Ty Hanes Discusses The 39 Steps, Hello, Dolly!, and Being Yourself!

Meet Ty Hanes. Ty is currently playing the role of Ambrose in Hello, Dolly! at The Myers Dinner Theatre in Hillsboro, Indiana. This talented actor graduated from Kent State University in 2015 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Now based in New York City, he has the privilege of performing all over the country. Some of his favorite credits include - Shrek the Musical (Lord Farquaad), The 39 Steps (Clown #1), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Benjamin), and Chicago (Mary Sunshine). 

"Ty Hanes is such a sweetheart. Wonderful to work with!"Say'sHello, Dolly! Director Sarah Philabaum!

I really admire Ty because I think his advice (Question 5) is spot on with how I try to navigate my entire career. I am very happy to have the chance to feature this talented young man. 

1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?

I was around 5 years old. My Aunt and Mom took my brother and I to the National Tour of Beauty and the Beast where I thought we would be seeing the movie. The moment Belle walked onto the stage and started singing, I leaned over and said "those are real people." I was in love.

2.) Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the wonderful performer you are today?

There are so many, but there are a few that stick out. The first is Rob Joki, who runs The Rust Belt Theater Company in Youngstown, OH. Rob helped me break through so many walls that I had around myself, especially when I was in my teens trying to figure out who I was a performer. The second is Liz Rubino, my voice teacher. She had me singing things I never thought I would or could. She also taught me so much about vocal health which has definitely saved me a few times. And the last is my high school show choir teacher Mrs. Russo who changed my life in so many ways. I know if I need any advice, I can still reach out to her. In all honesty though, every time I do a show, whether it be professional or not, every single person who has a hand in the production is a teacher to me. I find it so valuable. I always learn from the people that are around me.

3.) Congratulations on Hello, Dolly! Sarah Philabaum and Jeremy Littlejohn are absolute joys! What are you most excited about with this show? 

This is my third time doing Hello, Dolly! and it will never get old. The show alone is something to be excited about with the music, the story, the choreography, and the comedy. I'm most excited to see what Sarah, Jeremy, and the rest of the cast does with the show. It's always fun to create a fresh take on a show I've done before.

4.) Are there any roles, shows, or moments in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart?

Every time I play Mary Sunshine in a production of Chicago, my heart soars since singing counter tenor is one of my favorite things ever. The most fun I've had on a stage was as an ensemble member though. Curtains and Hello, Dolly! were so much fun. Finally, The 39 Steps play was the hardest show I have ever done in my life. Playing 10+ characters in less than 2 hours showed me that I could do anything I set my mind to.

5.) What advice would you give any young aspiring artists who want a career in the performing arts?

Be yourself. Learn from those around you. Focus on you, and don't compare yourself to others. Don't be afraid to take on a challenge. Do what you do because you love it.

Hello, Dolly! will be running from June 4th and will be running until the 27th. To learn more, please visit -https://myersdt.com/hello%2C-dolly