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[0:00] Martín Acuña: Hi everyone, I am Martín Acuña and you are listening to Backstage Talk.

[0:19] Martín Acuña: Welcome back everyone to another episode of Backstage Talk. Today, I will repeat this again, my inner child is fanboying really hard right now. I think in the first episode, I mentioned that I was a Potterhead, a Harry Potter fan. And today, I have the honor of having someone from the company of Cursed Child on Broadway with me. I have the honor of having Spencer LaRue. He is a musical theater performer. But who am I to introduce someone better than themselves? So Spencer, please introduce yourself and say hello to our listeners.

[1:05] Spencer LaRue: Hi listeners, hi everyone. Thanks, Martín, for having me. Yeah, my name is Spencer LaRue and I am part of the year three, which might turn into year four, I guess at this point, after being on pause for a year. Year three cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Yeah, I am originally from Florida and grew up doing sports and then decided I wanted to do theater. Sports were not it for me. I went to the University of Michigan for musical theater and graduated in 2019. And then January 2020, I started Harry Potter. So that's like crazy stuff.

[1:54] Martín Acuña: So wait a minute, was your story a little bit like High School Musical and Troy Bolton change from sports into theater?

[1:59] Spencer LaRue: Yeah, I guess so. I was not as good as him and I was not the captain of any team. I was playing bench most of the time. But yeah, I played soccer and I was a swimmer. I mean, I played everything, but those are my main two things. And I played soccer until ninth grade of high school. I think I practiced. I did all of the practice leading up to our first game, played our first game, had to leave early to get to a show that I was also doing at the same time. And then after that show that night, I quit soccer for good. After playing for 11 or 12 years at that point, I had been playing for a long time. And I was like, all right, this is not for me anymore. It's just fun while it lasted. I no longer want to run and get sweaty.

I'd rather be dancing in the air conditioning and getting sweaty. The sunlight is not it for me. It's like, get me inside. But yeah, and then I found theater throughout, but I auditioned for an arts high school where I got called Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland, Florida. And I got to major in musical theater and that was integrated into my academic study. And that's when I was like, okay, cool. I don't need anything else. I'm just going to do the theater route. And I think that's going to fulfill me. I love it. I love it.

[3:46] Martín Acuña: That is so amazing. What inspired you to be a performer? Once you were on this arts high school, did something happen and you said, yes, this is the route I want to take?

[3:59] Spencer LaRue: Yeah. I actually had to write about this in my entrance essays to get into school. But I distinctly remember it was my junior year, I think. And I knew that I wanted to audition for schools and everything. But my junior year, I saw the national tour of Once. And before the show and intermission, they allow you to come up onto the stage because the whole show takes place in a bar. And so they sell drinks before and after. And 17 couldn't drink, but I was like, I'm going on that stage. And I walked up there with my friend and I turned around and I just saw this 5,000 seat theater. And I just stood there and I could see the lights go dark and a curtain rise. And I was like, okay, yeah, I feel at home right here, standing center stage.

I was like, I'm going to do this. This is it for me. And then crazy full circle moment, the weekend I got into Michigan for musical theater, I was back at that theater, but this time I was performing on the stage because I won the Critics' Choice Award at District Thespians, which is a national competition. And I was invited to perform my song at States, at opening ceremonies. So I literally stood where I had that moment and actually got to sing Spotlight in front of 5,000 people and then went to college a few months later. So that was a full circle moment for me. I love it. I love the memory. Who doesn't love a full circle moment?

[6:02] Spencer LaRue: I know. I actually just put that together right now to be honest. I realized that was full circle. That's really cool. I love it. I mean, having full circle moments are, I mean, it's really important for performers, wherever they are. So you've had several productions of new series. You've had Disaster. You've had Sweeney Todd. You've had Oklahoma. What has been your favorite moments performing so far?

