Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out cover image

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

148. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Everything is Basically the School Play

Oct 21, 2024
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the brilliant creator of "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," shares his creative journey and insights on writing musicals. He emphasizes the importance of having numerous ideas and draws valuable lessons from his school play experiences. Lin reflects on the chaos and magic of performing in big productions, recounting the origins of "Hamilton" and discussing his new album, "Warriors." The conversation also touches on the vibrant life of New York and the significance of diversity and mentorship in theater.
55:40

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Lin-Manuel Miranda emphasizes that experimenting with influences, such as creating short musicals inspired by 'Rent', can lead to discovering one's authentic artistic voice.
  • He highlights the importance of bold creative risks, asserting that confronting vulnerabilities through new projects fosters transformative outcomes in artistic growth.

Deep dives

The Creative Journey to Authenticity

The journey to finding one's authentic voice often involves experimenting with influences that inspire. After viewing 'Rent,' Lin-Manuel Miranda created numerous 15-minute musicals that echoed its style, showcasing how imitation can foster originality. By exploring various creative avenues, one can gradually develop a unique voice that resonates with personal experiences and insights. Ultimately, the process requires persistence and an openness to evolve through trial and error, leading to true artistic expression.

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