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[0:01] Tori Bullard: You're listening to Stage Door Podcast, the podcast celebrating theatre and creativity from onstage mishaps to career-defining moments. Hosted by Thespians, myself, Tori and co-host Eliza. Fortnightly, we will bring you industry professional guests, deep dives and more.

[0:20] Tori Bullard: Welcome everyone to Season 5, Episode 2 of Stage Door Podcast. Today we are welcoming the ridiculously talented performer Jacob Steen. But before we get started, we would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which we work, live and record, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We also acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Jacob completed his first year of the Bachelor of Music Theatre program at the Victorian College of Arts, and went on to make his professional music theatre debut in Mary Poppins the Musical for Michael Castle Group. After making his professional debut, he was a part of the ensemble for Moulin Rouge!

Currently, Jacob is performing as the beloved Fred in the hilarious and heartwarming production of Groundhog Day, with music and lyrics written by Aussie powerhouse Tim Minchin. The show has an exclusive 13-week season, playing now until 7 April in Melbourne's Princess Theatre. Ladies, welcome to the mic, Jacob!

[1:23] Jacob Steen: Hello! Thanks for having me!

[1:26] Eliza Gunther: Thank you for coming here!

[1:28] Jacob Steen: Of course, of course, I'm so happy.

[1:31] Tori Bullard: How have you been? You've been really busy, obviously, doing Groundhog Day. How's it all going?

[1:36] Jacob Steen: It's been a lot. The tech rehearsal process, we've had like two weeks of like full-time tech-teching. It's been a lot.

[1:46] Eliza Gunther: And you've opened. You've opened now.

[1:48] Jacob Steen: We opened last week, Thursday, and Friday. We had two openings, because it was like, it was like, it was the second one was called Fopening, because it was like Groundhog Day, the day repeats. So then...

[2:02] Eliza Gunther: Oh, I love that so much!

[2:06] Jacob Steen: So we had like, we had the, the first day we had a band, like a marching band, and then the second day we had a band again. It was hilarious.

[2:16] Eliza Gunther: Oh my god, that's incredible!

[2:18] Jacob Steen: Yeah.

[2:19] Eliza Gunther: Marketing to a T.

[2:20] Jacob Steen: I know, but they did a really good job. And it was, it was just funny. And because the second of the second is Groundhog Day.

[2:27] Eliza Gunther: Oh my god, that's so smart!

[2:30] Jacob Steen: Isn't that crazy? Yeah, they really like, got the theatre booking perfect.

[2:36] Tori Bullard: Yeah, which is nearly impossible these days.

[2:40] Tori Bullard: Now you actually got your professional debut in a very interesting way. Your entry to the professional environment was very different from others. And it started with an Instagram DM that turned into the start of your career. For those listening, can you tell us the story of how you ended up auditioning for Mary Poppins?

[2:57] Jacob Steen: It was crazy, because I was in first year at VCA. I was unrepresented. I didn't have anything like in that administrative area in my life going at the time. My understanding is that they'd put forward a version of, like, they'd cast the show and sent it off. It was in, like, lockdown as well in Melbourne. So that was a huge, long period. I remember as well, during the Mary Poppins auditions, it was like the snap lockdown that night. And it was like a whole thing. I didn't audition the first time. I didn't know how to get there. No one was sending me any, like, audition briefs or anything. So I just, it was not even on my radar at all. Yeah, I got a message. It was lockdown still, like, just going by. And I got a message on Instagram from one of the people who worked for the production company. And at first I was like, oh my god, what, like, a crazy robot message to get in my requests. I was like, wow, this is like—

[4:00] Jacob Steen: Wow, targeted bots.

[4:00] Jacob Steen: Yeah. And then, and then I checked the, like, the profile and then it was just like, hey, this is like such an unconventional way of contacting you. Oh, we just wanted to know if you'd be interested in auditioning. And I was like, oh yeah. I wasn't really, like, I was just doing my classes online and that's it at home. So I was like, yeah, I've got free time, like, outside of that. They sent me a brief and the brief, this is where things are, like, very interesting. They were like, we want two golden age songs, one uptempo, one slower. And then for the dance section, they were like, these are the ballet steps we want to see. And here's a clip, a cut of music. So can you just put something together?