[6:31] Spencer LaRue: Oh, I think it would have to be... So I did Disaster and my second production of Newsies in the same summer, the summer of 2018, on opposite coasts. I was in Connecticut for Disaster and then California for Newsies a week after I closed Disaster. And I think those two productions might be my favorite, hold really special memories for me. My rehearsal process for Disaster was rough, to say the least, because I was coming off an injury, not an energy. The energy was weird. No, I was coming off an injury. And so I was trying to not push it in Disaster so I could go do Newsies, where I knew I would have to be dancing and tumbling a lot. And I knew I had to be at the top of my game. But I got to do Disaster in Connecticut with Seth Rudetsky, who wrote the show.

He was in it. And then NL Nathan was in the show, who was an original cast member of Ragtime and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Angie Schworer, who was in the original producers and was just in the prom. These huge names. And just getting to perform with them every night and witness their craft. And then offstage, they're so sweet and so nice. And they're just like, I'm chilling in Connecticut for the summer, doing a job. And I also was doing it with five of my class members from Michigan. And we all were just partying. It was a party on stage, dancing to disco music. And it was one of the funniest, well-written shows I've ever done. I mean, it is just silly. And the second we all embraced that Disaster movie type of performing, it was the silliest show.

And it was hard, and it was a challenge, but it was so worth it in the end. And then I then went to Newsies, which is that's also something that really got me. I was like, I want to do this career. I want to dance like that. I want to be a Newsie. And it was my goal from 11th grade to be in a production of Newsies. And then my sophomore year, I was in a production in Connecticut. And I was like, yeah, that filled the bubble. But then I got cast in this one in California the next summer, and found out we were doing the original choreography with the original dance captain at one of the top regional theaters in the country. And I was like, I'm just honored to be here. I don't know how I got here.

I don't think I'm at the level of everyone, but I'm going to take it and run with it. And I mean, it was incredible. And we were doing it in the round, which I have never done a show in the round. And then to be doing Newsies, the original choreography in the round, I was just, I mean, in shock the whole time. That might be my favorite show I've ever done. Because I just love that music. I love the dancing. The people were fun. California is beautiful. I mean, yeah. Performing in the round is a whole different beast. I remember one day I had to run from down the aisle to the center of the stage, do like a triple turn, and then a jump out of it, and run down the aisle directly across from me.

It was the first day they turned the lights off. It was the first day they took our numbers away. And I did what I was supposed to do. I stopped in the middle of the stage. The set was coming at me and everything. I was like, I don't know where to go. And I just kind of ran towards the center. And the aisles were going off in corners of what would be a square. And then the stage is the circle around it. And I didn't even run for an aisle. I just kind of ran towards the edge of the stage and hopped off and ran through the audience. Luckily, nobody was there. But I was like, I'm just gonna get off stage. But I'm so turned around. It is so dark. But I didn't die. So that's, I mean, that's good, I guess.

[11:05] Martín Acuña: That's a nice memory. I didn't die.

[11:07] Spencer LaRue: Yeah.

[11:11] Martín Acuña: Okay, let's talk a little bit about regional theater before moving on to Cursed Child. What has been the biggest lesson you've learned as a performer?

[11:24] Spencer LaRue: Um, it's absolutely to like, you know, know your worth. I might say that a lot today, but that's something I've kind of worked with during pandemic time. But to know your worth in rehearsals, especially regionally, my first two regional contracts, I was non-equity. Working with equity actors, it was a mix. And non-equity means I'm not protected by the union. I don't have to have certain breaks. I don't have to have certain things happen. They technically could rehearse me all day if they were monsters. And luckily, they were not monsters. But the biggest lesson I learned is no matter what kind of rehearsal you're in, you have to know your worth and what is where your limits are. And how to convey that to the creative team without, you know, coming off as someone who's hard to work with, or has a big ego, or like, you want people to want to work with you.

