Take the Stage: Tate Harrison on board Legend of the Seas
In this edition of Take the Stage, we meet Tate Harrison, a 2024 BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and Dance graduate who is currently on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ Legend of the Seas, where he performs in the on-board musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
What is an average day like for you on Legend of the Seas?
Honestly, everyday can be very different. It changes depending on where we are docked or whether we are at sea. Usually if we are sea we will have a double show which usually involves me going to the gym in the morning and walking around either the track or the upper decks to have some outside time before I head to the theatre to start presets for shows. If we are docked, we are able to get off and explore before our show in the evening.
What is your experience of ship life like, and what are some of your highlights?
A highlight on stage is definitely getting to perform for such a wide range of audiences – there are people from all over the world where English may not be their first language but theatre invites them all together to experience this crazy world we are lucky enough to bring to life for them. Maybe people who don’t usually go to the theatre are getting to see a story brought to life and to see people’s reactions and comments brings me a lot of joy that we have a small little impact on people. Off stage would definitely be having the opportunity to see the world, we are lucky enough to travel and explore different cultures and see sights we may not have ever seen if it wasn’t for a job like this, whilst still doing what we love to do.
What are the qualities or skills someone needs to be on a ship contract?
I think being adaptable is super key to work as a performer on a ship. Resilience is another key part to working on a ship as it can become hard being away from home and friends and family but remembering that performing on a ship allows so many opportunities to be part of such amazing musicals whilst also getting to see so many amazing places.
How do you think your time at Performers College prepared you for the environment you’re in now?
Performers always taught us that our talent only matters so much, it’s how we are as people that is really important, and I think that with any job but especially on a job where you live with your cast, to remember to always try to lead with kindness and respect. Performers are obviously remembered by their talent but we are people first and it makes all the difference to a company when everyone around you leads with kindness, and Performers definitely taught me that.
What memories do you look back on fondly from your time at Performers College?
For me it will always be looking back at all the laughs with friends and being with people who were and still are now your family. I know a lot of people say it but you really do make a family and through all the highs and the lows you were able to find joy within your family you made at Performers.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to Performers College?
Always be open to trying new things and never try to label yourself or restrict yourself to being just one thing. Before I went to Performers, I had never had a singing lesson before and hadn’t really acted before, and now I have been lucky enough to be a part of two musicals which I never thought would be possible before going to Performers. They always pushed me, not just in things I was already confident in, but in the places I wasn’t confident in. They taught me to never get too comfortable where I was, so I would constantly keep growing myself.
What would you go back and say to your 18-year-old self?
Do you! I wouldn’t change a thing. You’re about to go and really enjoy these next three years because they will be some of the best years of your life. Soak up all you can and enjoy all the moments with your friends because you will make memories and friends for life.
What have you got coming up next?
I am currently in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory until mid-next year, and alongside Charlie I also perform in America’s Got Talent which has partnered with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to bring the TV favourite to theatres at sea!
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or you can Apply Now, or book an Open Day on our Events page.
