Leslie Odom Jr. on Becoming a SCAD Professor and His Return to ‘Hamilton’ This Fall

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Leslie Odom Jr. is back in the classroom, but this time, he’s doing the teaching.

Over the last ten weeks, the Tony Award-winning star of Hamilton, set to reprise his role as Aaron Burr this autumn, has been teaching a group of 12 chosen students at SCAD Savannah. He’s been working alongside co-professor and fellow Broadway actor Tiffany Evariste, shaping the upcoming generation of theater talent. This past Memorial Day weekend marked the end of their course, with the undergraduates presenting a cabaret performance titled “Getting Your Act Together: The Art of the Small Room.

The triumph of the cabaret, which took place at the Gryphon Tea Room within SCAD’s iconic Scottish Rite building on the 25th and 26th of May, was a predictable outcome for Odom Jr.

When it comes to these young individuals, I’ve found that they devour any task or obstacle I present them with. They tackle everything with such enthusiasm, it’s as if they consume challenges for breakfast,” he shares with The Hollywood Reporter over Zoom, radiating pride. “They are an incredibly impressive group. Each week, they amaze me and leave me in awe with their talent and dedication.

Each student, ranging from a freshman to a senior, selected two numbers that they had been refining since the start of the semester. They then showcased these compositions to their loved ones, including family, friends, and members of the local community.

According to Odom Jr., they’re sharing intimate stories from their lives, revealing more of themselves than ever before. They’re taking chances and seizing control, but what he loves most is when our work has a spiritual aspect. It feels like we’re nurturing our souls, acknowledging that we have more than just physical bodies – we have spirits. When we enter these theaters or small spaces, we lay down our troubles or have them attended to. That’s what makes our work so meaningful to him.

As I wrap up nearly three months of dedicated work alongside my students on the cabaret project, I can’t help but feel it’s not an end, but a new beginning. This could be the start of something truly rewarding and long-lasting between me and SCAD. I sincerely hope that this collaboration has sown a seed in these young minds, inspiring them to create bolder, more daring work than ever before.

Below, Odom Jr. discusses his affection for SCAD, his unique teaching methods, and the way he handled auditions, as well as his upcoming return to the stage in Hamilton from September 9 to November 23 on Broadway.

How did you first connect with SCAD?

For about seven or eight years now, four friends of mine, originally from New York and L.A., have told me they were taking jobs at SCAD College in Savannah. I thought they’d return to their old cities eventually, but none have. Curious, I decided to visit Savannah myself to ensure they weren’t being held against their will. (Laughs) I had a different commitment here that brought me to Savannah, and it was my first extended stay in the city. Since my friends were here, I got to explore the city with them and took a tour of the campus. It all made sense then. That night, I dined with President Wallace, and I thought, “I must find a way to join this community.” Although it’s difficult to describe, SCAD is an incredibly impressive institution.

So, it was your idea to start teaching a class essentially?

In essence, I’ve been grappling with a sense of urgency about investing in future generations. It’s not just a passing feeling, but more like an inner voice echoing that now is the time to share the knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained from those who have mentored me throughout my life. Time isn’t guaranteed, so I felt a strong compulsion to ensure this valuable information doesn’t get lost when I’m gone. While I already guide young people in my professional sphere, I wanted to establish a structured relationship with an institution, where I could teach and impart knowledge consistently.

Tell me about the audition process. The notes I received said it was rigorous.

Could you believe it? It’s quite amusing to me. I aimed to create an open and giving atmosphere during this process, understanding that they have something valuable to offer me too – trust, time, and a piece of their hearts. This is a vulnerable situation, as I recall sitting where they sit now. I wanted to make sure everyone felt relaxed during the audition process, so I gave them three options: share the story of your birth (inspired by Anna DeaVere Smith), tell a family legend that leaves everyone laughing, or share the best piece of advice you’ve ever received. My goal was to understand their unique narrative style and comfort level with expressing themselves naturally. We’re not interested in exaggerated characters or funny accents; we simply want them to be genuine and showcase their singing abilities as well.

Did the prompts continue throughout class each week? How did you structure those sessions?

The purpose behind each prompt was to encourage the participants to broaden their range by singing new songs, as well as to guide them in taking risks, being open, and rehearsing for a more intimate stage setting. Throughout my career as an actor and singer, I’ve found that experience in small venues has been invaluable – from Broadway to film sets and concerts. That’s the expertise I wanted to share with them. The comfort and connection I cultivate in these smaller spaces create an atmosphere at Carnegie Hall that feels like a living room. When designing Burr, I considered him as the evening’s host, responsible for making everyone feel welcome, presenting my fellow performers, rolling out the red carpet for them, and maintaining the role of the character who frequently interacts with the audience to keep them engaged. Therefore, I aimed to apply all this training over 10 weeks, provide various exercises, and mini-experiences that would ideally simulate my 20 years in the industry, helping them start to think about performing in an intimate setting and making it their own.

What have you learned about yourself teaching for the first time?

As a grateful disciple, I can’t help but reflect on the transformative impact my mentors have had on my journey. Billy Porter, Stuart K. Robinson, Maureen Booker, these are the names that instantly come to mind when I ponder about influential figures in my life. They’ve bestowed upon me two priceless gifts: their time and their unwavering honesty. They spoke truth into my existence, shared pieces of their lives with me, and offered candid insights into who they saw in me. With these precious nuggets, I molded my path, cherishing the wisdom that resonated with me while discarding what didn’t.

Now, as I stand before these young minds, I strive to embody the same transparency. I am unapologetically myself, offering them nothing but truth. This authenticity extends beyond this classroom, permeating every corner of my relationships with my partner, friends, and fellow artists. Yet, here, in this sanctuary of honesty, I must also heed my own advice. For I am a working professor, a performer on weekends, and a cast member for the upcoming Hamilton. I cannot ask them to walk a path that I’m unwilling to tread myself.

What has preparation been like this time around for Hamilton?

It’s such a delight to incorporate this into my life now, especially since I had no idea how popular the show would become when it first started. For the first time, I’m stepping into something where I don’t need to worry if people will like it because they already do. People from all over the world have embraced me and Hamilton due to what Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original cast provided at various stages of their lives. One evening, a girl approached me in tears, saying that her father had passed away but Hamilton saved her life. The fact that Hamilton was available on Disney+ during the toughest and most challenging part of the COVID-19 shutdown… Hamilton means something special. Going back to revisit it, touch it again – that’s what preparation is like for me right now. I’m rediscovering Ron Chernow’s masterpiece, and my children will get to see this amazing show for the first time. It’s incredibly exciting, as I didn’t even have kids before!

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2025-05-29 19:25