And my time at Disaster during rehearsals was a little rough. Um, because I was, I was excited to go do Newsies. And so when I was there, I was like, I was just like, let's do it. Let's do the show. Let's do the show. But I was also injured. So I wasn't like, in rehearsals, I wasn't dancing full out all the time. And I like if we needed to do it, I would do it. But I was then being expected and like getting told like, why aren't you doing this full out? You should do this full out. You should just pull out. You should just pull out. And I'm like, I am hurting. I have just like, I was on crutches for a week in college, not six months ago, and have been in physical therapy until the week before I came here, like, let me breathe.

And it just, there was a lot of butting heads. And that taught me to just like, no matter what they, they have to treat you like a human. And no one, sometimes that's not on their radar, and they're not doing it on purpose. It's never a, it's never with me.

[13:40] Spencer LaRue: I grew up in Florida, and I started doing community theater when I was really young. I was always involved in the arts, whether it was music or dance or acting. I remember my first show was "The Wizard of Oz," and I played the Scarecrow. From there, I just fell in love with the whole process of creating a show.

[14:10] Spencer LaRue: I went to the University of Michigan, which was an incredible experience. The training I received there was top-notch, and I was surrounded by so many talented people. It really pushed me to grow as a performer. I learned a lot about the audition process, and I started to understand what it takes to make it in this industry.

[14:40] Spencer LaRue: After college, I moved to New York City, and I began auditioning for various shows. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but I quickly learned that persistence is key. I went to countless auditions, and I faced a lot of rejection, but I kept pushing through.

[15:10] Spencer LaRue: Eventually, I got the opportunity to audition for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." The audition process was quite extensive, and it involved multiple rounds. I had to prepare specific scenes and songs, and I also had to showcase my movement skills, which is a big part of the show.

[15:40] Spencer LaRue: When I found out I got the role, I was over the moon! It felt like a dream come true. Being part of such a beloved franchise and working with such a talented cast and crew has been an incredible experience.

[16:10] Spencer LaRue: Rehearsals for "Cursed Child" were intense but rewarding. The choreography and staging are quite complex, and we had to work closely with the directors and choreographers to bring the vision to life. It was a collaborative process, and I loved every minute of it.

[16:30] Spencer LaRue: One of the highlights of being in the show is the magic involved. There are so many special effects and illusions that we get to be a part of, and it's amazing to see how everything comes together.

[16:50] Spencer LaRue: The audience's reaction is also something special. Seeing their faces light up during the show makes all the hard work worth it. It's a unique experience to be part of something that brings so much joy to people.

[17:10] Spencer LaRue: I also appreciate the diversity of the cast. It's great to see people from different backgrounds coming together to tell this story. It reflects the world we live in and makes the show even more relatable.

[17:20] Spencer LaRue: I think one of the biggest lessons I've learned through this journey is to stay true to yourself. The industry can be tough, and it's easy to get caught up in what others think you should be. But at the end of the day, you have to trust your instincts and follow your passion.

[17:30] Spencer LaRue: I also want to encourage young performers to keep pursuing their dreams. It may take time and effort, but if you stay dedicated and work hard, you can achieve your goals.

[17:50] Spencer LaRue: As for what's next for me, I'm excited to continue my journey with "Cursed Child" and see where it takes me. I'm also open to exploring new opportunities and projects that come my way.

[18:10] Spencer LaRue: I love connecting with fans and sharing my experiences. Social media has been a great platform for that, and I enjoy engaging with people who are passionate about theater and the arts.

[18:30] Spencer LaRue: I also want to give a shout-out to my fellow cast members and the entire team behind "Cursed Child." Their support and collaboration have been invaluable, and I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.

[18:40] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for having me on the podcast! It's been a pleasure sharing my journey with you all, and I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams in the performing arts.

[18:50] Spencer LaRue: If anyone wants to connect with me, feel free to reach out on Instagram. I love hearing from fellow theater enthusiasts and sharing our love for the craft.

[19:00] Spencer LaRue: Remember, every journey is unique, and it's important to embrace your own path. Keep shining and believing in yourself!

[19:10] Spencer LaRue: I look forward to what the future holds, and I'm excited to continue growing as a performer and artist. Thank you again for this opportunity!

