Justin Ostergard

Justin Ostergard

tick, tick … BOOM!

MARCH 17 — APRIL 23

What excites you about tick, tick … BOOM! and the role you are playing?

As a young budding theatre lover, my first show that felt like it was FOR me was Rent. And to get the chance to play Michael in tick tick...BOOM! has been a dream come true. His story is intertwined with my personal journey and I can't wait to share this story with Vintage audiences.

What’s your process like in preparing for a show like this, and how does that process change (if at all) from other shows?

For me, bringing out authenticity in my character and the performance is what drives me for any show.

What’s your biggest challenge about taking on this role?

Michael is a bit closer to my reality than any other character I've played. Because of this, I have to be sure to protect myself from getting TOO close to the raw emotion that exists under the surface.

How did you get started performing?

My first production was as a munchkin AND a winkie in the Wizard of Oz and truth be told, as a 12 year-old, I HATED rehearsal. But the second I felt those lights and the energy of the audience, I had to have more. That spurred a life of theatre through college and on to my professional life.

Why do you still perform?

Theatre is where I've always found myself feeling at home. The last 3 years have been extremely difficult for everyone and my respite from the chaos has been performing. Being cast in tick, tick....BOOM! has been exactly what I needed to reconnect with my core.

What’s your dream role, and what do you feel you would bring to it?

Now that I'm in my 30s, I'm more and more excited by roles like Corny Collins in Hairspray or the Princes in Into the Woods because of the fun, flamboyance, and flashiness.

What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?

I've traveled to 37 countries and lived in 4 countries, including Shanghai, China during COVID... you'll have to read my book to hear the full story (book to come!).