On Sept. 9, Pitt Program Council hosted actor and singer Jordan Fisher in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room for the “An Evening With” series.
Fisher is best known for his roles in films and TV shows like “Teen Beach Movie,” “Liv & Maddie,” “Work It” and “To All the Boys I Loved Before.” Many also love him for his theatrical performances on “Dancing with the Stars” and in broadway shows like “Hadestown” and “Hamilton.”
The event featured a live interview and Q&A session, during which Fisher shared his experiences with Pitt students. Though the event was in the works for months, it was posted on social media early on Sept. 8 and sold out in minutes.
Rhyan Parker, a first-year audiology major, shared her initial reaction to learning Fisher was visiting Pitt.
“I was in the middle of my English class, and I looked at Instagram and jumped in my seat — people thought I was crazy,” Parker said. “I’m just astonished that he’s here — justice for John Ambrose!”
Charlotte Cavallone, a sophomore education major, shared her excitement to spend the evening with him and other fans during his visit to Pitt.
“[Jordan Fisher] doesn’t just have an amazing voice but is an incredible actor who seems very proud to be where he’s gotten today,” Cavallone said. “He’s also an inspiration to millions of people and is such a good person.”
Madeline Prewett, the lecture director of PPC, introduced him to the audience as the night began.
“There was so much energy there,” Prewett said. “I felt like the crowd was so locked in. They were so excited for everything I mentioned he’s done. They would start screaming, so I was glad they were just as excited to be there as I was.”
Fans screamed as the lights dimmed, and Fisher entered from the back corner of the room, greeting students as he walked up to the stage. Attendees held up posters and signs for him, some referencing earlier days in his career, leading to Fisher’s first words being, “that digital footprint is crazy.”
Nima Geda, a first-year psychology major, expressed her admiration towards Fisher’s creative journey and resilience.
“I love Jordan Fisher. He’s such a guy of perseverance, he went through so many roles,” Geda said. “He doesn’t have a quick startup like a lot of actors with one breakout role who are then set for life. I think he grew better and better throughout his bigger and smaller roles. I’ve been watching my whole life, so I love him.”
Fisher sat with PPC’s interest exploration director and moderator of the night, Maya Zrebiec, giving her credit for being there. He then shared what life was like growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, joining the drama club in fifth grade and his first viral moment from the “Do You Want To Build a Snowman” cover he participated in with other Disney stars.
Fisher momentarily sang the song live, recreating the meme of him being “extra,” as the crowd cheered him on. Fisher then explained how the clip led to a recording contract with Disney’s Hollywood records, allowing him to write songs for himself and other artists.
“I was just showing up and doing what I was asked to do, which was hit that microphone,” Fisher said. “Plus, I did have bills that needed to be paid.”
Fisher discussed why he loves what he does, with a wide variety of work ranging from broadway musicals to on-screen television appearances to his favorite — voice acting.
“It’s a blast because you get to go work in your PJ’s, and you get paid to be a fool in a booth,” Fisher said. “You get to be creative and obnoxious — it’s so much fun.”
Fisher opened up about his journey being an openly queer man of color in the theater world. He also spoke about his life now of being a husband, father and founder of his own production company.
“It’s a work in progress,” Fisher said of balancing his personal and professional lives. “I don’t think we give ourselves enough credit even just as human beings.”
Fisher told the audience that he admires how well they handle the challenges of being college students.
“Not only are you handling academics, life, familial and social responsibilities, you’re in some of the most transitional phases of your entire life right now,” Fisher said. “It doesn’t get easier, but over time you sharpen tools to cope, survive and navigate the next season of life that you’re in.”
Fisher shared one final piece of advice with the students and reminded them to slow down and not take things too seriously or personally.
“I spent way too long defining myself based on how successful I was or what I’m working on,” Fisher said. “It doesn’t matter what you do, please treat [your career of choice] like a business, and do not treat it like your life because it’s not.”
In an interview with The Pitt News, Fisher spoke about why he loves attending events like this one, with students in attendance.
“To me, there’s nothing about what I do that separates me from my humility,” Fisher said, “I think opportunities like this should just be normal human things, to be around everybody else and remind each other that we’re just people who are figuring it out together, and it’s even an encouraging thing for me when I get to experience that on the other side.”