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Thom Sesma

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BIO

"I was born in Sasebo, Japan, and raised in San Diego, California. My dad was an American Naval officer and my mother was from a traditional Japanese family. I attended UC San Diego where I studied Modern European Intellectual History. Fully convinced that my degree had somehow qualified me for a life in show business, I began my acting career not long after, moving to New York where I made my Broadway debut in the original production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. Since then I’ve managed to spend most of my life in rehearsal studios, on stages large and small, in front of cameras on tv and film sets around the country, in works ranging from classical theatre to splashy musical comedies, from police procedurals and hospital dramas to soap operas and sitcoms.



I’m very proud of my Basque-American and Japanese heritage, and I am a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in every field of our profession. The challenges that I’ve faced as an actor of color have influenced and continue to influence my work in what I hope are positive ways, and if that has changed even one person’s mind - one who could never before have imagined an Asian-American Sweeney Todd, or an Asian-American Tolstoy, or a designer of RMS Titanic, a Christie murder mystery suspect with an incomprehensible Italian accent, or a drag queen in St Tropez, any of whom could be portrayed by an Asian American - that will be enough."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Dead Outlaw Dead Outlaw
[Off-Broadway]
Audible Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024
Performer
Arden of Faversham Arden of Faversham
[Off-Broadway]
Red Bull Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2023
Franklin [Replacement]
A Man Of No Importance A Man Of No Importance
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Production, 2022
Mr. Carney
Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier
[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway Premiere, 2020
Doctor
Superhero Superhero
[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theater World Premiere, 2019
Vic
The Enchanted Cottage The Enchanted Cottage
[Off-Broadway]
Gingold Theatrical Group Reading, 2018
Performer
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Revival, 2018
Givola
A Woman of No Importance A Woman of No Importance
[Off-Broadway]
One Night Only Concert Presentation Production, 2017
Performer
Captain Brassbound's Conversion
[Off-Broadway]
Concert Presentation, 2017
Performer
Pacific Overtures Pacific Overtures
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Revival, 2017
Performer
Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd
[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Transfer from London Production, 2016
Sweeney Todd [Replacement]
Waterfall Waterfall
[Regional (US)]
5th Avenue Theatre Production, 2015
Chao-Khun
Craving for Travel Craving for Travel
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2014
Gary
A Hard Heart
[Off-Broadway]
2007
Performer
The Times They are A-Changin' The Times They are A-Changin'
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Captain Ahrab
The Times They are A-Changin'
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2006
Capt. Arab
Man of La Mancha Man of La Mancha
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Juan
Dr. Carrasco (Understudy)
Othello
[Off-Broadway]
2001
Montano
Romeo and Juliet
[St. Paul, MN (Regional)]
World Premiere, 1999
Lord Capulet
Cymbeline
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Caius Lucius
As Thousands Cheer
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer
Face Value
[Broadway]
0
Randall Lee (Standby)
Search and Destroy
[Broadway]
1992
Lee
Nick & Nora
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1991
Performer
Yukido
Merrily We Roll Along
[Regional (US)]
Regional Production, 1990
Photographer
Ensemble
Ruben
Baba Goya
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Criminal
Chu Chem
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1989
The Prince
In a Pig's Valise
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Root Choyce
Chu Chem
[Off-Broadway]
1988
The Prince
Rashomon
[Off-Broadway]
1988
Priest
La Cage aux Folles
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Pepe [Replacement]
Jacob (Understudy) [Replacement]
Chaplin
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1983
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical

Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw

The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical

Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Thom Sesma, Pacific Overtures

Helen Hayes Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical

Thom SesmaMiss Saigon

Videos

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News


NYPL to Present CELEBRATING AAPI BROADWAY STORIES Photo
NYPL to Present CELEBRATING AAPI BROADWAY STORIES

Explore the impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists on Broadway from 1951-1991 at the Library for the Performing Arts, featuring discussions, live performances, and archival footage.
Santino Fontana Will Lead Reading of WITCH at Westport Country Playhouse Photo
Santino Fontana Will Lead Reading of WITCH at Westport Country Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of “Witch,” offering a new take on bargaining with the devil, written by Jen Silverman, on Monday, October 7, at 7 p.m.  Playwright Silverman is currently represented on Broadway with their new comedy, “The Roommate,” starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow.
Photos: Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE Opens at Audible Theater Photo
Photos: Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE Opens at Audible Theater

The New York premiere of I’m Almost There, written and performed by Todd Almond and directed by David Cromer opened on Thursday, September 26th and Broadway World was there to capture the festivities. Check out photos here!
Will DEAD OUTLAW Open on Broadway in 2025? Photo
Will DEAD OUTLAW Open on Broadway in 2025?

