Inside the Mind of Ben Platt, the “Dear Evan Hansen” Star 1 Oscar Short of an EGOT (at 30!)
Jun 4, 2024
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Ben Platt, a multi-talented performer, discusses his career from childhood acting to 'Dear Evan Hansen'. He talks about finding his voice as a queer artist, the importance of sacrifice, and his new album 'Honeymind'. Platt shares insights on the challenges of live performances, personal journey, and embracing creative freedom as a musician.
Platt's early exposure to musical theater at a young age shaped his passion for performing.
Intense preparation enables Platt to balance perfection and spontaneity in live performances.
The unexpected success of 'Dear Evan Hansen' highlights the importance of mental health discussions in theater.
Deep dives
Ben Platt's Early Start in Theater and Family Influence
Ben Platt's journey in creative arts began at a young age, growing up in a family deeply rooted in musical theater. His parents, theatre performers themselves, nurtured a love for the arts within him and his siblings. This early exposure shaped Platt's passion for performing, leading him to audition for professional roles at just nine years old. His family's supportive environment and shared love for musicals laid the foundation for his career.
The Development of Ben Platt's Craft and Character Building
From his early experiences in productions like 'The Music Man' at the Hollywood Bowl to more significant roles like 'Caroline, or Change' at age 11, Platt honed his acting skills. Working with director George C. Wolfe marked a turning point in his ability to transform into characters deeply. Through meticulous preparation and emotional exploration, Platt learned to infuse authenticity and nuance into his performances, refining his craft with each role.
Navigating Perfectionism and Growth in Performance
Reflecting on the intense pressures of delivering flawless performances nightly, Platt delves into the balancing act between striving for perfection and embracing imperfection in live shows. He highlights the importance of rigorous preparation to build a strong foundation, allowing him to let go of control during performances and respond authentically in the moment. Platt's journey from early achievements in 'Pitch Perfect' to his pivotal role in 'Dear Evan Hansen' showcases his evolution in navigating the demands of live theater while maintaining genuine connections with his audience.
The Evolution of a Broadway Show's Success
Despite initial doubts about its commercial potential, a complex and emotionally engaging musical theater production managed to deeply connect with audiences. The lead actor recalls the profound impact the show had, sparking emotional responses and personal storytelling from viewers. This unexpected success highlighted the importance of mental health discussions, a powerful score, and compelling storytelling in resonating with people on a cultural level.
Creative Sacrifice and Fulfillment in Theater
The actor delves into the significant personal sacrifices and tolls often associated with intense artistic performances. Drawing a parallel between giving of oneself in theater and experiencing genuine fulfillment, he points out that a level of sacrifice is necessary for accomplishing creative excellence. By emphasizing the daily dedication and full commitment required in live performances, he stresses the deeply fulfilling yet demanding nature of theatrical work.
Ben Platt is an actor, singer, and songwriter who’s quickly become one of the most decorated performers of his generation. He sits down with Guy to talk about his first professional acting role at age 9, breaking out in “Pitch Perfect” and the runaway success of “Dear Evan Hansen,” finding his voice as an “authentically” queer artist, and the secret ingredient behind his success: “sacrifice”.
For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Audra McDonald to David Duchovny, Jason Sudeikis, and Tom Hanks – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.
