Ethan Slater Reflects on Tough Audition That Shook His Confidence

Ethan Slater, recognized for his performances in both the musical *Wicked* and the Broadway adaptation of *SpongeBob SquarePants*, recently shared a poignant story about a challenging audition that left him doubting his career prospects. During an interview, Slater recounted a moment from his past that made him question whether he would ever work in the industry again.

Slater’s Eye-Opening Audition Experience

At the age of 23, Slater faced a particularly harsh audition experience that he described as one of the worst moments of his career. Reflecting on the event with *PEOPLE*, he stated, “I left the room, and before the door closed, the director said, ‘Why did you even bring him in?’” Such a remark understandably left him feeling disheartened at the time.

With the benefit of hindsight, Slater recognized that his youth played a significant role in the director’s comment. He acknowledged that he was “20 years too young” for the role in question. “I know exactly who they cast, and I know everybody else they auditioned,” he added, recalling how devastating that moment felt. “But at the time, I left that room, and I was like, ‘I’m never going to work.’ That is the worst thing. I was 23 years old.”

Gaining Perspective Through Experience

As Slater accumulated experience in the industry, he eventually found himself on the other side of the audition process. This shift has allowed him to gain a new perspective on the challenges actors face. “Having the experience of getting to be on the other side of it has been pretty great,” he explained. “Now I’m like, ‘Oh, first of all, inappropriate. That was on them, but also they probably didn’t even mean anything by it.’”

Slater’s career began on Broadway in 2015 with the production of *Claudio Quest*. He later rose to prominence with his acclaimed portrayal of SpongeBob SquarePants, which earned him a nomination for a Tony Award. His talent was further recognized when he won Outstanding Actor in a Musical at both the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Beyond Broadway, Slater has taken on notable roles in the *Wicked* film adaptations, portraying Boq, and he appears in Season 2 of *Gen V* as Thomas Godolkin. His journey underscores the resilience required in the performing arts, especially when faced with setbacks that can seem insurmountable.

In sharing his story, Slater illustrates that even in the face of discouragement, growth and understanding can arise from difficult experiences.