"RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE." - Chatting with the Wonderful Sean-Maurice Lynch

I would like you to meet Sean-Maurice Lynch! This talented artist is based out of the DC Area, but he has truly made his rounds out there performing and working at so many of the well-respected companies including Arena Stage, Ford's Theatre, Signature Theatre, Washington National Opera, Everyman Theater, No Rules Theater, Studio Theater, and Adventure Theater.

With unlimited talent and a wonderful personality to match, Sean is truly an artist that will go as far as he chooses to go. The sky is the limit for this amazing performer, and I am so thrilled to have the chance to feature him! 

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

My family may claim that it was much earlier because I would constantly sing and dance around my older brothers to their dismay from a very early age. I believe that I caught the performer bug at the age of 8. When I was 8, Disney presented a Sunday night movie musical featuring an all-Black cast titled Polly! I was utterly enamored with Polly and knew that I wanted to be a performer. 

Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the fantastic artist you are today?

I've been fortunate to have several wonderful mentors throughout my training and career. At the moment, there are three who have been a great asset in helping me enhance my artistry toward artistic leadership;  Kent Gash, Michael J. Bobbitt, and Timothy Douglas. Within a two-season span, I was lucky enough to assist these three artists where I learned a master class worth of information on artistic integrity, perseverance, and the patience needed while navigating the regional theater scene as a Black artistic leader. 

We are living in some unprecedented times in the world but are very fortunate right now to see a light at the end of the tunnel. For all artists (especially performers) it has definitely been a time of uncertainty. What has your everyday routine been like during Quarantine and what are some things you do to keep your spirits up?

It has certainly been unprecedented times! Before the pandemic, I was a very busy artist; acting, assistant directing, and working a full-time arts admin job. For me, Quarantine forced me to take a step back and breathe. I've actually found great peace and clarity during these times of uncertainty. I have shifted my focus to physical and mental health. I now have plenty of time to eat healthy meals, go on walks exploring the city, read the bevy of books I've neglected while in show mode, and set a five-year career plan.  I'm secretly digging being a homebody. 

Are there any roles, musicals, or performances that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart? 

There are so many amazing shows I've gotten to be part of, but there are some that definitely stand out for me. The first is playing the role of Mr. Franklin/Mr. Venus in Studio Theater's Passing Strange. It was my first regional production, and I got the opportunity to work with several talented Black D.C. actors who have since become great friends. Next would be playing the role of Matthew Kumalo in Washington National Opera's Lost in the Stars at the Kennedy Center. This was my first professional Opera and the largest house I'd ever played. I also really enjoyed and gained a lot from performing in Ford's Theatre's 12 Angry Men directed by Sheldon Epps. That show was the best experience I've ever had from start to finish across the board. 

Finally, I'd have to say that Toni Stone will always be near and dear to me because it was the show I was working on as the pandemic started. That show opened and closed on the same night. 

What advice would you give any young aspiring artists during these times?

During these times I encourage aspiring artists to take advantage of the downtime to investigate. Sit down and think about what your dreams and goals are and then look for the people who have either reached similar goals or are on the pathway to do so. Reach out to these individuals and start a conversation. Now is the time to start activating those relationships that will serve you well once these troubling times subside. If you have goals of creating your own art, then now is the time to do so as well.

Ultimately, I encourage young artists to use what I call my 3 R's as they start to enter their artistic journey: RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE. 

If you would like to learn more about Sean, make sure you visit his website at http://www.sean-maurice.com