Currently starring in Heathers in London Sergio Pasquariello is an actor, singer and photographer. A Los Angeles native, the actor has come over to London to make his UK debut at The Other Palace.
Having performed in Les Miserables, West Side Story and more we got to speak to Sergio about making the audience smile and how he could have worked in finance instead of the theatre!How did you get into acting, was there a particular performance you saw that resonated with you?
Growing up, my brother wanted to go to a theatre summer camp called CCLO in Los Angeles. My mom probably thought it would be easier to send me along too rather than hire a babysitter. I don’t think she ever thought I’d actually pursue acting as a career. Joke’s on her!
What has been your favourite role you have played and why?
Tony in West Side Story in California. It’s such a well-written show with some incredible music and a great story.
Where did you train?
I trained at NYU in the New Studio program for Musical Theatre.
Can you tell us a bit about your current show Heathers?
It’s based on the 80s film that takes place in a high school in Ohio. It starts when the main character, Veronica gets involved with the popular group of girls and falls for a guy named JD. It has an incredible pop/rock score that’s so much fun to sing and a great story. The cast and creative team are amazingly talented and so much fun to work with. It’s been such a blast!Where has been your favourite place to perform on stage and why?
I did the staged concert of Les Miserables at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles back in 2008. It was my first paid job as an actor, in my hometown, in an iconic outdoor venue with over 17,000 seats singing some incredible music with the most amazing cast. That’s when I decided I wanted to be an actor.
What is the most rewarding thing about your work?
Having the ability to make someone’s day better. Making someone in the audience smile, laugh, or even simply just be entertained for a couple hours never gets old.
What’s been a funny moment for you on stage? Any mishaps you want to share!?
On our second preview of Heathers, the lighting grid broke during the first 10 minutes of the show. The team stopped the show and instead of letting it ruin everyone’s evening, our director, Andy Fickman got onstage while the tech crew worked to fix the problem.
He warmed up the audience then basically did a one man comedy routine summarising the first bit of the show, we all got back onstage and continued on like nothing happened. I think it’s actually on youtube or instagram somewhere?!?If you hadn’t have been an actor what would you be doing?
For the first two years of university, I was studying finance. So, in short, I’d probably be making lots of money.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a photographer and love taking photos of people, places, and things. I’m equally a fan of sitting at home eating snacks and watching Netflix.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to get into the theatre industry?
Work hard and be nice to everyone. Showing up on time, being professional, and being easy to work with will get you places in this industry.
Who are your influences and inspirations?
My influences have always been my teachers, directors, and other actors I’ve worked with. I always try to learn from people who have experienced more than me. Of course I also look up to the incredible actors I’ve been able to watch on the stage and screen like Robin Williams, Mark Rylance, Al Pacino, and Jessica Chastain.What’s next for you?
I’ll be joining the cast of Heathers in the West End transfer in September and then I have an exciting project I’m working on after that I’m not allowed to talk about yet.
What’s your go to song for auditions or just singing in the shower?
I feel like this always changes depending on what I’m auditioning for and what I’ve been working on but I don’t shy away from “overdone” songs. I booked my first off-broadway show with “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin” from Oklahoma. A classic.
Is there a role (regardless of gender) you would love to play in a musical?
Sweeney Todd.
Where can people follow your work on Twitter/Facebook/YouTube etc?
Follow me on instagram @sergiopasquariello and you can find me on twitter as well @sergiotheactor.
