Nathan Sheppard is an awesome young actor who was recently admitted into ASU's Lyric Opera program. Nathan is most known for his portrayals of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at VYT and J.D. in Heathers at Greasepaint. This summer, Nathan will return to VYT to play Eric in The Little Mermaid.
Full Real Legit Name
Nathan Randall Sheppard
Where were you born?
Phoenix AZ
What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets?
I have two stellar parents and a wonderful sister. (Also, a very chubby dog named Abby whom I love dearly)
When and why did you start performing?
In eighth grade, my sister introduced me to a woman who ran a local theater called Xpressions. She explained to me that she needed more people to play rats in her upcoming production of Nutcracker. I hesitantly agreed at the time because the role involved singing, and singing absolutely terrified me. I accepted the role regardless, immediately fell in love with the whole process and have been performing ever since!
First show you ever saw?
The Lion King at Gammage, and fun fact, I fell asleep. The show was phenomenal (I think), I was just a young lad and it was waaaaay past my bedtime.
Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?
Pippin at Phoenix Theater. That show is the reason I decided to pursue theater as a career. By the end of their two hour performance I was blown away with what that cast had created and left on the stage. Ever since then I have been DYING to be in that show.
Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?
My favorite show was when I played Marius in Les Miserables. I had only dreamed about being in Les Mis, let alone alone playing the part of Marius, so when I heard about MTA’s performance, I couldn’t help but audition. Everything about Les Miserables just screams “THIS IS AN EPIC SHOW” and it truly was an unforgettable experience.
Most challenging acting experience? Why?
The most challenging acting experience I’ve had was when I played J.D. in Heathers. I feel like J.D. has a lot of depth, so in order to play him, you really have to delve into what makes him the way he is. Not only is it hard to portray his complex emotions, but vocally, the role is quite demanding. I’ve never spent as much time on another character outside of rehearsal, so J.D. was definitely the most challenging
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| Nathan as Joseph in VYT's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2015). |
The biggest challenge that I had in Joseph was getting used to wearing almost nothing on stage! I had never been that, exposed I guess? It was a unique and fun experience. My favorite memory is just being on the Herberger stage, performing in such a fun and energetic musical. There's nothing quite like that stage.
You played Troy Bolton in High School Musical at your high school, Sandra Day O’Connor High, last year? What is fun about character like Troy Bolton? Do you prefer playing more fun, light characters like Troy or more serious, dark characters?
In fourth grade I played Troy Bolton, so when I was cast again, it was like reliving old memories! The songs in High School Musical are all such classics. There is nothing better than singing those songs that you’ve sang for years for hundreds of people. I definitely think I like playing the darker characters more though. I tend to have a lot more fun with them.
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| Nathan as Jack in Into the Woods at Sandra Day O'Connor High School (2013). |
I think the reason why Into the Woods is so popular is because of the numerous messages and lessons you learn from the story. Stephen Sondheim did everything he could to squeeze as many lessons in as possible. Playing Jack was an absolute blast. Our cast worked so hard to put on that crazy three hour show, and I think to this day, Into the Woods is one of the best shows I have ever performed in.
Last year, you were in Les Miserables with Musical Theatre of Anthem. Marius in Les Miserables is a pretty iconic character. What challenges come with playing an iconic character? How did you make him your own? And what was the overall experience of the show like?
Oh man I had dreamed of playing Marius for years, so when I finally got the chance I was overjoyed. I came into the process already having all of my music memorized (because I loved the show so much), so I had a lot of time to think about Marius and who he is. That show was AMAZING. There's nothing better than belting “One Day More” on stage with a full chorus of people in front of an audience.
Do you prefer performing in musicals or straight plays? Why?
Absolutely musicals. Singing is my all time favorite thing to do. Dancing not so much, but I love singing some show tunes.
You also recently played Dickon in Secret Garden. What makes that show so special?
The special part of that show was having to learn an entirely different dialect. I had to tackle the Yorkshire accent which is a crazy combination of Irish, Scottish and British. I had a dialect coach who literally had to walk me through each line because accents do not come easy to me (yikes).