Okay. Which I was like, yeah, I can do that. I was so green that I was like, I will do that. And then I like filmed it in the car park of a shopping center because we didn't have studios and my house was like, not the place. It was not a house for dancing. With your lounge room, your, like, couch there, just tripping over things. I had, like, absolute radio silence as expected, like, theater, how theater works. It's like silence. And then I got a response saying, hey, we loved your audition. It was like eight weeks later, I think, or like 12 weeks, something huge. That's a long time.

[5:23] Jacob Steen: Yeah. And because we were still in lockdown, there was not a rush. And then, so they were like, we loved your audition. We're going to try and get you seen in person on Saturday. Like this week, I mean. After eight weeks silence and you're like, oh yeah, I've forgotten everything. Like, I'm good. Yeah. They were like, does Saturday work for you? And it was crazy because like, they had to pay us so that we like, were going to work so we could leave the house.

[5:41] Eliza Gunther: Yeah.

[5:46] Jacob Steen: What? I have never heard of this.

[5:46] Jacob Steen: Cause we were in lockdown. Yeah. Because you had to, you had to be, you had to have like an, like an actual like reason to be leaving the house. Which was like awesome. I was like, great. This is great that this can happen, especially in the arts.

[6:00] Tori Bullard: I know. Can all the auditions be paid for? The amount of hours you put into the auditions?

[6:00] Jacob Steen: And then, so I got my right to work certificate as well, which just for the audition. Yeah. Which was great. I was like, okay, this is amazing that this can happen. And then I went in 10 AM. I had to like, I was actually doing full voice warmups on the train and there weren't a lot of people. So that was okay. But there were people that were definitely leaving the carriage. Like I wish I was joking, but I was like, this could be my one chance, you know? Hey, it was. It worked. It worked. And then I went in and did the, it was like 45 minute dance solo because of COVID. 45 minute dance audition and then 15 minute scene. All by yourself. Like, and a dance audition by yourself. That is so unheard of.

I know. That's kind of intimidating and crazy. Actually, I didn't know the diff, like I didn't have anything to compare to really. Right. You wouldn't have like, yeah, you wouldn't have done like the big old cattle call dance calls where it's just like 50 people. Yeah. I'd done one audition before that, which was like one professional audition, but I was like 17. It was for Hamilton and it was a lot, I was so, had no idea what was going on. When I found out you had to bring in cheap music, I was like, what? No. No, like I brought it in, but they were like, on the thing, they were like, bring in cheap music. I was like, what for? Cause I was just so like fresh. Like I didn't have any idea about how it worked. It's like those, you know, people have those auditions where they walk in and then they're asked to sing and they're like, oh, you, I was supposed to prepare something. Um, sure. Happy birthday.

[7:49] Jacob Steen: Yeah, no, literally. And in my Mary Poppins audition, I don't know if everyone was like expecting this, but like when I got taught the choreography and then I danced and I was like waiting for the choreographer to walk over to like her phone or something. And then she was like, uh, Jeff, can I just have it a bit under tempo? And then we danced to the piano, which was like, I've never danced to like, I mean, it makes sense to like dance to live music, but I was like, on this scale, I was like, it's, there are three of us here, surely just click play. But it's surprisingly, it's easier for like someone to just play it, you know? And it was so, I was like, the only time I've danced in a live instrument was the one ballet exam that I did that was like pulling, pulling teeth.

Cause you barely even started at, at VCA at that point. And the fact that you guys went into lockdown and then you're just thrusted into the professional world is so crazy. But it's also, it is almost that thing of like ignorance is bliss. Like, I had no idea. And then I remember walking out of the audition and the guy, cause they could only like stagger people in. So it was like one person at a time. Then he was walking past me and he was like this tall, like built guy. And I was like, fully, I had no idea. I was like, well, I'm definitely not going to get it. I just had this feeling. What was that like getting thrust into the professional world just so fast?

[9:14] Jacob Steen: Thinking about it now, I wasn't ready for it, but also I didn't know that I wasn't ready as well. Cause I was so like, let's go. I just wanted things to like happen. And you were hungry too. Like, especially I, you just got into VCA, like that's really exciting. And then it's like, oh, it's happening already. Like the hunger and drive to want to get it. And then you got it, you know? And I did, I did not see it happening that fast at all. I knew like, I know, I knew rejection was a part of it, of course. And like, they always say like, oh, it's a tough industry. I'm like, yeah, okay, cool. Save it for yourself. I didn't think it was going to happen so fast. It's wild. I mean, did you always want to be a performer growing up? Was that kind of what you trained for? Were you more like doing dance full time?