[19:30] Spencer LaRue: Let's keep the conversation going about the importance of representation in theater. It's crucial that we continue to push for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the industry.

[19:40] Spencer LaRue: I believe that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected on stage, and it's our responsibility as artists to advocate for that change.

[19:50] Spencer LaRue: I'm grateful for the platform I have, and I want to use it to uplift others and create a more inclusive environment in the performing arts.

[20:10] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for listening, and I hope you all enjoy the magic of theater as much as I do!

[20:20] Spencer LaRue: Until next time, keep dreaming big and working hard. The stage is waiting for you!

[20:30] Spencer LaRue: And remember, every performance is an opportunity to connect with the audience and share a piece of your heart.

[20:50] Spencer LaRue: Let's continue to support one another in this beautiful journey of storytelling through the arts.

[21:10] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for having me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us in the theater community!

[21:30] Spencer LaRue: Keep shining, everyone!

[21:40] Spencer LaRue: And don't forget to support your local theater companies. They play a vital role in nurturing new talent and bringing stories to life.

[21:50] Spencer LaRue: It's been a pleasure chatting with you all, and I hope to see you at the theater soon!

[22:00] Spencer LaRue: Take care, and keep the magic alive!

[22:10] Spencer LaRue: Thank you again for this opportunity to share my journey. It's been an honor.

[22:20] Spencer LaRue: I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.

[22:30] Spencer LaRue: Let's keep the conversation going about the importance of the arts in our lives.

[22:40] Spencer LaRue: The arts have the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together, and we need to continue advocating for their value.

[22:50] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for listening, and I hope you all have a magical day!

[23:00] Spencer LaRue: Until next time, keep dreaming and believing in yourself!

[23:10] Spencer LaRue: And remember, the stage is always open for those who dare to step into the spotlight.

[23:20] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for this wonderful conversation, and I look forward to connecting with you all again soon!

[23:30] Spencer LaRue: Keep shining bright, everyone!

[23:40] Spencer LaRue: And don't forget to support the arts in your community. They need our love and support now more than ever.

[23:50] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for having me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us in the theater world!

[24:10] Spencer LaRue: Take care, and keep the magic alive!

[24:30] Spencer LaRue: It's been a pleasure sharing my journey with you all, and I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams in the performing arts.

[24:50] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for listening, and I hope you all enjoy the magic of theater as much as I do!

[25:10] Spencer LaRue: Until next time, keep dreaming big and working hard. The stage is waiting for you!

[25:30] Spencer LaRue: And remember, every performance is an opportunity to connect with the audience and share a piece of your heart.

[25:50] Spencer LaRue: Let's continue to support one another in this beautiful journey of storytelling through the arts.

[26:10] Spencer LaRue: Thank you for having me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us in the theater community!

[26:30] Spencer LaRue: Keep shining, everyone!

[26:50] Spencer LaRue: And don't forget to support your local theater companies. They play a vital role in nurturing new talent and bringing stories to life.

[27:10] Spencer LaRue: It's been a pleasure chatting with you all, and I hope to see you at the theater soon!

[27:51] Spencer LaRue: So what? It's TikTok. I will delete your comment at that point, but I was just like, okay, it's time. Get over it. Let me tell you one thing. I am super self-conscious of either self-tapes or videos of me singing or dancing. But on my senior year of college, on my final showcase, the night we were getting it recorded, guess who decided to fall in the middle of his solo choreography? So it's taped. It was a duet and I was dancing with my partner and we had a jump. And when I was landing on the jump, I just fell. And it is recorded on three different angles from three different cameras. And it's the best shot I've ever had because I nailed it. I nailed that recovery. Yeah. And see, that's the thing.

