Evan Tyler Wilson

Photo courtesy: Beth Simmons

By: April Fischer

Evan Tyler Wilson knows that acting is a tough business, but that persistence is the key to being successful.

Wilson, 22, performs frequently at Phoenix Theatre. He attends ASU and is pursuing seemingly contrasting degrees in Musical Theater Performance and Secondary Education Mathematics.

“Very few people know that I’m a total nerd,” he says. “I love horror movies, video games, board games and cooking.”

When Wilson isn’t learning new recipes, he’s performing on stage.

“In five years I’ll be graduated from college and living in New York,” he said. “From there I’m hoping to be booking work regionally off-Broadway, and then, eventually, Broadway.”

While Wilson knows now that acting is his future, it wasn’t always that transparent to him. “I didn’t really ever consider acting until my junior year of high school when I did my first musical.”

He played Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at a local community theater. “I guess that’s when I first knew that acting was something I wanted to do.”

Acting may be cutthroat, but Wilson has a few tips that have worked for him.

“Get involved as early as you can,” he said. “Also, hone a skill that you know you can do better than most people. That’s what will get you cast at the professional level and give you an edge throughout your career. For me, it’s my voice. But it can be dance, acting, comedy, or even just being pretty to look at!”

Wilson says his biggest inspiration in life is his grandmother.

“She comes to all of my shows and is the most selfless person in the world,” he said. “She reminds me to keep a level head and to never forget to smell the roses.”

Wilson has performed in an incredible number of shows, but his favorite is Into the Woods, he said.

“I’ve played Jack from ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ three times and every time I just fall even deeper in love with the role,” he said. “Pretty much any goofy or quirky young guy makes for a good time!”

Wilson also has a celebrity idol, Ellen Degeneres.

“Although she isn’t in the musical theater industry, her energy is amazing and she’s one of the strongest advocates for equality across the board,” he says. “Some day I’d love to meet her. She’s truly an inspiration.”

If there is one facet of personality that Wilson seems to emulate the most, it is to never give up.

“If you know in your heart that this is for you, then never stop trying,” he says. “It’s a hard business and you’ll want to give up or question if you’re good enough daily. Just keep going and don’t look back.”

Wilson can be seen now in Phoenix Theatre’s “Spring Awakening” and will be performing on the same stage this Fall in “Spamalot.”

Contact the writer at april.fischer@asu.edu