Tug Watson
Education
MFA in Musical Theatre- San Diego State University
BFA in Acting- Syracuse University
Biography
Tug Watson, a musical theatre artist originally from California, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the stage and classroom. Recently, Tug was a cast member in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Watson joined the Broadway company of The Phantom of the Opera in 2018, directly after receiving his MFA. Before this, his impressive career included portraying Munkustrap in the global production of Cats before becoming a swing and performing the leading role of Gus in the 2016 Broadway revival of the same show. His versatility is evident from his position as a swing in multiple Broadway productions, as well as his performances in tours of Chicago, Evita, Young Frankenstein, and Annie. Other notable roles include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Homer in Floyd Collins, Jerry in The Full Monty, and Whizzer in Falsettos.
In addition to his performance career, Tug has made significant contributions as an educator. He served on the faculty at Marymount Manhattan College and Nazareth University and has been an award winning researcher for his work on the impact war can have on performing artists. Notably, from 2017 to 2019, he taught musical theatre dance repertoire at the Royal Danish Ballet Summer School, as well as being a guest artist at the Central School of Musical Theatre in Copenhagen. He has been a soloist with the San Diego Symphony, where he has also served as movement coordinator and associate director for their Broadway Summer Series.
Tug’s passion for musical theatre extends beyond performance. He is dedicated to advocating for ensemble and swing cast members, drawing from his own extensive experience. His commitment to coaching and mentoring actors, both in the U.S. and internationally, reflects his deep love for the art form and his respect for the contributions of theatre artists whose work should be remembered.
At UNCG, Tug specializes in teaching musical theatre dance styles and repertoire, song interpretation, and equipping students with the skills necessary for success in the industry. His focus encompasses not only performance but also direction and choreography, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a dynamic career in musical theatre. Through a comprehensive approach, he guides students in mastering diverse techniques, understanding industry standards, and honing their creative and leadership abilities to thrive both on stage and behind the scenes.