Mary: Hello! Thanks so much for chatting with me today for AWTea with Mary. Please introduce yourself anyway you see fit!
Tristan: Tristan Overstreet (He/Him)
M: Why don’t we start at the very beginning. How did AfterWork Theater first come onto your radar? And what was going on in your life when you decided to finally say yes?
T: Well I started AWT by seeing my first show which I believe is Mamma Mia and I was there to support Ashley Zaragoza. For the longest time Ashley was trying to get me to be part of the AWT family and I had kept telling Ashley that I would think about it because she knew I was looking for somewhere to express myself with acting. Over time I kept seeing more shows, and the moment that made me join was when I was invited to the Newsies cast party. I remember at one point Ashley was sitting with Amanda, and Amanda knew who I was because of how many shows I came to. So one night at the bar Amanda looked over at me and said, “Hey Tristan, when are you going to do a show?” So I thought to myself at the time, “If Amanda has asked me to join AWT, I might as well join a show as soon as I can.” At the time I had started my first year as a youth leader, and I had also just lost my father because he got very sick and passed away. So I felt like I was losing a lot, but also gaining a lot of who I wanted to be. I knew as soon as I joined AWT in my first show, I made a new foundation for myself with family and friends.
M: That first show is always a big moment. What was your AWT debut, and how did it shape your experience with the community early on?
T: My frist show with AWT was Shrek The Musical! One moment I really remember is my first launch day for Shrek The Musical. I was so scared to do it, but after the launch day, I remember being with Abby and Kenny, who were in my cast, and we ended up going to Staten Island just to get ice cream and ride the boat. We got to know each other and became good friends during that musical.
M: That so cool! I love a good Staten Island boat ride! What other shows have you done since?
T: I’ve also been in 9 to 5 and Something Rotten, and I’ve also been in several sing-outs. My roles in the mainstage musicals are often the loving husband or the dad – I played Papa Bear in Shrek The Musical, I was Doralee’s husband Dwayne in 9 to 5, and I was Brother Jeremiah in Something Rotten.
M: Has theater been in your life for a long time? What did performing look like for you before AWT entered the picture?
T: I did theater in high school and I was doing some gigs here and there. Before AWT, I was also trying out TV acting. I did background acting for the Netflix series When They See Us. I was running in the park with a bunch of people, it was great. I also did a skit about the police questioning the Big Bad Elf and why he was doing the things he was doing.
My life has always revolved around acting and performing. I was the most excited student whenever we learned we were going to see a Broadway show or a movie because I loved all the characters. In middle school, I decided to act and performed in The Wiz as one of the Munchkins. I went to Brooklyn Theatre Arts High School and lived the dream of attending a performing arts school. I did one year of college continuing to study the arts, but both of my grandmothers became sick and I was taking care of them, so I dropped out to help provide for them until they passed away. I sometimes think about going back to college to finish my arts degree and also pursue a degree to become a full-time teacher so I can continue helping and educating youth.
M: Oh, that’s amazing, so you also work with young people and in education? What has your career looked like so far?
T: My work history is kind of a wonky one, I didn’t really know what I wanted to be until I was in my twenties. I started working retail at the age of 18 at Duane Reade, and I got let go which was a real learning experience. Then over the next couple of years, I helped teenagers and dressed up in costumes for children’s parties. During that time I also became a security guard and spent most of my time doing that until the pandemic hit in 2020. While the pandemic was going on, I helped out the Canarsie community three to four days a week, handing out food to people in need and doing my best to help young people. Around that same time I became an after-school teacher and group leader and kept doing it because I realized how much I love helping the youth and people who really need it.
M: You’ve mentioned Brooklyn a few times, tell us about home. Where did you grow up, and what keeps you rooted there?
T: Believe it or not, I’ve lived in the same apartment ever since I was born! I stayed in my father’s house sometimes as a teenager, but I was born and raised in Brooklyn and I love it here. One of my favorite spots in my neighborhood is Pitkin Avenue, there are so many places to shop and get good food. I can’t decide between plantains and rice from the red food truck or a McChicken from McDonald’s. I also got most of my favorite sneakers from the stores on Pitkin Ave — I have more than enough sneakers because I love that block so much.
M: I’ve never been to Pitkin Ave, will definitely have to check it out! You’ve lived in the same place for so long, you must be very close with your family. Tell me a little more about them.
T: Growing up, I was mostly raised with my cousins, and over time we became like siblings because we did everything together. We went to the same schools and sometimes even worked the same jobs. I help take care of my cousins’ babies sometimes because of how close we are. I live in an apartment with my mother and help take care of her whenever I’m not busy with work or a show. I also grew up with AWT alum Ashley Zaragoza. I’ve known her since freshman year of high school and she has always inspired me to do my best and be my best. We go to movies, work at the same after-school program, go to the gym together, and stay connected no matter what. We’re BFFs through thick and thin. I also grew up with a close group of high school friends. We still play video games together and catch up at Dallas BBQ’s or backyard parties at least once a year.
M: I love how you are so committed to every community you are a part of, that is really beautiful. When you’re not onstage, working, or taking care of others, how do you like to spend your time?
T: My favorite hobby is playing video games. I love Fortnite, Minecraft, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Call of Duty, Tekken, Street Fighter, and horror games. I love going to Comic Cons, dressing up in character, and meeting new people. I’m a part-time streamer with a small community, and I do skits and post them on social media.
I’m also a big anime fan and love discovering new shows. And If you don’t see me in a show but see me around, I’m most likely helping backstage because I love learning new things whenever I’m not acting.
M: Ok, time for the Rapid Fire Questions. Don’t think too much!
- What is something you’ve done recently for the first time?
Worked in an Airport - What makes you happiest right now?
Helping out people in the best way i can and learning to make new foods - What superpower would you want if you could have any super power?
Teleportation, cause I wound’t have to worry about getting anywhere late. - What’s your favorite stage show and/or dream role?
My dream show and Role is Suessical as the cat in the hat!
- What’s your favorite karaoke song?
Frank Sinatra my way is my favorite Karaoke song - What’s your favorite dinosaur?
The T-rex is my favorite Dinosaur cause it reminds me of Yoshi - What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday? (when there is no rehearsal 🙂
Whenever I’m not rehearsing I love to go to church and listen to my pastor preach and when I get home I like to take a sunday nap because it’s the most awesome thing in the world. If my family is having a Bar-B-Que I’m hanging out with them playing video games and catching up. - What’s your zodiac sign and what’s the most “sign” thing about you?
Well I’m an Aries and the most Aries thing about me is that I’m very confident and competitive when the time for it comes. - What is a piece of advice you’d give to an AWT Newbie?
Just be yourself and enjoy the moment! While you’re at launch day make a friend and get to know someone, cause eventually you will find yourself at Linen hall or being sent an Partiful invite with a bunch of other AWT members.Trust me i know it’s scary at first, but we are all like family at the end of the day.
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