A scene from “Hamilton” (Photo credit Hamilton Broadway)
This series shares authentic voices from the stage, and has received an incredible response from readers around the world. This time, we interviewed Stephanie Jae Park, who plays Eliza, the wife of Hamilton, in the smash hit musical Hamilton. Born and raised in the United States, she spoke about how her journey led to Broadway and what inspires her to perform. She shared thoughtful answers and heartfelt messages we hope you enjoy reading.
Growing up in a music-filled home and finding her path to Broadway
In front of the Hamilton theater (Photo credit Stephanie)
──How did you become a Broadway performer? What did you study and how did you earn your first role?
“I was born in Guam and grew up as the youngest of three sisters. My family was very passionate about music, so from a young age I took voice lessons from my mother and also joined dance classes. I loved exploring different genres like jazz and pop, but I was especially drawn to singing, which led me toward classical music and musicals.
After high school, I studied opera for a year at Northwestern University before transferring to the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, one of the oldest and most respected music schools in the country. There I focused on musical theater and earned my bachelor’s degree in musical theatre performance.
After graduation, I participated in a showcase where I signed with an agent. Thanks to that, I landed my first audition and joined the national tour of Cinderella, which became my stage debut. Around the same time, I auditioned for The King and I starring Ken Watanabe and was cast at Lincoln Center, marking my Broadway debut.”
──So that was the beginning of your Broadway journey.
“Yes. After moving to New York for The King and I, I spent a lot of time questioning where I wanted my career to go. In the beginning, I worked mainly as a classical singer and dancer. But by my mid-twenties, I decided to strengthen my acting skills and took intensive acting classes in New York for about four years.
Eventually I took a short break to reflect if I was going for the right direction of my life, and soon after, in late 2018, I was cast in the touring production of Hamilton. I started as a standby for the Schuyler sisters and later stepped into the role of Eliza, touring across the United States for a year.
That experience gave me the confidence and opportunity to return to New York and join the Broadway production of Hamilton. I once again began as a standby and soon after took on the role of Eliza, which I continue to play on Broadway today. That’s the short version of my journey.”
Diversity in New York and the global stage of Broadway
In New York (Photo credit Stephanie)
──It’s inspiring to hear how your path led to Broadway. Did you already have that goal in college?
“Not exactly. At the time I didn’t know what my dream was. I only knew I loved singing and wanted to become a better performer. I was exploring how to combine my skills. What I did know for sure was that I wanted to be on stage. Being on stage feels like home to me: free, alive, and full of energy. That is what drew me to New York City, the heart of Broadway.”
──How do you feel about performing on Broadway as a Korean American actor from Guam? Have you faced challenges?
“I believe everyone should embrace their heritage. But when I was younger, I felt being a racial minority in this industry was a disadvantage. For a long time, you rarely saw Asian actors on stage or on TV in the U.S., so it seemed difficult to imagine a path forward.
But when Hamilton premiered in 2015 with its groundbreaking, diverse casting, it changed everything. The show cast Hispanic and Black actors in roles traditionally portrayed by white actors, and that opened the door to a new era of diversity in theater. Watching that inspired me to stop limiting myself to roles that matched my ethnicity. Now I see my identity as a strength, something unique that I celebrate. Broadway is far more open to diversity now, and I’m proud to be part of that change.”
──What does Broadway mean to you?
“For me, Broadway is the one-of-a-kind stage that only exists here in New York City. It is a place of rare beauty and artistic expression unlike anywhere else. There are theaters all over the world, but Broadway is unique as in how it brings together the best performers from around the globe, all striving for excellence.
Every Broadway show is a dream you can only experience here. Touring productions are wonderful, but Broadway holds its reputation as the pinnacle because of the extraordinary talent, the eight shows a week, and the constant dedication to craft. I feel honored to be part of that environment.”
A favorite new musical: Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen
A scene from “Hell’s Kitchen” (Photo credit Playbill)
──Thank you for sharing such a powerful message. On a lighter note, do you have a favorite Broadway show?
“Right now, it’s Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a new musical built around the music of Alicia Keys, one of my favorite musicians. The show takes place in the Manhattan neighborhood where she grew up, just west of Times Square. The dancing is incredible, and the songs are some of the best I’ve ever heard on Broadway. It captures the pulse of New York, and I absolutely love it.”
──What kind of shows inspire you the most?
“I’m especially inspired by original works. I don’t want to simply imitate someone else or sing covers. I want to sing songs that are written for my voice. That’s why I’m drawn to musicals created from the ground up. Being chosen as the first performer to bring a new song to life would be a dream. The same goes for my solo work: I want to sing music that expresses who I am. That’s my biggest goal right now.”
Facing fear and embracing hidden emotions
A scene from “Hamilton” (Photo credit Hamilton Broadway)
──Do you have any dreams or goals for the future?
“I’ve never been the kind of artist who sets one long-term goal. I know I want to keep singing and acting, but I’m still figuring out which medium feels most authentic to me. I’d love to try TV or film, maybe appear in a series, and I’m also interested in voice work and concerts with orchestras. In short, there are many things I want to try, and I see my dreams as limitless.”
──That ambition is wonderful. Finally, do you have a message for young people who dream of becoming stage actors?
“Yes. I believe the most important thing is to truly know yourself, beyond your background or environment. Face your fears, your hidden passions, your desires, your joys. Those emotions are what make you unique, and they are what will lead you to success.
Emotions shift. Fear, sadness, jealousy, anger, these aren’t bad things. They’re essential experiences. Vulnerability is an artist’s greatest strength. By embracing every feeling, you expand your ability to express yourself. That’s how you discover your true self and learn to love who you are.
And above all, you must be your own strongest supporter. No one will believe in you as much as you can. If you don’t believe in yourself, it becomes harder to find hope. So love yourself and everything that makes you unique. That is the key to success.”
Editor’s note
Through a mutual Broadway connection, we had the privilege of speaking with Stephanie while she is actively performing in one of today’s biggest hits. In our previous interview, we spoke with an actor who came to Broadway from abroad. This time, we gained a different perspective by hearing the journey of someone born and raised in the United States.
Stephanie shared her belief in originality, her drive to explore new artistic worlds, and her confidence in embracing her identity as a minority performer. She sees individuality not as a barrier but as her greatest strength. She also emphasized the importance of vulnerability and facing emotions, even difficult ones, as a source of artistic expression.
This interview reminded us that no one on Broadway is there simply because they can sing or dance well. Behind every performer is extraordinary passion and ambition. Stephanie may seem to have had every advantage: strong musical training, talent, opportunities – but what truly stood out was her determination, vision, and energy. Reaching the top of Broadway requires resilience and a spirit that shines from within, and Stephanie embodies exactly that.
Written by Sayaka Imada
See all Journeys to Broadway articles
Broadway Musical Discount Tickets – On Sale Now!
Find the best Broadway ticket deals right here – faster, cheaper, and backed by local expertise. Get ready to experience the magic of Broadway!
- Get discount tickets easily with instant booking
- The most detailed musical guides and reviews
- Dedicated support throughout your Broadway experience
