“Leap forward with no fear and pursue it with all you have.” – Chatting with Rock of Ages Sam Harvey!
Kevin Ray Johnson
I would like you to meet Sam Harvey! Sam is currently starring in the 10th Anniversary Tour of Rock of Ages playing the role of Stacee Jaxx! When you are in this industry, you come across a lot of wonderful people from all walks of life. I think anyone who has met Sam Harvey can definitely agree that not a better man there is. From being in Bayside! the Musical! to being the “Librarian” at AMDA the career for Sam Harvey has been a wonderful and fantastic journey!
1.) How old were you when you realized you wanted to be a performer?
I knew I wanted to be a performer from the first time I ever watched my big brother Scott on stage. I was pretty young at the time, but I thought it looked like so much fun. I performed in my first musical when I was in 4th grade and from that moment on I was hooked. However I didn't think about making it my career until late in my senior year of high school.
2.) How has your time in the 10th Anniversary tour of Rock of Ages been so far? This to me seems like the perfect show to hit the road with! Do you have any favorite moments or songs in the show or on the road that you’d like to share?
This show is so much fun man! The cast is wildly talented and we are having a blast out on the road. It's just a party on stage, and to be able to bring that kind of joy to audiences around the US is a total high. My absolute favorite part of my show as Stacee Jaxx is this chaotic 15ish min segment where I'm introduced. I have the pleasure of singing Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi and then that goes straight in to a wild bathroom scene where I sing I Want to Know What Love is by Foreigner. I have a very physically demanding show and I couldn't be happier about that! As far as being on the road, I just have really loved exploring cities that I've never been to and eating some great food. In fact Anthony Nuccio (who plays Drew) and I started a food video series called I Can Eat and we've been having a blast putting out content for that.
3.) You have had the chance to perform in some great shows in your career. Do any stick out or hold a special place in your heart?
I have so many special memories of the shows I've done so far, especially because the people that I've worked with have all been so amazing, including you Mr. Kevin Ray Johnson, but a show that sticks out the most to me is Bayside! The Musical! It was an amazing opportunity for me not only to perform in the city for a long time, but also as a learning experience. I learned so much about comedy from everyone around me and truly looked forward to come play with my friends onstage every night. It was a pretty special time. My scene partner also happened to be my future wife and we got engaged and married over the course of the run. Pretty hard to beat!
4.) Have there been any teachers, mentors or family members who truly left a strong impact on you as an artist?
Too many to count! My big brother was a huge influence because he introduced me to the arts, my parents encouraged me to pursue this crazy dream, my sisters have taught me so much and encouraged me, and my wife is my greatest teacher, supporter, and inspires me daily. Apart from my family, I was extremely fortunate with the specific roster of teachers that I received at AMDA. They were exactly what I needed and I value my training so very much. I'm proud to have studied under them! The list could go on and on and I'm very humbled to have the support system that I have.
5.) What advice would you give any young performers who want to get into the business?
If you know you want to do this... DO IT! Leap forward with no fear and pursue it with all you have. It takes a lot of dedication and thick skin, so you better know that it's what you want.
Surround yourself with a team of people who fill your soul and inspire you every day. The business can be tough, but building a positive community helps a lot.
Make sure to find some hobbies outside of theatre. Being a well rounded human will help you tremendously
Find time to breath