What is your name?
Jay Alston
What pronouns do you use?
They/Them
Having been through the college audition process, can you share an experience where you felt your identities were respected? What did that do for you in the audition room?
I feel that my identity was always respected. From the coaches I had to my peers to the auditors in the audition rooms. Never once did I feel that I would be uncomfortable being nonbinary in a space. It made me so much more confident in truly being myself when I stepped into the audition rooms.
You identify as non-binary. There are *almost* no non-binary roles in the musical theatre canon. Is there a role you’re particularly eager to play? Can you describe how you feel seeing so few opportunities that are deliberately carved out for you/people who identify as you do.
I have always wanted to play Rosalie Mullins in the School of Rock. I knew as soon as I saw her.
It is disappointing, to be honest. Everyone deserves to see someone like themself in a piece of media. It makes us feel less alone in the fact that we’re different. There is no better feeling nowadays than when I find a nonbinary character.
You performed in the TFCA Concert: More to the Story at the Secret Cabaret in 2019 alongside other established queer talent. What did that feel like? Did your experience change the way that your artistry intersects with your identities?
It was an experience that I can’t even describe. Every performer should have a chance to perform with others just like them. I used to try and fit this mold to be what musical theatre thought I should be instead of taking steps to be the performer I always wanted to become. Performing in that concert flipped a switch that helped me go on that path.
Can you speak to the importance of The Fund for you in 2019-2020 and for performers who are college bound right now?
The Fund levels the playing field massively. During audition season every step of the way, the fund always exceeded my expectations and I will always be forever grateful. The Fund gives kids a chance to truly grow in a way they wouldn’t have otherwise without these opportunities.
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