[9:57] Jacob Steen: I mostly grew up doing dancing. I did two classes. I did like jazz and tap from like when I was three to like, to when I was 13. And I more did basketball and tennis and I was in scouts and stuff. So I did like a lot of different other things. I think that it got to a point where I was like, mom, I kind of want to like do more dance classes. And she was like, well, financially, you're going to have to give up one of the other things. I was like, okay, I'll try. Did you always sing as well?

[10:30] Jacob Steen: No. No. So a lot of my singing stuff that I did at VCA was literally just undoing most of my like breathing. We have to learn how to breathe first and then we can move on.

[10:41] Eliza Gunther: I was just so like frustrated. Here we go again.

[10:45] Jacob Steen: Yeah, but it all like having the perspective now of what I've learnt and what I need to have to be able to do the job is like, it's so clear from this point of view. I'm like, absolutely. That makes like so much sense why you need to learn how to do that. It's so interesting, the perspective.

[11:03] Eliza Gunther: Yeah. Perspective's everything. And now you have perspective, I guess, as well. When it became time to choose subjects for year 11 and 12, and I met with my careers counselor at the school I was going to and I was like, oh yeah, I want to do like musicals. I couldn't even sing. Well, I could sing, but like not very well.

[11:25] Jacob Steen: I don't know. It was a weird thing. Like I could sing by myself.

[11:30] Jacob Steen: Yeah, but not in front of others. No, I never really did. I said to the careers counselor, I was like, I want to do musicals or like perform for my career. And she was like, that's really like hard to get into. Maybe you should think about, let's just plan for your second option. And I was like, yeah. I was like, okay. I remember shutting down. And then I was like, my mom does osteopathy. I was like, I want to do osteopathy. And then like that term, I was like, mom, how much are you paying for this school? Cause I knew it was expensive. And it's like my mom, single mom, she was like, oh, like, I think it was like 27,000 a year or something. I was like, it's time to go, I think. And she was like, okay, great.

And then, so I just didn't go back to school for the rest of the term. And I had like a six week holiday, like midterm. And then I enrolled in this new school, much better. Everyone there was amazing. My sessions with the career counselor at that school was so different because she was like, it's going to be hard, but if you want to do it, try. It's like the difference. You need to step it up because we need you to get there. Come on.

[12:39] Eliza Gunther: Yeah. She's like, you're going to have to like really try.

[12:39] Jacob Steen: Yeah. Like osteo or musical theater. And it was so weird coming from like this childhood background where I was like self-sabotage made me feel like I had control and like trying hard at things was really difficult because I knew that I could fit like that whole thing that lots of people experience.

[12:56] Eliza Gunther: Yeah.

[12:56] Jacob Steen: So when it was like time to like, you're going to actually have to like put everything into it for the whole career. You can't just tap out. I was like, oh, do I want to do that? But now like I've strengthened those muscles to be able to do that. So yeah. Have they ever come and seen you in the shows? Like anyone from high school?

[13:15] Jacob Steen: I think that careers counselor did. I think I have her on Facebook and she's like been following along and like leaves comments, which is nice.

[13:24] Eliza Gunther: Oh, I love that. I love that. That's so cute.

[13:30] Jacob Steen: Yeah. It feels like time has gone like that.

[13:30] Eliza Gunther: I know. From then to now. I mean, it really, it really has. You've done so much in the last couple of years since even finishing high school. It's you've just been working nonstop, which is fantastic.

[13:41] Jacob Steen: I'm so lucky, but it's a weird thing because like, I could have never foreseen what was going to happen. But then looking back, I'm like, oh wow, all this stuff has happened since then.

[13:50] Eliza Gunther: Yeah. It's weird. It's weird. I feel like it's absolutely the kind of industry where you just can't plan. You can't like map out like, oh, I'm going to go and do my masters and I'm going to do this and I'm going to get a job. I'm like, it's going to be like great. Like some people, it is like years after they graduate. Some people don't go to university. Some people get pulled out of university because they book a job. It's so hard. And it's, it's really hard. I think as well for, you know, we live in a world where it is so based around planning. Like you need to plan like what your life is going to be like in 10 years. And we're just like, but we won't because we can't because it's the career that we're in. You just, you literally cannot plan no matter how hard you try to, you literally cannot plan for it.

