"Take Five" with Norton winner Johnny Shea

After his win for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical at the June 1, 2026 Elliot Norton Awards -- Boston's highest honor for regional theater -- we asked the talented Johnny Shea to look back on not only the night of his big win, but on the production of tick, tick... BOOM! last fall at The Umbrella that made it possible.

1. How did you get started in theater? What inspired you to embrace it as a professional career?

My older sister Julianne signed up for acting summer camp, and she had so much fun that I had to see what it was all about. I fell in love with storytelling there. I loved singing “Why” because Jonathan Larson beautifully illustrates that pure feeling of love that theater people know in their bones. Rehearsal became a place for me to channel energy, explore different perspectives, meet new people, and just have so much fun. I’m grateful to teachers and mentors who have encouraged me to follow my passion since then, and to my family for their support.

2. While tick, tick... BOOM! is an ensemble show, "Jon" anchors the piece as the central, biographical role that very rarely (if ever?) allows you a moment off stage. How did you prepare for the demands of the part? What helped you succeed?

I couldn’t have gotten through without the support of the team. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I was able to ground myself by focusing on my wonderful scene partners, Vanessa and Anthony. Our incredible band, led by music director Jordan, was also onstage, and they always had my back. Our director, Ilyse, helped me break the show down into chunks. We’d rehearse sections at a time and then stitch pieces together. Eventually, things flowed, and it felt easier. It’s also just such a fun show to perform, so that joy gave me energy.

3. When you look back on the rehearsal process, what do you remember most? Any behind-the-scenes rituals, stories, or moments you'd like to share?

Early in rehearsal, we worked to brainstorm what kind of rehearsal room we wanted to create. This helped us build the foundation for a successful collaboration. Rehearsal always left me feeling energized and grateful. Looking back on the process, I’ll remember joy and trust. Ilyse made us hats with the inscription, “What a way to spend a day.”

4. What was it like reuniting with the cast to perform at the Nortons? How did it feel to win your category?

Performing at the Nortons was electric! It was so much fun to reunite and sing 'Louder Than Words' with Anthony and Vanessa, with Jordan on the keys. I miss this show a lot, so it was such a special surprise that we got to reunite and sing Jonathan Larson's call to action as we go forward with our lives. 

Hearing my name called was thrilling! It made me so grateful for this experience and for everyone at The Umbrella who made it possible. 

5. What's next for Norton award-winner Johnny Shea?

I’m really excited to keep auditioning and creating. Jon continues to teach me. There’s so much wisdom in his arc through the show. We talked in rehearsal about how Jon is an everyman character. We can all relate to the universal struggle to make something meaningful of our time here. I’m really grateful I got to inhabit this character with such a generous team, and for the lessons learned that will carry me forward.