Favorite character you got to play this past year?
Marius or J.D.
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| Nathan with Alyssa Gonzalez as J.D. and Veronica in Greasepaint's Heathers (2016). |
I love getting to work with Alyssa Gonzalez in Heathers. She is very easy to play off of, and our on stage relationship definitely came naturally which is great.
Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?
My biggest dream role right now is definitely Pippin. I really can’t tell you how much I adore the musical Pippin. I would LOVE to play Pippin someday. As for the other sex, I would DIE if I ever got to throw on a flapper dress and sing “Anything Goes” as Reno Sweeney. If not that, then throw me in a huge yellow dress and call me Belle. Belle is my favorite Disney princess, and playing her would be an honor.
Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t?
Definitely want to someday perform at Arizona Broadway Theater or Phoenix Theater.
Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?
My best friend actually BROKE HIS KNEE on stage when we did Grease. During the hand jive (and his solo dance part, mind you) he shimmied his way into a fractured patella. He tried crawling off stage but couldn't make it so we had to stop the show mid hand jive. Poor guy.
Weirdest show you’ve ever been to? (Whether it be the nature of the show, casting decisions, etc.)
I saw The Giver at my high school, and I thought that was a very odd show. The set and costumes were all in black and white, as that is what the play calls for. Then slowly throughout the show, color started appearing in different places until the whole set was colored! It was something that I’ve never really seen in the theater before, but it was too cool.
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| Nathan playing Kenickie in Grease (2014). |
Although very revealing, my Joseph costume was by far my favorite. There's nothing more comfortable than wearing hardly any clothes. I've never had a costume I didn't like, but my costume during Grease caused some unnecessary sweating. Leather, what can you do?
Best youth production you have ever seen?
I saw Wedding Singer at Spotlight and thought that show was incredible.
What is your go-to audition song?
Anything from The Last Five Years. I love Jason Robert Brown.
Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?
Be attentive. Watch other actors and learn from the things they do well, and the things they don't do well. Know your material backwards and forwards. And always stay humble, and always show kindness to everyone!
Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen?
I love everything Ramin Karimloo does. I also am a huge fan (and also have a huge crushing her) of Lea Michele.
Favorite plays?
The Odd Couple and Rumors are two of my favorites.
Favorite musicals?
Pippin, RENT, the Book of Mormon and Catch Me if you Can.
What is the best showtune of all-time?
Oh boy, you can NEVER go wrong with "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden. A close second is "Being Alive" from Company. I can’t listen or sing that song without bawling like a baby.
Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?
I NEED to see Hamilton, but I suppose I will wait for the national tour.
Favorite movie? TV Show?
My favorite movie of all time are any of the Spider-Man films. I've always wanted to be Spider-Man, and now that there is a spider man musical, I think my dreams might come true!! My favorite TV show is a toss up between How I Met Your Mother and New Girl.
Secret guilty pleasure?
How much I adore McDonald's. It's my favorite fast food restaurant by a long shot which is kind of sad I know.
Personal mantra(s)?
Follow your dreams and never EVER care what others think of you.
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| Nathan playing John Utterson in Jekyll and Hyde. |
If I could ever be romantically involved with Sutton Foster at any point in my life that would be great.
How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved?
I love it all! It at times can be very competitive, but hey that's how this business is. I think there are so many wonderful directors in the Valley. They are all doing everything they can to bring the magic of performance to the youth, and nothing is as inspiring as that!
Most underrated show?
Pippin, of course!! Pippin should be more appreciated in my opinion.
What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?
Yes! I plan to study musical theater in college!
Upcoming projects?
Well I did just audition for VYT’s Little Mermaid! So hopefully that!
(Update: Nathan will be playing Eric in Little Mermaid!)
(Update: Nathan will be playing Eric in Little Mermaid!)
Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with
I would love to work with my best friend Brandon. Any show with him is such a blast. Also Mason Reeves and Michael Schulz. Those boys are super talented and I’ve always wanted to work with them! Finally Ms. Tatumn Zale because she is an absolute star.
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