[14:27] Jacob Steen: No, literally. That's what I, one of the people on Mary Poppins who played Mrs. Corey, her name's Shireen. She was like, you can't plan ahead in this industry. Like don't not, you can't.

[14:45] Jacob Steen: To fire it up far ahead either because it's just like jobs come up like that.

[14:50] Tori Bullard: They do. They do. Like you'll have a month, like I don't know, like January, nothing, nothing's happening. Then it's like, Oh, hey, here, five auditions in one week. And then you're like, okay, cool. This is great. But you there's such that rollercoaster where you feel like, you know, some months when they are like, you're not really doing much. You're like, Oh, and I might not be good enough to do this. Or, you know, you have self-doubt and all those things.

[15:13] Jacob Steen: And then next minute something pops up and you go, Oh yeah, I can do this. And this is, this is the right career for me. I mean, there's such a rollercoaster within this career and you just don't know when something that suits you as well. Like it's not based on talent. It's like, it is based on talent, but like everyone's talented, but when it suits you, it's like it comes up and it's just, yeah, it's such a weird experience and it's hard to be, it's hard to know if you're going to like it before you try. It's kind of those because there's not really anything in life that replicates the extremes of it.

[15:46] Tori Bullard: Kind of just go like throw yourself into it like full force for many years.

[15:49] Jacob Steen: Yeah. There's people that I know that like own houses for me at this point. Like if I don't work for a bit, it's like not going to be the end of my life or I'm not going to be giving anything up. But those people who own multiple properties or who have multiple children, these jobs are like, livelihood is at stake.

[16:09] Tori Bullard: It is. It's different. But I mean, you have such a positive and bright, and I think anyone that knows you or has seen you perform or has even just seen you online would agree. How do you maintain your mental health when facing what is a tough industry at times?

[16:25] Jacob Steen: My experiences like with my mental health have been so subtle sometimes it feels like, and especially like prolonged, in being in prolonged environments, you kind of get used to things that aren't necessarily a great way of being. It's more so like stress and anxiety. I experienced this first thing where like when I was performing, I was not emotionally nervous. I knew exactly what I was doing. Like I knew my plot in the show, like, like easily. Like I practice it all the time, but my, I was shaking. Like I was shaking so much, but I was like, what the f- I was like, I'm not even nervous. Like my emotionally, I'm like, I'm so glad and stuff. But I was like fully shaking.

[17:08] Tori Bullard: No one really talks about like stage in a way that that sense of like stage fright that you get, like even seasons and performance, when you know what you're doing, there's a sense of, wow, there are all these people out there and you're like about, it's like you're about to jump off a cliff and then once you're over the cliff, you're completely fine. You're like, I'm enjoying life. I love musical theater, life is good. But beforehand, like you do get the jitters and the nerves and even your body taking over in ways that you don't anticipate. And the stakes are so much higher in terms of like future employment or like people in the audience, casting people or like people who are looking for dancers or singers or whatever, or whoever's casting the next show. It's like, when you think about it, it is, it is like objectively horrifying.

[18:00] Jacob Steen: Especially when you do have to consider those things, like, how am I going to like people with kids in the houses? Like, this performance, this one performance could dictate what happens for my next six months. And it's just, there's just a lot of issues in like, like any workplace, like with eating and like being around athletic dancers and then like beauty. And it's just, I find that for me, like being alone or like being away from that is like, what can like have a focus that isn't including how I look or like all those things that I don't need to really, I don't really need to care about.

[18:37] Tori Bullard: Yeah. Cause I mean, there's so many, with all the shows you've done, there's just so many different types of people in all of them as well. Like it's so fair that you would compare yourself to others, but having the grounded home life away from musical theater, because at the end of the day, you know, when you have a normal job, it becomes your job. And in a way you have to like step away from your job, which is a hard thing when it goes from being like your passion and your love to then work, but then it's work that you love, but you also have to like distance yourself from it when you are like, and switch off at times.

[19:09] Jacob Steen: So hard. I think also spending time with people who don't have a drop of musical theater in, and it's just like, they couldn't comprehend how it works, which to me is like, I don't understand how they couldn't understand it, but like being with those people and hearing about their life is like good. And like, it lets me know that there are other things beyond performing, which is like a hard truth.