It's already one of the most-awarded shows of 2024, but will Dead Outlaw rise from the dead in 2025? According to composer David Yazbek, plans are already underway.
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Presents Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. as P Photo
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Presents Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. as Part of Project Shaw

Gingold Theatrical Group concluded the 19th season of Project Shaw with Oscar Wilde's The Portrait of W.H. Check out photos here!
Photos: Norm Lewis, Kate Baldwin & More Perform FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall Photo
Photos: Norm Lewis, Kate Baldwin & More Perform FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall

See photos of Norm Lewis, Kate Baldwin and more performing Follies in concert at Carnegie Hall!
2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List Photo
2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List

The best of Broadway and off-Broadway came together for the 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which were held at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall Photo
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall

The complete cast has now been announced for Transport Group's concert production of Follies. The sold-out event will play one night only—Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
Marilyn Maye Will Open the American Popular Song Society 3rd Annual Gala Benefit

Marilyn Maye will perform at the American Popular Song Society 3rd Annual Gala Benefit on Monday, June 17, 2024 at The Cutting Room.
Photos: Inside 2024 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards Photo
Photos: Inside 2024 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards

The New York Drama Critics' Circle named David Adjmi’s Stereophonic best play of the 2023-24 season. The award for best musical went to Dead Outlaw, music and lyrics by David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, book by Itamar Moses. Check out photos from inside the ceremony!
Photos: Inside the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Photo
Photos: Inside the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards

Just yesterday, the Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, celebrated the winners of the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards. View a full list of winners and check out photos from inside the special event here.
Gingold Theatrical Group To Present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. As Part Of Photo
Gingold Theatrical Group To Present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. As Part Of Project Shaw

Gingold Theatrical Group will present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. as part of Project Shaw, showcasing a unique exploration of Wilde's intriguing mystery. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire Will Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards From t Photo
Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire Will Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards From the American Popular Song Society

Monday, June 17, 2024 will be the American Popular Song Society 3rd Annual Gala Benefit. It will honor the award winning Richard Maltby, Jr.  and David Shire with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Cutting Room.
STEREOPHONIC, SUFFS & More Win Outer Critics Circle Awards Photo
STEREOPHONIC, SUFFS & More Win Outer Critics Circle Awards

The Outer Critics Circle, the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, announced the winners of the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards. Check out the Full List of winners here!
(PRAY), THE COMEUPPANCE, and More Take Home 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards - Full List of Photo
(PRAY), THE COMEUPPANCE, and More Take Home 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards - Full List of Winners!

The 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards will be presented at the annual ceremony which will take place tonight, Sunday, May 5, 2024, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm. See the winners as they come in here!
2024 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List! Photo
2024 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List!

Nominations for the 2024 Drama Desk Awards have just been. Check out the full list of nominees here for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway during the 2023-2024 season!
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards- Full List of Nominees Photo
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards- Full List of Nominees

Read the full list of 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations! Leading the nominations are Stereophonic and Dead Outlaw.
Holliday, Lewis, Benko, Billings & More to Star in FOLLIES at Carnegie Hall Photo
Holliday, Lewis, Benko, Billings & More to Star in FOLLIES at Carnegie Hall

Follies, featuring an all-star cast of Tony Award winners and nominees, will be the tenth presentation in the Transport Group's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series—for one night only—at Carnegie Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets.
WET BRAIN, STEREOPHONIC & More Nominated for 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards - See Photo
WET BRAIN, STEREOPHONIC & More Nominated for 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards - See the Full List!

Nominations for the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were announced by Amber Iman and George Abud. Check out the full list of nominees!
Video: First Look At Audible Theatre's DEAD OUTLAW Photo
Video: First Look At Audible Theatre's DEAD OUTLAW

Check out video highlights from Audible Theater’s world premiere musical Dead Outlaw!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Thom Sesma been in?

Thom Sesma has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Thom Sesma been in?

Thom Sesma has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Thom Sesma been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical (The Lortels) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (The Lortels) for Pacific Overtures and Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Miss Saigon.

What awards has Thom Sesma won?

Thom Sesma has won the Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his role in Dead Outlaw.

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