HADESTOWN is bringing its mesmerizing blend of myth and music to Juanita K. Hammons Hall April 7-9, and we’re getting an exclusive look behind the scenes with Julia Schick, a Swing and Assistant Dance Captain on the tour. As a Swing, Julia takes on the incredible challenge of covering multiple roles, ensuring the show goes on no matter what. In this Q&A, she shares her journey with HADESTOWN, favorite moments on tour, and what makes this Tony Award-winning musical so special.

JULIA SCHICK (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain, u/s Eurydice, u/s Fates). Professional: Kiminy in After Pinocchio: A New Musical (Yaya Theatre Company). Educational: Asaka in Once on This Island, Rona in 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (CCM). Touring debut and recent graduate from UC-CCM! Instagram: @julia.l.schick. julialschick.com.

What was your path to becoming a professional actor?

I was a very energetic kid, and when I was 3, my parents decided to put me in dance classes to get some of that energy out. It ended up being the perfect decision for me – I fell in love with performing onstage, and quickly picked up voice and piano lessons as well. When I was 7, I saw the National Tour of The Lion King, and was amazed to see people who looked like me up on stage, singing and dancing and telling such a beautiful story – that was the day I knew I had to pursue the arts. I continued getting lessons and performing at a community theater, and then went to a Performing Arts magnet school. I went to college for Musical Theater, and my passion and drive for this has never stopped! 

What was the audition process like for this show?

I was the last cast member to be signed, so my process was quicker than the rest of the cast. I received a self-tape request in Cincinnati at the end of July, and the day after sending it in, they asked me in for the final callback two days later in NYC! I quickly booked a flight and slept on a friend’s couch the night before. I attended the 4-hour callback (2 dance combinations and 6 songs to prepare!) and an hour after the callback was finished, I got an email with the offer! Within the next week I had signed onto the project, and everything moved even quicker from there! 

What’s your favorite part about touring the country with HADESTOWN?

I love being able to bring this show to people everywhere; I remember being younger and not always having the money or time to fly to NYC to see Broadway shows, so I love being a part of a group who brings Broadway to fans and theaters across the country. Plus, I get to see some beautiful cities and culture that I probably would never have seen if it wasn’t for this tour! 

Why do you think HADESTOWN resonates with audiences?

It is truly a timeless story. The themes of love and loss, fear and sacrifice, and hope triumphing over all, are things that everyone can relate to and understand. I think that everyone in that audience can see themselves in a character – the innocence of Orpheus, the grit of Eurydice, the nurturing of Persephone, the passion of Hermes, or even the misguided love of Hades – and truly feel for them and root for them as the story continues. I won’t spoil the ending, but I think the overall message it shares reminds us what it’s like to be truly alive. 

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a rockstar. I still write music to this day! I also wanted to be a therapist or a teacher; I really love helping people and watching them grow into their fullest potential.

What item can’t you live without while on tour?

My humidifier! No matter what state or weather we’re in, it keeps my voice hydrated and strong. 

Dream role?

Honestly, Eurydice is a dream role for me – having the opportunity to play her is a real dream come true! Some of my other dream roles include Elphaba in Wicked, Ali in Hell’s Kitchen, and any of the Schuyler Sisters in Hamilton. 

Favorite city you’ve played on tour?

I loved Costa Mesa, CA! The weather was beautiful, the city was amazing, and the crowds were electric! It was a lovely first impression to such a beautiful state. 

What’s a memorable or funny mishap that’s happened on stage?

I was debuting a new Worker track, and I had to carry a handheld lamp in Wait for Me for the first time. I had only ever done the tracks with swinging lamps, so this was new for me. I was getting used to the weight of the lamp backstage, and 5 seconds before I was supposed to walk on, the lamp came unplugged! I didn’t have enough time (or knowledge of how it worked) to plug it back in, so I went onstage with the lamp dark the entire number. Luckily it didn’t ruin the moment – the cast didn’t even notice! 

Do you have a favorite onstage moment in HADESTOWN?

Whatever track I am playing, I always look forward to the first strum of Epic 1; it feels like a breath of fresh air, and it’s the start of a beautiful love story between the gods that we see grow over the course of the musical. 

You can see Julia Schick and the rest of the HADESTOWN company bring this stunning production to life April 7-9 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall as part of the Great Southern Bank Broadway Season. Get your tickets now at HammonsHall.com.