[19:37] Tori Bullard: Yeah. No, I have quite a few friends in my life or just people in my life in general who have nothing to do with the theater world. They, like I used to work at a bookstore. I remember I had one of them messaged me. She was like, Hey, I just went on a date with a guy and he kept reciting a musical to me. Should I be concerned? And I was like, well, I was like, well, I don't know. I was like, what was the musical? She was like six and I was like, Oh no, that's, I was like, that's fine. But I remember trying to explain to her, I was like freaking out about an audition. I was like, I don't know. I was like, I don't know what to wear. Like, I'm like, I think I want to sing this song, but like, Oh, maybe I should like switch it up and do this.

And she was like, what's it for? And I explained what it was for. And she was like, it doesn't sound like a big deal to me. Just do whatever. And I was like, thank you. First perspective. I was like, that's actually just the attitude that I need. Thank you very much.

[20:25] Jacob Steen: It's, it's hilarious.

[20:28] Tori Bullard: No, it's, it's, it's a, it's an interesting industry, but I think if you keep grounded, have good people around you, it does really help for those moments where you are nervous. Like you can't really help all of those things, but having a good support system and also fun little rituals that you do before the show, just to get them out. Do you have one of those?

[20:41] Jacob Steen: I have a breathing exercise that I do like Wim Hof.

[20:48] Tori Bullard: Oh.

[20:50] Jacob Steen: So you do like 30 deep inhalations and exhalations for however long it takes. And then you breathe out all your air, and then you hold your breath for a minute. And then you breathe in for 50 for like a quick in-breath and hold that for 15 seconds. Then you do the same 30 things, 30 breaths, deepen in and out. And then you hold your breath for a minute and a half. And then you do inhale for 15, like inhale, hold for 15. Then the 30 breaths. And then you do a minute and a half again. And it goes for like 11 minutes and it just like calms your nervous system. Cause it, it like, it tells, it oxygenates your blood really quickly and then like lets your brain know like, Hey, we're fine. Like don't worry about calling in any extra defense forces for today. Like we've actually got the grounds covered.

[21:42] Tori Bullard: Yeah. I love that. I do something similar for anxiety, but it doesn't take 11 minutes. It takes about five minutes, but it's, but it's the, it's the breathing. And also when you're focusing as well on at least what I found for me, when I'm focusing on like the counting of like, okay, this is how long I'm holding for. This is how long I'm breathing for. It makes everything else just like, you can't focus on anything else other than that. And then you're like, Oh, I'm actually okay. Everything's actually fine.

[22:10] Jacob Steen: I also, I have a, I have this, um, a quote by, have you heard of like Brene Brown?

[22:16] Tori Bullard: No, I haven't.

[22:17] Jacob Steen: Oh, I work at a bookstore. You work at the bookstore. A massive, a big self-development, um, author. And she's like studied like shame and how it affects people.

[22:26] Tori Bullard: Yeah.

[22:31] Jacob Steen: Okay. Yeah. This is the quote. So she talks about living your life in the arena and like the people who dare greatly or like want to live bravely and like full on. Like the book is called daring greatly who want to live greatly in the arena, like in, on the floor getting their asses kicked. That's the whole thing. Cause she's like, when you sign up to live your life like with courage and like following your heart and loving like openly, there's bound to be rejection and hurt. That's just how it works.

[23:09] Tori Bullard: That's so like, you're going to be in the arena getting your ass kicked, whether you like it or not.

[23:12] Jacob Steen: Yeah. And so she talks about this thing. Okay. I've got the quote here. She says if you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I'm not interested in or open to your feedback. There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their own lives, but will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgment at those of us trying to dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fear mongering. If you're criticizing from a place where you're not also putting yourself on the line, I'm not interested in your feedback.

[23:53] Tori Bullard: I love that.

[23:55] Jacob Steen: Yeah. So I think also learning to accept feedback is like, is going to benefit me.

[24:03] Tori Bullard: Yeah. He's like, because there's so, you will get feedback. Yeah. Like performing like, and people won't care if you want to hear it or not, because that will tell you. The random moms and dads come into stage door being like, it was okay. I could use more of this or that. You know what I mean?

[24:19] Jacob Steen: Their opinions do not matter.

[24:24] Tori Bullard: Yeah. And also one of, I, I spent a lot of time with my dance captain on Mary Poppins and he said something along the lines of like, don't accept, like don't accept advice from people who are not where you want to be. And I think that's like a huge thing because there are lots of people it's bound to happen. We're so critical of everything, of everything.

