Tyler ”T” Lang

I saw T Lang perform for the first time just this week in Echo Theatre’s production of Lauren Gunderson’s I and You. T brought such sincerity to the part of Anthony that it is still difficult for me to separate him from the character. T has a confidence and comfortableness on stage that is going to take him far. In addition to being a sensational actor, T is an accomplished playwright and musician with music featured on many different platforms. There is no stopping this multi-talented, ambitious young man. Take a few moments to read the thoughtful responses about his life in the arts from the amazing Tyler “T” Lang.

When was your first time on stage?

My first time on stage was when I was 13 years old in the 7th grade. I had just moved to Anna,Texas and so I wasn't sure what to expect whenever it came to the theater, but I ended up finding my true passion. My grade was doing the Snow Queen and my very first role was the role of “The Crow '' and it was definitely something to remember.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I would say the moment when I made a crowd laugh and remembered the feeling I got from it. I've always been an entertainer whenever it came to music and singing, just to actually entertain people by acting is a completely different kind of monster. I remember thinking “This is it! This is what I want to do! Music and Acting is the life for me!” Here we are today.

Who is your greatest mentor?

I would say that I don't only have one mentor. I have a few. I would say that the first one that was very prominent in my theater life and helped me get to where I am today would have to be the incredible Mr. Nathan Autrey. He saw the potential in me back in high school during my senior year when he was my theater teacher. It felt amazing because Nathan saw something in me that a lot of people didn't see or overlooked in me whenever they thought of me. I would have to say that my other mentors would have to be Jamal Sterling and Tina Parker. I met these two shortly after I graduated high school when I was selected as a finalist for the PUP Fest 2021 competition. Jamal was the director of a play I wrote called “CHANGES” and Tina was one of the producers for PUP Fest. Whenever I need something or some advice, I rest easy knowing that I can lean on Nathan, Jamal, or Tina because they see the dedication I have to my craft and how hard I work at only 20 years old. I really appreciate them and if you guys are reading this, Thank you so much for all you do for me!

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

Portraying the role of “Zeke Philips” in Travisville was a really fun and meaningful role! I got to meet so many amazing people as well as have the chance to meet the person my character was based on. I'm currently portraying “Anthony” in Lauren Gunderson’s I and You with Echo Theatre. I would say that this has been my most challenging role to date which I take pride in. I signed onto this production of I and You because I wanted to challenge myself as an actor because I don't want to be an actor that just coasts on “easy” roles. I want roles that push me to be better and leave me feeling like I'm doing justice to the art of acting.

Do you have a dream role?

My dream role would definitely be any role in a Spike Lee film/Joint. If I could work with anyone, it would have to be Spike Lee! As far as theater roles, I’d definitely want to play “Levee” in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. I really would love this role just because of the way the character is and the journey he takes throughout the play, and I really would want that challenge as an actor, and make the character my own. My dream musical would have to be Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations and I’d gladly accept any role in that musical because it all seems like fun while also presenting a challenge.

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

I would want to be on stage with Samuel L Jackson or Denzel Washington. They are truly pioneers and I appreciate what they’ve done to give Young black kids like myself hope that they can be who you are while doing what you love to do. If he was still alive, I’d LOVE to work with Chadwick Boseman. He is the literal reason why I started acting in the first place. Every time I saw his movies, I felt so moved and impacted that I wanted to give that feeling to someone else that might be on the fence about the future. He was the one actor that I really wanted to meet one day and work with. Rest In Peace, Chadwick.

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

When the Ain’t Too Proud Musical came through Dallas at Fair Park, I was very very impressed by everything! From the live music, the singing, the scenery, etc. Overall the production of that musical was top notch and I was blown away.

What are your career goals?

Well, I know I want to be on Broadway one day whether I’m in a play or musical. It’s been a dream of mine for a very long time. Next, I hope to get one of the eight plays that I've written produced at some point and time and get to see my own written work come to life. I would eventually want to transition over into TV/film for the challenge of that side of acting. Lastly, I want to become an EGOT winner.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people are surprised when they find out how much I push myself and how hard I work at twenty years old. A lot of people tell me that when they were my age, they had no idea what they wanted to do with their life so it surprises them usually that I do. Another thing that surprises people or that a lot of people might not know is that I make music. They are usually surprised when they see that my music is on Apple Music, Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and pretty much all streaming services. I’ve had some pretty decent local success from being on 106.1 KISS F.M twice and being a part of the Jingleball festival for IHeartRadio with some big mainstream artists such as Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Sam Smith, and Doja Cat. My music stage name is T The Phenomenal and I'm currently hard at work on my second studio album titled “The Calm Before” which shall be completed and released soon! Be on the lookout for it!