All About the man they call

Andrew Rahm

If you only have 5 minutes, read this:

Andrew Rahm is a passionate musical theatre actor known for his dynamic stage presence and witty comedic timing. With a background spanning contemporary and classic theatre, Andrew brings depth, humor, and heart to every role he portrays. He loves to perform around the country to uplift and inspire through the beautiful medium of theatre. Currently based in Lancaster, PA, he is pursuing professional stage, screen, and concert opportunities.

The Long Story:

I'm gonna talk in first person because I'm not gonna pretend that someone else is writing this.

I was born on the east side of St. Louis and legend has it that I was hosting my own concert in my mother's womb. I have no memory of this, but that's what people say.

At the age of 4, I was asked to play the part of "The Prophet's Son" in our church's Nativity musical. My mom accepted it for me and she found out that she had to help her 4 year old memorize 40 lines by Christmas. By the literal grace of God, she did, and she was praying backstage that I wasn't out there picking my nose or something. This was the start of my theater career.

I intermittently did theater for a few years, but took breaks to pursue other passions - trucks, playing outside, and most importantly - piano lessons. I can't lie - I hated piano lessons. I never wanted to be there but my piano teacher/parents made me stick it out (more on that later).

Flash forward to age 10, I had joined a homeschool group and auditioned for my very first musical with them. In the audition room, I legit froze. I couldn't even move. I wouldn't sing, I wouldn't talk, I wouldn't do anything. But one of the directors came over to me and said: "We want you to play a certain role, but we need you to sing. You're okay, take your time, and we'll come back to you."

I then stayed with that homeschool group and did other community theater projects in the area. I learned to be humble yet confident in my skills and refine them as much as I could. I got to play big roles, and then the next show get cast as ensemble. It was the perfect balance.

I then heard of a youth theater that was doing a production of Frozen Jr. Naturally, I had to audition. Being the inexperienced actor that I was, I boldly went in there and sang "In Summer" from Frozen. I can't image they could see which role I was going for. I guess it worked, because they threw me in a onesie and let me sing that song for a crowd.

Leaving the homeschool theater group, I went full-time at this new theater. After doing shows like Fiddler on the Roof & Lion King, I got my first lead in a show! I got to play Shrek in Shrek the musical. Looking back on it now, was I very good? No. But was it a start? Absolutely - and I would 100% do it again.

It gave me so many new experiences - a complex makeup job, intense scenes & songs, and my first costume malfunction. My pants fully ripped down the center while I was climbing up to Princess Fiona's tower. Thankfully, the crowd thought it was a bit.

Beyond that, it gave me my passion for theater. I have been hooked ever since. There is nothing quite like the medium of theater - where stories unfold in real time, connecting literal strangers through shared emotion.

I was addicted. The shows started rolling in. We did Matilda, Mary Poppins, Newsies, Seussical, The Little Mermaid, The Music Man, Elf, and my final show with them was Oklahoma. Some of them were Junior shows, but I didn't care. I just loved to perform. I also made some of my life-long friends in that theater group.

Though it was tough leaving home, I was excited to move to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to be a part of the Sight & Sound Conservatory program! (spoiler alert, this is where I met the other life-long friends of mine!) This program was intense. 9 shows a week, 2 classes every day, no summer break, and on top of that - I was working a part time job to pay for tuition!

This is the part of the story where I get to tell you about Murder at the Cabaret. Due to some unforseen circumstances, I had to raise almost $10,000 for a tuition payment. I was at a loss as to what to do. After asking around, I decided to write, direct, and star in my own musical. Now, I didn't have time to write any music, so I used 50's & 60's jazz to accompany the script. I got a cast, a stage, mics, and a set, and we were ready to perform. I am so thankful to all who helped make that dream come to fruition

I truly don't know where I would be without the Lord's provision and kindess to me throughout my life. I was able to raise the money and continue on in the program.

So, I continued on in the program. After finishing the run of DANIEL at Sight and Sound, I went on to our fourth semester of conservatory - a straight play and a musical. We did the Rose of Treason, a true story about the journalists who gave up their lives to write leaflets in rebellion towards the Nazi regime. Then we did Seussical (my second time!)

Graduation day came and went, and I moved out to Shipshewana, Indiana to perform in a four-month contract. Now, I'm moving back to Lancaster to work regionally there.

So, to the little guy who couldn't even open his mouth to sing, guess what?

You do it professionally now :)

Thanks for making it this far, now go check out some of my reels!

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