[24:47] Jacob Steen: Yeah, we are. We're so critical.

[24:51] Tori Bullard: Yeah. Oh, that's some really good advice. Thank you. It's really good to talk about that stuff because sometimes like we don't get into the nitty gritty and I think that's just like, yeah, some really good advice there for anyone who's performing or not even performing, just doing their own thing and like just go for it and you know, let it, let the, the hate go off your back. You know, only the people that you respect, you know?

[25:11] Jacob Steen: Yeah.

[25:16] Tori Bullard: Okay. But on that note, we're actually going to move into a little bit of a game now just to spice things up. It's called this or that.

[25:21] Jacob Steen: So we're going to ask you this or that questions. Um, basically something or something and you have to choose which one you would prefer to have.

[25:31] Tori Bullard: Okay. Now starting off strong, we're going to have, would you play Mary Poppins or play Bert?

[25:41] Jacob Steen: I think I would love to play Mary. Yeah. She just has, she, yeah. She's just got such a good track. Like I feel like everyone just guides her around the stage. Like she's like an angel. I love that. And the flying, like come on, the flying at the end. And her dresses.

[25:59] Jacob Steen: Oh gosh, all of them. To die for. She always looks like doom. Like she just looks great.

[26:04] Tori Bullard: Okay. Would you rather be cast in a well-known classic or be cast in a new original musical?

[26:11] Jacob Steen: I think original, new original, only because what I've learned with Groundhog Day when things are newer, there's like actually opportunity for input from the actor or the performer, which I was so, which is something I haven't experienced yet where like being asked, like, what do you think? Like, where do you think you would go? Or like when I ask, Oh, am I staying? What number should I stand on? They're like, Oh, we don't really know yet. And it's just like, okay, we'll figure it out. And it's like collaborative.

[26:50] Tori Bullard: Yeah. And I feel like an equal. Do you know what I mean? To the director, the choreographer, we feel like on the same level. There's merit to both because I get like, I get having, you know, the prescribed, you know, the same as Broadway, that kind of thing, like getting to experience that. But then there is something so magical about new work or being in a part of a new development of that work or a new version of that work where it's so invigorating to get to like, put your own stamp on it and actually not, I don't know, you get way more into it because you've had some sort of like creative choice in it too.

[27:29] Jacob Steen: Yeah, absolutely. Like that person down the line is going to make this choice and it might only be like one little thing, but that was because that's something that I did that inspired that. It's because of me. So that would be my, that would be, I love it.

[27:43] Tori Bullard: Yeah. Okay. This is fun one. Falling over on stage or forgetting your lines on stage.

[27:49] Jacob Steen: Falling over. I'd much prefer to fall over.

[27:53] Tori Bullard: Yeah, I think I would too. I mean, I've done both and both aren't fun, but I feel like the falling over was more like funny. You can like, it's so much easier to just like bounce back. You're just like, Oh, and I'm up. It's fine.

[28:06] Jacob Steen: That's funny.

[28:10] Tori Bullard: Yeah. Literally. Yeah. You're like, Oh, that's all part of the scene.

[28:12] Jacob Steen: Yeah.

[28:16] Tori Bullard: I feel like forgetting lines lingers on you a little bit more than if you like fall over, you're just like, your brain is just immediately like, okay, what's the next thing? Whereas forgetting lines kind of just like sits with you just a little bit longer.

[28:29] Jacob Steen: That's so true.

[28:30] Tori Bullard: Yeah, that's so true.

[28:35] Jacob Steen: Okay. Buying a full price ticket to a show right when it opens or waiting a year with the possibility of getting a free ticket.

[28:38] Tori Bullard: Oh, that's a really hard question.

[28:41] Jacob Steen: I think from my position at the moment in my life, probably I would pay for a ticket. I'm getting paid from working in theater so I can afford to put it back into it. You know?

[28:51] Tori Bullard: Yeah. But I also, like if I wasn't in a show, I'd probably be more likely to wait for a free ticket.

[28:57] Jacob Steen: Yeah. I feel that.

[29:02] Tori Bullard: Yeah. That makes sense. I feel like it's also sometimes dependent on the show. Like sometimes there'll be things where I'm just like, Oh, I want it. I want to see it before I like, I want to experience it firsthand. I don't want to necessarily have like, look, I love Hadestown. It's one of my favorite musicals. I feel like I don't even need to see it anymore. I feel like I've seen everything that happens.

