Swain as Aaron Samuels with Becca Petersen.
CS Music had the opportunity to chat with Broadway performer Jake Swain. He is currently portraying the Mathlete, Tyler Kimball, in Mean Girls. We loved what he had to say about vocal health and what is required to “make it.” Read below all about this fantastic actor!
Tell us a little about your background: growing up, your hometown, school experience, etc.
I grew up in Orem, UT. Did a lot of sports and scouting growing up. Then in 7th grade I was in my first show: Hello Dolly. Eventually got my BFA in Acting from Brigham Young University.
What made you first want to be a performer on stage?
As a kid, one of my best friends, Eric, was playing Tiny Tim in the local production of A Christmas Carol. I remember weeping as a 6-year-old when Tiny Tim died. I wanted to tell stories the way Eric did. I wanted to make people feel something.
When did you move to NYC (if you did have to move) and why?
I moved to NYC two days after graduating from BYU—coming up on five years ago now. My program does a showcase out in New York right after graduation for agents and casting directors. My buddy Brian Carey and I decided to make the showcase trip our official move to the big city. We moved into a two bedroom apartment in Washington Heights with four humans and two cats. Despite the cramped quarters and bunk bed situation, moving out here immediately after school was one of the best decisions of my life.
What is your favorite thing about living in NYC and what is your least favorite? Where is your favorite place to eat?
These are moving targets for me. My current favorite NYC thing is this hole-in-the-wall Dominican place called Zoralie in Hell’s Kitchen. Amazing beef stew. The thing I hate the most today? They just closed down my subway stop for a YEAR. Heaven help me.
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When were you first cast to be on Broadway, for what show, and what role?
It was February 5, 2019. I was doing a double shift at the restaurant I worked at polishing silverware in the back when I got the call that I would be playing Tyler Kimble (the Mathlete) in Mean Girls on Broadway.
Are you performing now? If so, what/when/who/where?
I’m still in Mean Girls (coming up on my year anniversary). Still playing Tyler Kimble, but now I also understudy Aaron Samuels.
What has been the most surprising thing to you about working in a Broadway show?
How human it is. Life—all the beauties and all the tragedies—continues to happen to every single person after they get their dream job.
What is the most rewarding and most challenging part of your job?
Every so often, the reality of it all hits me. I’ll be tapping a pencil onstage during a number and all of a sudden my body will register, “Oh my gosh. I’m holding an actual pencil. Sitting on an actual desk. On an actual Broadway stage.” And I’ll think of my high school drama teacher and my college professors and the dreams we all had. Then the tears will flow.
I think the most challenging part is learning how to keep my body and voice healthy doing an intensely physical show eight times a week for almost a year now.
What is your favorite warm-up and how long do you take to warm up your voice before performing?
I’ll do some straw therapy phonating if my voice is feeling particularly tired. But usually I’ll start with lip trills. Then I’ll go through a recorded warmup I have from my voice lessons. I have warmups that vary in length depending on how much time I have and how warm my voice is already. They can be anywhere from 5 – 20 min.
How do you keep your voice in shape for so many performances? Have you had any struggles keeping it healthy?
I had vocal surgery about a year and half ago to remove a polyp on one of my cords. So I am always very aware and concerned about my vocal health. The surgery was successful and exactly what I needed. But my real secret weapon is my vocal coach Chelsea Wilson. Working with her has restored my voice and made performing every night possible. Regular lessons with Chelsea, warming up, steaming, and vocal rest when needed have all been key to this year on Broadway.
Swain (far right) on the night of his Broadway debut with Christine Shepard, Kevin Cosculluela, and Daryl Tofa.
Is it worth it—everything you’ve had to go through to get where you are?
Yes. It’s worth it. The hard work continues even after booking “the job.” But I get to do what I love with people that I love. That makes it worth it.
How important is dancing to a Broadway-wanna-be? How old is too old to start dancing?
Every Broadway show requires a different skill set. A lot of them (like Mean Girls) are dance heavy. But there are also those shows that aren’t going to ask you to be a dancer to be in them. I started dancing in college. But even then I wasn’t a musical theater major, so I only took dance class when I could fit it in. So I think it’s never too late to start. But more important than trying to become a dancer if you’re primarily an actor or a singer, is becoming the best at what you’re already best at. If you’re an actor, become the best actor you can be. Sure, pick up other skills like tap and jazz singing if you feel like it fleshes you out as an artist. But don’t ignore the talents you already have. That is what will set you apart.
What do you say to that high school kid who dreams of being on Broadway? What is required to “make it?”
Be kind, work hard, and make brave choices.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our CS Music community?
I love that you say a “community.” A community is exactly what you’ll need as move further into this career. Find your people.
