From ESRT to the Big Apple: Jacob Schmitt on Embracing Rejection, Building Community, and Finding His Path in Theatre

Jacob Schmitt, Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre alum

ESRT alum Jacob Schmitt has been making moves– wrapping up a role in Huntington Theatre Company’s production of the drama Leopoldstat and then immediately relocating from Boston to New York City. In between carrying a bed frame for a mile and a half and reconnecting with people (like David Redman Scott!) in his new city, he shared what life has been like since leaving Fairhope in 2020, what’s next and what advice he would give ESRT students now. 

Jacob’s start with ESRT was as the baker in a summer camp production of Into the Woods JR. Eventually, he became a mainstay in shows and as a part of the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) group. You may remember him as Jack Kelly in Newsies, Rudolpho in Matilda or behind the scenes as a director for Descendants JR summer camp. 

“Everyone at ESRT was professional, committed and nice. I took advantage of every opportunity ESRT offered, started getting positive feedback and found that this passion could morph into a career for me,” Jacob remembered. 

When the end of high school was nearing, he auditioned for at least a dozen musical theatre schools in cities that also offered a vibrant theatre scene. As a history buff with a particular fascination in the early American era, Boston fit the bill. He enrolled at Boston University, taking every dance class he could and building his own major with a movement direction concentration. He graduated this past May with a contract already in hand for Leopoldstadt (and credits his comfortability on stage to his ESRT training).

Jacob Schmitt as Jack Kelly in Eastern Shore Rep’s production of “Newsies”

Boston was the perfect stepping stone for a move to New York, which was always the goal. Now, only a few weeks into the move, Jacob sounds energized describing his days full of working the audition circuit (Equity Principal Auditions), looking for a side hustle, networking and also cramming in all he can experience with catching shows or dance classes. Because Leopoldstadt is a co-production between the Huntington and Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC, Jacob will also be traveling as needed as an understudy for their run.

It’s not easy to get established in NYC but his time at ESRT prepared him well, starting with his very first big show audition. With a laugh, he recalls scrambling to think of a special skill during the audition and ending up with one knee on the ground in a cheerleader pose sporting a big-toothed smile while others performed backflips and candlesticks around him seamlessly. He did not get cast. 

Turns out the early rejection was helpful. “Ninety-five percent of auditions I submit to, I don’t hear back from,” Jacob said. It can be really disheartening, but you have to remember it’s all endurance, sticking it out and still believing in yourself.” A strong support network has been crucial to helping him stay grounded and positive.  ESRT Founder, Executive Director, and Artistic Director Erin Langley and fellow ESRT actors are all a part of that network. 

“I became a dancer here, I grew my singing and acting here, and most importantly, I learned how to be a professional in this industry,” said Jacob. “We were given so many great opportunities to be part of excellence (JTF, New Works Showcases, performing in front of huge crowds in the bluff shows). I was able to come into school with a great foundation that only grew through my time at BU. I also learned that being prepared, respectful, and generous during a process is more important than being the ‘best’ actor in a room.” 

A lot of his advice to ESRT kids centers around being present: “Enjoy the time you have with his company. Most of my best friends are people I met at ESRT, and I still talk to them every day. Also finding someone as caring, dedicated and polished as Erin is rare. I learned how to be a real performer under her direction and from the great training from choreographer Matthew Kiel. Remember that theatre is fun! Don’t stress so much about it being perfect.”

Jacob Schmitt training at Boston University

And for those students who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue theatre in college: “Learn what you really want out of a program whether that’s location, class size, training style, how many recent graduates are currently booking. The college audition process can be stressful, but cast a wide net and try to make friends who support your success — I have people over all the time who are currently working on Broadway, HBO, etc, that I met during the audition circuit. Everyone’s in the same boat, and what’s meant to be will be.”

To read more about Jacob’s last stage role, read this article from BU’s alumni publication.

written by Meg Willett