Acting
Austin P. McKenzie
Austin P. McKenzie, born on August 24, 1993, is a talented American actor and singer, best recognized for his standout performance as Melchior Gabor in the 2015 Broadway revival of "Spring Awakening" by Deaf West Theatre. His portrayal received widespread acclaim, earning him multiple nominations for prestigious theatrical awards during both the Los Angeles and Broadway runs. The production extended its performances for two additional weeks due to overwhelming positive reviews and secured three Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical.
McKenzie’s journey into the arts began at the age of fifteen, when he dedicated six summers volunteering at Lions Camp Tatiyee, a camp for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This experience introduced him to the deaf community, prompting him to pursue a degree in American Sign Language and Childhood Education at Columbia College Chicago, where he graduated in 2014.
After completing his studies, McKenzie reached out to Deaf West Theatre with the hope of working as an interpreter for "Spring Awakening." Instead, he was invited to audition for the lead role of Melchior, marking his professional theatre debut.
In addition to his theatre work, McKenzie appeared in the film "Speech & Debate," adapted from Stephen Karam's acclaimed play, and took on the role of young LGBT activist Cleve Jones in the ABC miniseries "When We Rise," which highlights the LGBTQ movement’s history. He also portrayed Fred in the film "Unhinged," alongside Russell Crowe, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