It's when you have these little mistakes, it is probably the best thing that could ever happen because then it becomes so real and you're like, all right, and that's what it is. And, you know, and always, you always mess up or like, you know, quote unquote mess up when it's being recorded. It could be perfect a hundred times before somebody puts a camera on. That is the one time that you forget a line. You will fall. I mean, without fail. Like I practice for a month, my barrel turns and my barrel jumps until yes, final showcase recording session. And I decided to mess it up. And so for posterity, my butt is kissing the ground on that showcase.

[29:51] Spencer LaRue: You said something important. You decided to mess up. You decided it was a choice. It was the choice and we're going with it and no one can tell us any different. Yes. I want to move on to Cursed Child. I want to know all about that journey from auditions into tech and everything before this hateful virus shut you down and shut your debut. Yeah. I mean, it was one of the coolest audition experiences I've ever had. Um, I was literally at my now boyfriend's house because he was in my class at school and we were just hanging out with some friends and my current roommate, um, had an audition for Harry Potter and she was like, yeah, I have an audition coming up this week. And I was like, wait, they're having auditions.

I want to audition. That sounds fun. Like, I don't think I fit the show. I'm too tall for the show. It was, I'm technically too tall for the show. Like the cap is five, eight and I'm five, nine. So I was like, whatever. And like, they're very specific on heights. So I was like, I'll just ask my agent if I can like go in. And so I emailed him. I was like, Hey, like, I kind of want to go in for this show. It sounds really fun. My friends are doing it. I like, you know, if I don't stand up super straight, I'm five, eight some days, like, I think we should just like fudge it. Um, and the next morning at 11am, I had an appointment for the next week, um, to read for either Albus or Scorpius and who are the two leads in the show.

And I was like, oh, okay, cool. Just ask. And my agent from that point on, he was like, all right, so when you need to be five, nine, you're five, nine. When you need to be five, eight, you're five, eight. Got it. And I was like, excellent. Yes. Understood. And so I, I, we got to choose if we wanted to audition for Albus or Scorpius. Um, and I didn't really like the Scorpius scene. Um, just because it's when you first meet him and you're on the train, he doesn't really like have much to say. And I was like, I don't even know what to do with this. Um, and so I was like, I'm going to do Albus. He's got like monologue. It's very driven. It's dramatic. I'm going to do that. Um, and so I decided I did that.

I like learned all my lines. I, did I read the play? Yeah. Oh, that's the other thing. I did not read the Harry Potter books until I think I started them December, 2018. It was my first time ever reading them. Um, yeah, I mean, shocker. I was, I was in the, I was in the middle of Goblet of Fire when I started auditioning and I got the audition and I stopped reading Goblet of Fire to read Cursed Child. Cause I was like, I have to know what's happening here. Um, and then, so I read Cursed Child in a week and then, um, I mean, it's so good. Um, but yeah, I went into my first audition and I was kind of just like, I, I wore a green shirt and a long cardigan. And I was like, I am a wizard and you have to accept me here.

I was like, I'm not going to address the part, but like, if you had have given me a wand, I definitely would have fit into Hogwarts right then and there. Um, but yeah, I went in and I did the scene and, um, it went really well. He gave me some adjustments. I don't know where I got my British accent from. Um, but it, I, apparently it was really good. I had never had like formal training on a British accent. Um, and then I did it. I did the scene twice and the casting director looks at me, he goes, how tall are you? And I was like, oh God. I was like, um, I'm 5'8", but like 5'8". I'm like pushing 5'9", but let's just say 5'8". And he was like, okay, you sure you're not 5'7"? Because to be Albus, you have to, the top is 5'7".

And I was like, I was like, I mean, and then I kind of slouched and I was like, let me hunch a little bit. I was like, I was like, do whatever you need at this point to make me shorter. I'll do it. Um, and he was like, okay, awesome. Well, I'll see you again soon. And I was like, you'll see me again soon. What is that? Okay, bye. And I left and I went to see Toy Story 4 because I was like, I have to just not think about what just happened and I need to get my mind off of it. Um, and then I got home that night and I bought tickets to the show because it's like something in me knew I was like, I, I'm going to have a callback for this. I think, um, I need to see this show. That just, it felt right to see the show.

