Showbiz Spotlight: Anthony Norman

Welcome to our first ever Showbiz Spotlight! We are so excited to interview and spotlight the talent in our entertainment community.

Today’s Spotlight is on Anthony Norman!

He voices several different detectives in my Broadway Murder Mystery games. For those of you who don’t know, Broadway Murder Mysteries is another company I started in the pandemic as a way to provide jobs to out of work actors and bring virtual murder mystery entertainment to people worldwide. 

Anthony was kind enough to answer some questions about his career and journey. But first, check out his incredible bio! 

Anthony hails from Chicago and is currently based in New York City. There, he was most recently seen in THE PROM on Broadway. Anthony was part of the original Broadway cast. On TV, he was most recently seen on NBC’s Chicago Med as Vampire Tom Lyons (Season 5, Episode 7). Anthony is currently shooting a new HBO series, MARE OF EASTTOWN, starring Kate Winslet. He is also currently shooting Jenji Kohan’s new Netflix series, SOCIAL DISTANCE; a new series shot and produced through our current medium of self isolation.

Anthony is a graduate of Millikin University where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre. After graduating, Anthony joined the first national tour of Disney’s NEWSIES and was later seen on NEWSIES LIVE starring the Original Broadway Cast. He’s also a multi-instrumentalist songwriter. You can find his music at anthonynorman.bandcamp.com

 1. How did you get your start in the biz?

 "I started doing theatre in high school because my sister had recommended I give it a shot. My first play was “The American Clock” by Arthur Miller...a play that no high schooler should ever do."

2. What is something you learned about yourself while working as a performer? 

"You can’t take things personally. This business is harsh. It sucks. But it’s also the best thing in the world."

 3. What is your favorite project you’ve worked on?

“'Murder for Two' was one of the hardest and most rewarding shows I've ever done. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a two-man whodunnit comedy where the two actors are also the orchestra of the show. It’s so much fun."

4. What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self? 

"Stay off of social media."

5. What is a fun fact about yourself that others wouldn't know?

"I play 10 instruments, and I almost went to college for jazz studies in saxophone."

6. How do you spend your free time?

"I spend most of it with my dog. I love taking him for long walks. I also enjoy finding the best food or beer spots wherever I am. Vietnamese food is my favorite."

7. Tell us about the pandemic as a performer. How has it impacted your day-to-day in terms of career, life, business etc?

"Oh boy. If there wasn’t enough self-doubt in my brain, the pandemic has definitely ELEVATED that. But honestly I’ve been very lucky...I got to finish shooting my HBO show “Mare of Easttown.” I got to do a little thing for a Netflix show. I recorded an EP of my original music. In the grand scheme it sounds like I've been booked, but I am quite depressed most days. Secretly hoping for the phone to ring with an audition or a job booking. My sleep schedule is all over the place. I seldom feel creative unless I am actively working on a gig or an audition. I didn’t get to journal yet today so thanks for letting me get all this out here."

8. If you could start a business of your own, what would it be and why? If you already have a business, tell us more about it!

"I want to open a coffee shop. I have such a passion for coffee, and I don’t think there’s enough good coffee in New York."

9. How do you define success?

"Getting paid to do what you love to do. No matter how small the amount."

10. Describe yourself in three words. 

"Work in progress."

I love that final statement. Work. In. Progress. Isn't that so true though? Even the most "successful" people have room to grow, learn, and evolve.

Thank you to Anthony for sharing your story with us!

Stay tuned for another Spotlight coming your way next week!