Scott Isbell - Singer/songwriter, Actor - Sets Sights on Broadway

Scott Isbell is aready amazing the music world with his debut single The One. But Scott wears more than the hat of a singer/songwriter - he is also a seasoned actor. Credits to his name include roles in theater musicals such as Snoopy, Seussical the Musical, How To Eat Like A Child, The role of Chris the boy magician in feature film Ironsides, and Co-star on the Emmy award winning children's show Aqua Kids.

Had the pleasure of catching up with Scott recently, and he agreed to answer a few questions about the acting side of his career.

Favorite role in a musical?

I honestly love all of the characters I have played, as they are all so unique. I have to say, however, that I really enjoyed playing the character of Charlie Brown in Snoopy. It was a role where I had to watch many episodes of The Peanuts, and through this, I learned how to transform myself into the character of Charlie Brown. It is hard to explain, but through this musical, I learned how to actually think and feel like Charlie Brown, and this was a huge stepping stone in my acting career. I had to somehow figure out how to become Charlie Brown, who is quiet and somewhat insecure. Digging into my experiences and observations, however, I looked at how I can be quiet when I first meet new people or am in new surroundings. Right away I was able to apply this to my role as Charlie Brown.

Through my studies from the work of Uta Hagen, one of the most incredible theatrical teachers and actresses of all time, I have been able to literally use what I observe in real life and apply it to my acting skills. So many people think that being an actor is just about memorizing lines and monologues and putting emotion into what is said. In reality, however, this is inaccurate, and as actors, we are required to dig deep within and find experiences that allow us to become this character and also make it our own at the same time. Take Jim Carey, for example. Although the storyline is written before the cast is selected, Mr. Carey is able to take literally any role he is given and makes it into a character that has never been seen or done before. He is a comical genius.

I have been heavily trained in musical theater and also for film acting, and the work I have done on stage, on the big screen, and also on the small screen has just added tremendously to my knowledge of being an actor.

Funny enough, even before I could read I was able to memorize long monologues and movie quotes. I think it had to do with the fact that I am such a visual learner. Even now, I am known to memorize literally the entire monologues from movies, and this has helped me in both my acting and also my singing career.

Favorite Moment in 2010 for Performing?

I honestly am not sure if I can pick just one moment that I could say is my favorite. Not only did I continue building my acting skills, but I was non-stop in the studio and also performed a ton as well. If I had to pick one moment, however, I would have to say that I loved performing at the MGM Grand and getting the chance to perform for Sib Hashian of the legendary rock group, Boston. Sib called me and my performance "DYNAMITE!" Although I was born way after Boston was around as a band, I am still a huge fan of theirs, and I never thought I would be where I am today and being able to impress such incredible rock legends. Even more, I have now been working with a new vocal coach who is a former backup singer for Mariah Carey, and just recently signed on to be a backup singer for R&B superstar Ne-Yo. To me, this is all a dream come true. Having ADHD and OCD, I want to show others with learning disabilities and also Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. I really mean that when I say this. Never give up. I have not let my ADHD and OCD get to me, and I am so proud of who I am and what I do. I not only want to live out my dream of performing in movies and being on Broadway, but I also want to inspire others to not just follow their dreams but literally experience them.

What is your favorite thing about being on Aqua Kids?

I truly feel so fortunate to have been involved with Aqua Kids for all these years. I love the fact that it spreads awareness about our oceans and what young people can do to protect the wildlife and our Earth. On top of that, I have made lifelong friends on the show, and the bonding I have had with the cast members are times I will always cherish. Being a kid in this business can definitely be hard sometimes, and I have given up so much of my social life to live my dream. It is all worth it, however, and I have enjoyed becoming friends with other child actors and performers.

I also learned how to learn long monologues as well for the show, and through Aqua Kids, I have learned so many important things that I can apply to my other work in my acting career. Probably my favorite thing ever while filming the show, however, was when I got to interact with a Beluga whale and help train it.

What is it like being in the spotlight?

I feel so grateful to have been given all of these opportunities thus far. Ever since I was three years old, I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. Even before I started in preschool I knew I was born to do one thing: perform. Mimicking the moves and words of Elvis Presley, and also singing along to Michael Jackson, I quickly grew a deep passion for the show business.

All that has been presented to me is incredible. I never in a million years would have thought I would be invited to the after parties for Wiz Khalifa or other pop icons or getting invitations to movie premiers. At the end of the day, however, I am still the same small town kid that I have always been and I feel that being a humble person is so important. Although I love performing and spending time with my fans, I also enjoy simply staying at home and being with my family. I would not trade my life as a performer for anything else. Through all of this, however, I do not usually bring up my life as a professional performer at school, and I enjoy playing outside and chilling with the other kids like any other teen boy. I know I was born to do this. The debut album of mine that is scheduled to be a future release is called "Dreams 2 Reality." Included in the album is my debut single "The One." This album, however, is far more than just finally getting to be with that one girl you always wanted. I mean, yes, being a teenage boy I do like girls, but this album is also about going from having dreams to putting them into action and making them a true reality. I honestly will not stop until I reach my dream to its fullest. When I get to that point, I will keep pushing even further. I call this my "grind mode." To some, this may be only a part time thing. To me, however, I am ALWAYS in my grind mode and am constantly thinking about my acting and singing career. I am not lying when I say I was born to do this. Whether I am traveling the world on a tour or acting on the big screen, I know for sure that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That is one thing I can guarantee you.

My father, an incredible trumpet player grew up being best friends with actor Tom Wilson while living in Pennsylvania. You may know Mr. Wilson as the character Biff from Back to the Future. Anyway, after getting to know Mr. Wilson, I have noticed that he possesses the same burning desire and passion that I have to be a performer. Wilson said, "Scott is an incredible young prodigy who has a huge future in the entertainment business. For one, I have never in my life heard someone sound just like Michael Jackson when they sing, and secondly, his acting style is so natural and original. I know he has a bright and long future in this business."

What some people call my "obsession" I call my destiny. I really get this sick feeling to my stomach that makes me push even harder and harder to live my dream. I do not know how to explain it, but I have an unconditional love for performing. Even if some days are really hard, I know I will wake up the next morning and still continue to push even harder to make this all become a reality.

Scott a 2011 Graduate of Worcester Academy and is currently studying Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Quinnipiac University as will as working on both his music and acting careers.