Joseph Kisiday
Since its inception in 2005, YouTube has become a platform not just for original content, but also for discovering fresh, young talent. Several content creators have gone beyond cyberspace and have broken out into other mediums. For example, Todrick Hall’s recent performance as Lola in “Kinky Boots” makes us wonder who else from the YouTube community would have a shot on the Great White Way.
Here are 10 YouTubers who we feel have some serious potential to star on Broadway:
1. Thomas Sanders
This Vine and YouTube personality has made no secret of his love for Disney films and Broadway. In 2015, he starred as J.D. in Gen Y Production’s staging of “Heathers.” Earlier this year, his show “Ultimate Storytime” had a U.S. tour and had its own cast album released on iTunes.
2. Sam Tsui
Known for his collaborations with fellow YouTuber Kurt Schneider, Sam Tsui has been thrilling YouTube with his covers and originals since 2008. While he attended Yale University, he had lead roles in productions of “Baby, “Bat Boy, “[title of show]” and “Rent.” He starred in the web series “College Musical,” which later became a full-length film. Today, he continues to tour the world with both his YouTube covers and original music.
3. Scott Hoying
The baritone lead for the Pentatonix and one half of the YouTube channel Superfruit, Hoying has had massive success in the music industry already — and at 25 years old! Along with his friend Mitch Grassi, he has guest-starred on “Bones” and created a series called “Hip-Hop Goes Broadway.”
4. Mitch Grassi
The tenor lead for the Pentatonix and the other half of Superfruit, Mitch Grassi was active in musical theatre as a teenager. He starred in his high school’s production of “Urinetown” and covered songs from “Spring Awakening” and songs by Scott Alan, a popular songwriter in NYC circles.
5. Casey Breves
Although maybe not quite as famous as the aforementioned stars, Casey Breves has had the most classical vocal training. He has performed in several productions with the Yale Opera, toured the country with Chanticleer and has frequently collaborated with his husband, Sam Tsui.
6. SAARA
This Finnish-born YouTuber rose to fame in 2014 with her viral videos of imitating languages and musical styles. She later scored a deal with Capitol Records but is now an independent musician. She has appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “ON With Mario Lopez” and continues to cover songs and perform original content.
7. GloZell
This comedian/singer/vlogger has collaborated with Todrick Hall, Miranda Sings, and a bunch of other famous YouTubers. She has a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Florida and has covered everything from Christmas carols to modern pop songs (often comedically). She continues to charm viewers with her exuberant personality and hilarious content.
8. Colleen Ballinger
Famous for her Miranda Sings character, Colleen Ballinger tours the country performing as herself and Miranda. A vocal performance graduate from Azusa Pacific University, she also created the role of Circe in the Off-Broadway production of “Odyssey: The Epic Musical.” With all of her incredible versatility, including a recent Netflix series, we hope Ballinger makes the full transition to Broadway sooner rather than later!
9. Diamond White
Another frequent collaborator with Kurt Schneider, Diamond White had her big break as a finalist during the second season of “The X Factor U.S.” After finishing in fifth place, she had several gigs as a voice actress and as a guest star on various sitcoms. She gained a new fan base on YouTube through cover songs. Her powerful belting register makes her ideal for Broadway.
10. Alyson Stoner
A former child actress known for her roles in “Cheaper by the Dozen” and the “Step Up” series, Alyson Stoner was also a backup dancer for Missy Elliott and Eminem. In recent years, she has cultivated a YouTube channel for covers and original music. With her dancing, acting and vocal skills, Stoner is the whole package for Broadway.
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