From CCU to Broadway for theatre grad
by Greene
After years of perseverance and determination, Coastal Carolina University alum (2007) Adam Roberts has hit the big time. Earlier this month, Roberts received news that he’ll be making his Broadway debut in “Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark” as an ensemble member and stunt double.
The stage is familiar territory for Roberts, who began working professionally as a vocalist at the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach at age 10. He grew up performing six nights a week, 300 shows yearly.
"Sometimes I feel as though I missed out on pieces of my childhood being thrust into the professional world so young,” said Roberts. “But I was right where I wanted and needed to be."
Roberts enrolled at the Academy for the Arts during his junior year of high school. He then continued on for his undergraduate studies at CCU, where he majored in musical theatre and minored in business administration.
“Adam was an excellent student,” said theatre professor Steve Earnest. “He was always prompt, courteous and respectful.”
"Coastal showed me that I had a lot to learn,” said Roberts. “It was a period of self-growth and a coming-of-age story. I became a man there."
While completing his degree in a three-year period, he also worked a full-time job at the Carolina Opry, taught contemporary dance classes at a local studio on Saturdays, and helped his father with his guitar ministry on Sundays.
"Not going to lie, it was hard juggling the hectic schedules of both school and work simultaneously,” said Roberts. “I would be doing my math equations and writing my English essays backstage in the Green Room between numbers."
Shortly after graduation in the spring of 2007, Roberts joined two of Holland America’s cruise ships as a lead singer and dancer. While aboard, Roberts visited more than 25 countries while doing what he loves.
"In retrospect, it's still surreal that I got to travel the world for free and get paid to do it,” said Roberts. “Many people save their whole lives to vacation in these sought-after, exotic destinations, and there I was waking up in a different country every morning. It was the ultimate stepping-stone job."
Today, Roberts lives in Brooklyn. Before landing the Broadway role, he worked as a non-equity actor, frequenting open call auditions while taking classes on the side. He also worked with the USO for several years entertaining troops around the country. He appeared on “Fox and Friends," “Good Morning America” and the “Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration.” He was a member of the Michael Thomas Motion Theatre Lab Dance Company and the Unexpected Boys as a lead singer.
“I need to thank anyone and everyone who has played a part in molding me and my career into what it is today,” said Roberts. “I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Roberts joined the show Sept. 27, performing eight shows a week.