[29:19] Jacob Steen: Yeah.

[29:24] Tori Bullard: Yeah. It's hard. It is hard. That's a hard question. Okay. Lucky last question.

[30:30] Tori Bullard: Welcome back to Stage Door Podcast! We are so excited to have you here with us today.

[31:00] Eliza Gunther: Yes, we have a fantastic guest lined up for you!

[31:07] Tori Bullard: That's right! Today, we are chatting with the incredible Jacob Steen, who is currently starring in Groundhog Day The Musical.

[31:15] Eliza Gunther: Jacob has such a unique journey into the world of musical theatre, and we can't wait to dive into that.

[31:35] Tori Bullard: Absolutely! Plus, we’ll be discussing some important topics like mental health in the industry, which is so crucial.

[31:55] Eliza Gunther: And we’ll also hear about his experience working alongside the legendary Andy Karl from the original Broadway cast of Groundhog Day.

[32:25] Tori Bullard: So, without further ado, let’s welcome Jacob Steen to the podcast!

[32:55] Jacob Steen: Thanks for having me! I'm really excited to be here.

[33:15] Tori Bullard: We’re thrilled to have you! Let’s start with your journey. How did you get into musical theatre?

[33:25] Jacob Steen: Well, I grew up in a small town and always loved performing. I started in school productions and just fell in love with it.

[33:35] Eliza Gunther: That’s amazing! What was your first big role?

[33:55] Jacob Steen: My first big role was in a local production of Les Misérables. I played Marius, and it was such a transformative experience for me.

[34:15] Tori Bullard: Les Misérables is such a classic! What was it like to perform in that show?

[34:25] Jacob Steen: It was incredible! The music is so powerful, and the story really resonated with me.

[34:35] Eliza Gunther: I can imagine! And now you’re in Groundhog Day. How has that experience been for you?

[34:55] Jacob Steen: It’s been a dream come true! The cast is amazing, and the material is so fun and challenging.

[35:05] Tori Bullard: What’s been your favorite part of the show so far?

[35:15] Jacob Steen: Honestly, just getting to perform every night and connect with the audience. It’s such a rewarding experience.

[35:35] Eliza Gunther: That’s wonderful to hear! And what about the mental health aspect? How do you maintain your well-being in such a demanding industry?

[35:45] Jacob Steen: It’s definitely a challenge. I try to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that help me recharge.

[35:55] Tori Bullard: That’s so important! What kind of activities do you find helpful?

[36:15] Jacob Steen: I love going for walks, spending time with friends, and just taking a moment to breathe and reflect.

[36:35] Eliza Gunther: Those sound like great ways to unwind!

[36:55] Jacob Steen: Yeah, it’s all about finding that balance, especially during busy times.

[37:15] Tori Bullard: Absolutely! And what’s it like working with Andy Karl?

[37:35] Jacob Steen: He’s such a talented performer and a great mentor. I’ve learned so much from him.

[37:55] Eliza Gunther: That’s fantastic! What’s one piece of advice he’s given you?

[38:15] Jacob Steen: He always emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment, both on and off stage.

[38:35] Tori Bullard: That’s such valuable advice!

[38:45] Jacob Steen: It really is. It helps me focus and enjoy the experience more.

[38:55] Eliza Gunther: Thank you for sharing that!

[39:15] Tori Bullard: We’re so grateful to have you here today, Jacob.

[39:35] Jacob Steen: Thank you for having me!

[39:55] Eliza Gunther: We can’t wait to see what you do next!

[40:15] Tori Bullard: Yes, and everyone, make sure to grab your tickets to Groundhog Day before it leaves The Princess Theatre on April 20!

[40:35] Jacob Steen: Definitely! You won’t want to miss it.

[40:55] Eliza Gunther: And don’t forget to follow Jacob and Groundhog Day on Instagram!

[41:15] Tori Bullard: Thanks for joining us today, Jacob!

[41:35] Jacob Steen: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.

[41:55] Eliza Gunther: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in!

[42:05] Tori Bullard: We’ll see you next time on Stage Door Podcast!

[42:25] Eliza Gunther: Bye!

[42:45] Jacob Steen: Bye!

[43:05] Tori Bullard: Take care!

[43:25] Eliza Gunther: Bye!

[43:45] Jacob Steen: Bye!

[44:05] Tori Bullard: See you next time!

[44:15] Eliza Gunther: Bye!