“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature frequent local performer with the Premiere Playhouse, Tristan Chasing Hawk.

1. What is the single-most defining moment of your arts career?

I think the single-most defining moment in my performing career has been my run at speech nationals my senior year of college. My teammates and I were able to achieve success more than anyone at University of South Dakota (USD) ever had before, and I personally had finally tapped into a mindful/present state of performing. Every round felt like a love letter to acting and it’s an experience I treasure to this day.

2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a performer.

Performing did not come easy to me. As a kid, I played an extra in some Dell Rapids Christmas shows and was so nervous I could hardly sing or be on stage. “Why do something that caused so much anguish?” some asked. But even when I was beyond terrified of being on stage, I knew in my bones I wanted to perform. Some people know what they want to do early on, and for me that was acting.

**Tristan Chasing Hawk portrays Cliff Bradshaw in the Premiere Playhouse’s 2022 production of *Cabaret*.**

3. What’s your post-show wrap-party menu?

Once a show’s over, it’s time to break out the popcorn, water and maybe some White Claws.

4. If casting parameters don’t exist, what’s your dream role in theater?

With all constraints ignored, I’d love to play Blanche Dubois from A Streetcar Named Desire, Sally Bowles from Cabaret or Cathy Hiatt from The Last Five Years.

5. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.

Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret
Narrator in Blood Brothers
Assistant Director for Rabbit Hole

6. What’s your theatre pre-show warmup routine?

For theatre warm-ups, I actually just do my college speech warm-ups. Tongue twisters, vocal trills, scale-type stuff. It works well in 90 percent of the performing spaces I’ve been in and is almost like a pre-performance ritual at this point.

7. Whom do you consider your biggest acting influences?

One of my biggest acting influences is Jeremy Jordan. I’m sure once I get my range a bit higher, Mr. Jordan will have some stiff competition. Other than him, I’d say I’ve been influenced by a large mix of people I’ve stumbled across both locally and nationally including: Alex Thong Vanh, Mo Hurley, Alex Newcomb-Weiland, Marisa Moser, Rachel Smith, Tanner Sabol, Bob Wendland, Simon Floss, Chris Andrews, Bailey Quanbeck and Abigail Onwunali (just to name a small few).

8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.

Complete Works, Shakespeare
Into the Woods, Sondheim & Lapine
The Age of Consent, Peter Morris

9. What’s your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?

I hope the next generation of theatre artists is supported by past generations in a way that fosters security and growth unlike anything seen before. I hope they (and we) continue challenging notions, power structures, norms, etc., and work to create a positive, creative environment. Lastly, and most importantly, I hope they cast me when I get older and they start directing more things.

10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.

Be present. Let go. Listen.

10 Things with Tristan Chasing Hawk