Um, and then, so I saw the show a week later and then I went home. I, I had bought tickets to go home and like visit my family and cause I hadn't seen them since May. And if we bought them and then like the next day I got a callback for Harry Potter and it was a movement callback on the day I was supposed to be flying out to go home. And so we had to change our ticket. Um, or no, it, I ended up flying on the same day, but I was like, I literally did the dance audition and then left from the dance audition to go to the airport. I brought my suitcase and everything. I was like, here we go. Um, and that dance audition was one of the hardest things I've ever done. And it's not like a dancey show, but it is, it's such a rhythmic show.

And like, just like, it's, uh, the movement is so precise and like some of the songs are in nine, eight and some of them are in five and some of them are in seven. And you're just like, can you count? Um, the answer is no. We, we got into rehearsals and they were like, cool, we're in seven. And like, he said it about five times. He's like, we are in seven. Remember, we're in seven. Don't forget we're in seven. The music started, we were all counting at four. We were just like fully just not, we were like, okay, so can we just listen and you count it, please? Um, it's difficult music, but so yeah, I had that dance audition and I went home and I was like, I think that's the end. Like, I don't really know what's going to happen for this.

And then, um, about four days later, I got an email, um, while I was visiting my old high school for the first time since I had graduated college. Um, I was visiting with one of my teachers and I literally got an email saying I got a second callback for Albus to come back in and read more for him and do a second movement call. Yeah. Yeah. It was a second movement call. Um, I had a second movement call and a second Albus callback, um, and the same day. And then, so I, I did the little gig, a little dance again, um, and like a different challenges and stuff that they had us doing. And then I did my scene and they were like, awesome. Thank you. That was on a Tuesday. Mind you, I'm moving apartments during this time.

Um, I mean like in the midst of the summer and say I am moving. Um, and so I had finished my part or my audition. I come home and I moved some stuff and I rent a zip car to go to target with my roommate and I get a phone call on the way to target saying, Hey, would you want to read for Scorpius as well as Albus? And I was like, Oh yeah, sure. Awesome. And he was like, okay, cool. I'll let them know. Also they want to see you fly. Um, so I'm going to schedule you for that too. And I was like, fly like in an airplane? And he was like, no, no, no. Like they're going to meet you on some day. I fully, they're like, he was like, no, no, no. We're, they're gonna like have a flying session with you.

We're going to put you in the wires and they're just going to like, see how you fly. And I was like, okay, awesome. They don't teach you that anywhere, not in high school, not in college. No, that is not something you just like learn to do. Um, like that's like, that's circus school. And I did not do that, but I literally was like, okay. I was like, I hope this is like a teaching experience and not like, we're going to strap you in and see what you can do. Um, and so that was on a Tuesday. My Scorpius callback was on Thursday and they gave me eight pages of sides to learn. One of them being the library scene, which is very dense for Scorpius. Um, he has like monologue after monologue after monologue.

He's like so upset about all this stuff. I mean, it's, it, it runs the gamut of like emotion and everything. And then I got the one scene I didn't want to do from the initial audition packet. Um, so I got that on a Tuesday night. I had to like be prepared on Thursday for that. But at the same time on Monday of this week, I had gotten the callback or an audition for Cats the musical. Um, on Thursday at 10 AM was my Cats audition. At 1.30 or 2 was my Scorpius callback. Cats wanted me to learn 15 pages of music that I may or may not sing. Um, and then I had to learn the eight pages of Scorpius. And so I literally was like, I emailed my agent. I was like, should I cancel Cats? Should I not go to this?

And he was like, no, I think that would look very bad. Andy Blankenbuehler is going to be there. You should go. And I was like, okay, cool. Um, and I went and I got cut immediately. I was like, awesome. I have time to go take a shower. That's all I cared about at this point. And so on top, like on top of Cats on top of moving on top of getting these eight pages, I somehow memorized all eight pages, but I was like, I'm not putting these papers down. There's no way it has been 24 hours. They're just going to have to deal with it. Um, and I walked into the audition room and the waiting room and I'm sitting there and I met, um, someone who is now on the cast with me, but he was like, are you auditioning for Hermione? And I was like, yes, yes, I am.

