How Broadway Actor Tyler McKenzie Is Staying Positive During Quarantine

With the theatre world essentially shut down due to the COVID-19 crisis, it’s difficult for performers to find any sense of purpose.

So I caught up with Broadway performer, Tyler McKenzie, on how he’s staying safe in South Harlem, what’s inspiring him during quarantine, and how he’s staying positive.

Read our conversation below.

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Tyler McKenzie

Where are you currently spending your time in quarantine?

I am spending time in my apartment in South Harlem. I live with my fiancé. Luckily we have a couple rooms and spaces so that we are do our work in separate spaces but can easily share a space if we just need each other’s energy.

How has the pandemic changed your way of life? How are you coping?

I am a very social person. I love having friends over, taking group fitness classes, exploring different neighborhoods, and going to see art. None of that is physically possibly. However, I am getting used to intentionally using the internet to do all of this. Online hang outs with friends, taking dance classes on my roof, teaching class in my second bedroom, attending cool streamed events that are happening a lot these days. I am grateful for technology.

Did you lose any contracted performance work due to the pandemic?

I was currently at North Carolina Theatre in rehearsals for Memphis. After almost of week of rehearsals we got the notice that our show would be postponed. A couple positives came from this – our show has announced it’s tentative date for revival (late summer) and equity members did not lose pay for the remaining work weeks that we lost because we were sent home. I have never been so proud to be an equity member than this moment. With that, right before Memphis I directed & choreographed Mamma Mia at The Show Palace in Florida. They had just finished their first week of shows and the decision was made to postpone the show. Fingers crossed that the show is added into the next season. People need to see that incredible cast.

Do you still have any other sources of income that are helping sustain you through this crisis?

I am grateful for savings and no debt. I worked very hard for that – trust me! I recently branded my teaching and coaching services – new website and an online teaching platform. My May Schedule can be found at http://www.TMcreativestudio.com I am hoping that will be a decent source of income. Luckily, all the teaching gigs that I had planned before quarantine, became online classes. I did not see any loss of planned income because of this pandemic. Again, very grateful.

Have you had to file for unemployment? Have you had any success?

I am not able to file for unemployment because I am incorporated. Because of the new(ish) tax laws, a lot of actors incorporated. GOOGLE the benefits… but one angle is that you do not get to file for unemployment. 

If you're a member of Actors’ Equity: do you think the union is doing enough to serve and protect its members given the circumstances? If not, what would you like to see happen?

Having been positively affected because of being in the union during this time, I bow down to it. However, it was because of guidelines and rules already in place that I was able to continue to be paid for the rest of my contract after being sent home the first week of rehearsals. I believe that Equity, the Actor’s Fund, etc – they are all doing their best to serve and protect members of the community.

What are your biggest concerns with the theatre industry moving forward?

It’s obviously a little scary to be uncertain of when audiences will feel comfortable returning to the theater or when Broadway will open. It is sad to think that Broadway will probably be the last thing to open in city because of large audiences. However, I think regional theaters in areas that have released most of their restrictions will prosper. People need theater to escape and be taken on an important journey. I am positive that when we reopen – it’ll be a BANG! And we will come back! WE WILL COME BACK!

What is helping you stay positive during this time?

Seeing my friends create AND know that they don’t HAVE TO DO ANYTHING. You do not have to write the next Pulitzer Prize Winning piece… You should be thinking about YOU at this moment. That being said, if you have feelings or emotions – don’t be afraid to write them down and then use them towards your art later on. Art comes from truth, right?

I am inspired by people doing what they need to do to ENJOY this moment, this space, this opportunity. Perspective is everything. Reaction is everything. You are everything. Don’t forget that.

Tyler McKenzie

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Tyler McKenzie (performer, director, choreographer, and educator) was last seen in Hamilton the Musical. He is a Long Island native with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University, where he studied with three-time Tony Award nominee Terrence Mann, former WCU Phillips Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre, and Charlotte d’Amboise, Mann’s wife and a two-time Tony nominee.

He has since performed regionally and in the Broadway & National Tour productions of Mamma Mia, Matilda, and Hamilton. In 2019, Tyler received the Western Carolina University Young Alumni Award celebrating his attaining a level of distinction in his chosen field of work, demonstrating a commitment to the service of others, and showing potential for future leadership/distinction. He also recently received honorary acknowledgement and membership from the National Society of Leadership and Success. Tyler has a major passion for education and has worked with young artists all over the country and online.