrace social media as a tool. - Call for Industry Change
John advocates for fewer grueling eight-show weeks and no travel on days off to improve performer well-being.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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