[41:00] Spencer LaRue: So, I think the biggest thing that I learned from my experience at the University of Michigan was the importance of collaboration. Working with other artists, whether they are actors, directors, or designers, is crucial in creating a successful production. I remember being in a rehearsal room where we were all just bouncing ideas off each other, and it really opened my eyes to the creative process.

[41:30] Spencer LaRue: Another key takeaway was the value of feedback. In college, we had a lot of opportunities to perform and receive constructive criticism. It helped me grow as a performer and understand how to take direction effectively. I think that’s something that’s really important in this industry, being able to adapt and learn from others.

[42:00] Spencer LaRue: When I transitioned to working on Broadway, I found that the rehearsal process was quite different. There’s a lot more pressure, and the stakes are higher, but the collaborative spirit remains the same. You have to trust your fellow cast members and the creative team to bring the best out of each other.

[42:30] Spencer LaRue: I also learned that preparation is key. Before auditions, I would spend hours preparing my material, whether it was a song or a monologue. I wanted to make sure I was bringing my best self into the room. It’s all about showing up ready to play and be a part of the team.

[42:50] Spencer LaRue: The audition process for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" was intense. I went through multiple rounds, including a dance call, which was a new experience for me. I had to really push myself to showcase my skills and versatility as a performer.

[43:20] Spencer LaRue: Once I got the role, the rehearsal process was magical. We had an incredible team, and the choreography was unlike anything I had ever done before. It was challenging but also incredibly rewarding to see everything come together.

[43:30] Spencer LaRue: One of the most memorable moments was when we first started working with the magic elements of the show. It was fascinating to see how the technical aspects were integrated into our performances. It really added another layer to the storytelling.

[43:40] Spencer LaRue: I think what makes "Cursed Child" unique is how it blends traditional theatre with modern technology. The audience is taken on a journey that feels immersive and engaging, and being a part of that is truly special.

[44:00] Spencer LaRue: I also appreciate how the show emphasizes the importance of friendship and loyalty. Those themes resonate with audiences of all ages, and it’s wonderful to see how people connect with the characters and their journeys.

[44:10] Spencer LaRue: As for my character, I love how complex he is. There are so many layers to explore, and I enjoy diving into those nuances during performances. It keeps things fresh and exciting every night.

[44:20] Spencer LaRue: Outside of "Cursed Child," I’ve had the opportunity to work on various regional productions. Each experience has taught me something new and helped me grow as an artist. I’m grateful for the diverse roles I’ve been able to play.

[44:40] Spencer LaRue: I think it’s important for performers to stay versatile and open to different opportunities. You never know where your next role might come from, and being adaptable is key in this industry.

[44:50] Spencer LaRue: I also want to encourage young performers to pursue their passions. It can be a tough journey, but if you stay dedicated and work hard, you can achieve your dreams. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you.

[45:00] Spencer LaRue: And remember, it’s okay to fail. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. Embrace the challenges and keep pushing forward.

[45:20] Spencer LaRue: Now, let’s have some fun! I’m going to throw some quick questions your way. Ready?

[45:30] Spencer LaRue: Granger or Weasley?

[45:40] Spencer LaRue: Team Fred or Team George?

[46:00] Spencer LaRue: Umbridge or Werewolf?

[46:10] Spencer LaRue: Animagus or Werewolf?

[46:20] Spencer LaRue: Broom or Apparition?

[46:40] Spencer LaRue: Order of the Phoenix or Death Eaters?

[46:50] Spencer LaRue: Alohomora or Luna?

[47:00] Spencer LaRue: Luna or Cedric?

[47:20] Spencer LaRue: Potterhead or Harry Potter?

[47:30] Spencer LaRue: I can’t wait to hear your answers!