Taylor Trensch

Personal life

Trensch is openly gay.

Education

Taylor began his theatrical education at Howard W Blake School of the Arts in Tampa, FL. He was an acting major, and studied under Eric Davis. Trensch graduated in 2007. Trensch - representing Blake's Troupe 5742 - was awarded the Most Outstanding Performer award from the Florida State Thespian Society, during his senior year.

Following his graduation from Blake, he attended Elon University for musical theater. Trensch was cast in the national tour of Spring Awakening during his sophomore year, and took a leave from the school to do the tour. He had submitted his audition video while still attending Howard W. Blake High School of the Arts.

Career

Trensch is featured in the role of Barnaby Tucker in the Revival of "Hello Dolly" that began Broadway previews March 15, 2017, and opened April 20 at the Shubert Theatre. The show stars Bette Midler, David Hyde Pierce, Gavin Creel and Kate Baldwin. In a large cast of scene-stealers, Trensch shined. The Hollywood Reporter said, "As Horace's under-appreciated store clerks, Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, Gavin Creel and Taylor Trensch make a superb comedic pair, their yearning for excitement and romance quite touching." The LA Times said, "As bashful Barnaby and bold Minnie Fay (the clerk at Irene’s store who isn’t shy about signaling her interest), Trensch and Beanie Feldstein bring delightful eccentricity to their sidekick roles." NBCNewYork said, "Taylor Trensch invests his role, as Creel’s partner in crime, with distinction and spunk." And Time Out New York said, "Taylor Trensch and Beanie Feldstein have wonderfully zany moments as their sidekicks."

In January 2016, Taylor was featured in the world premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's "Clarkson" at the Dallas Theatre Center. In July 2016, Taylor played the role of Tyler Clementi in the world premiere of Craig Carnelia and Joe Tracz's "Poster Boy" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Taylor Trensch played the lead role of Christopher in select performances, sharing the role with Alexander Sharp, in the original Broadway production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time opening at the Barrymore Theatre on Oct 5, 2014 (previews starting on September 15) and remained in the role until September 12, 2015. In 2015, the show won 5 Tony Awards, including the award for "Best Play" and "Best Actor in a Play"

Trensch read the role of "Jack" in the reading of the screenplay for the movie version of "Into the Woods".

Taylor made his Broadway debut as "Boq" in the New York City production of Wicked, beginning performances on January 24, 2012, on a limited contract that lasted through April 22, 2012. He covered for actor Etai BenShlomo while he worked on another project. On April 11, 2013, Taylor opened as Michael Wormwood in the original Broadway production of Matilda the Musical (previews began on March 4, 2013) and remained in the role through June 8. 2014. Matilda received 12 Tony Nominations in 2013, including a nomination for Best Musical.

Trensch also performed in the role of "Peter" in the off Broadway production of Bare from November 19, 2012 through February 3, 2013 at New World Stages. In early October 2012, Trensch was cast as "Gordon & Others" in the off Broadway production of Rent at New World Stages from May 2012 through the September 9, 2012 closing.

Taylor Trensch appeared as "Dwayne Hoover" in William Finn and James Lapine's new musical comedy Little Miss Sunshine, at the La Jolla Playhouse Mandell Weiss Theatre in early 2011. Taylor had just ended touring the United States as "Moritz" in the First National Tour of Spring Awakening, replacing original touring cast member Blake Bashoff. For his portrayal of "Moritz", Taylor won the 2009 Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actor in a National Touring Production.

His regional credits include The Rocky Horror Show (Frank 'N' Furter), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour) and Rabbit Hole (Jason), all at the Lake Dillon Theatre in Dillon, Colorado.

He attended Elon University and its musical theatre program but took leave to tour in Spring Awakening. His Elon mentor is his former Spring Awakening co-star Matt Shingledecker and his Elon mentee is Grant Gustin, who plays Barry Allen in the Flash.

In January 2018, Trensch will take over the title role in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway after Noah Galvin replaces Ben Platt after his departure in November 2017.