Interview: Mystic Inscho as Zack in SCHOOL OF ROCK

SCHOOL OF ROCK has been getting positive reviews everywhere they perform. The story is fun, the music is entertaining and the actors blow your mind when you see them giving their all to the show. One actor, Mystic Inscho, plays the role of Zack as School of Rock tours around North America. At the young age of 9, Inscho is already mastered the piano and guitar. As School of Rock prepares to shred it up at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, BWW had a chance to learn more about the young man who plays Zack and what life on the road is like.

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you got interested in performing.

My parents said that I danced before I walked. And I felt comfortable on stage. I always liked Music. And I like to learn new things and try to learn them fast. I had lots of help from everyone and I worked hard. I love making friends and working with a cast.

Tell us a little more about your family.

My family always helps and supports me. My mom is a programmer. My father is a teacher. They are both not performers. But they believe in me and they work hard to help me find opportunities and to succeed.

When did you first start to play the guitar?

I learned to play the guitar about two years ago. I already played the piano so I had some of the skills. I practiced very hard for the School of Rock audition and I was lucky to get the part. I like to dance when I play guitar and that is an important part of it for me.

How did you get the part of Zack?

My mom heard that there were open auditions. We couldn't attend the open audition so she sent in a tape. Then I got asked to do more video auditions and finally got called to New York. Even after that, it was a long wait before I got asked to play the role of Zack. I heard that lots of kids auditioned. I feel very lucky.

How is your character like you?

Zack is sort of a joker and I like to fool around sometimes. We are both full of energy and have strong emotions. And we both love to play music and write songs.

What do your friends think about you being in the show, School of Rock?

My friends and family are all excited about my role and love to support me. When I was back home during the layoff week, I got to see my friends, teachers, and family. They were so happy for me and they were proud of me.

Tell us about your day on the road. You have school with the other actors, right? So, tell us what you do in school and what you're learning right now.

I am in fifth grade and study on the computer and on books. The cast has 16 kids and we often spend several hours a day together with tutors. I learn regular subjects, but I also get to go outside and explore in the cities that we perform in. On math, I am learning geometry now. And I learn a lot about the history and culture of the cities that I visit.

What do you do to prepare for the show every evening?

I do eight shows a week and it is a tight schedule. I practice on the guitar every day and also rest before going to the theater. Then we do warm-ups there before the show. I also relax and talk to the other kids before the show. Also, I think about how to do better in my performance.

What do you see yourself doing in the next 5 years?

In five years I hope to still be doing Broadway shows and maybe movies. I hope that I will get to do a lot of auditions and get parts. I will be working on playing music, singing, acting, and dancing. And I hope that I get a lot of opportunities. It will take hard work and luck.

Don't miss School of Rock as it rocks the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio from November 6-11, 2018. Get your tickets by going to the Majestic's website and prepare for face-melting entertainment for the whole family.

PHOTO CREDIT: Evan Zimmerman