Tony-nominated actor Ethan Slater, widely known for his starring roles in Wicked and The SpongeBob Musical, recently shared the behind-the-scenes story of how he landed his career-defining role as SpongeBob SquarePants. During an interview at his alma mater, Vassar College, Slater revealed the unusual casting process that led him from an ordinary audition to Broadway stardom.

The Audition That Started It All

Slater, 33, recounted how his journey began after a seemingly unrelated audition for Romeo and Juliet in New York City. He caught the attention of casting director Erica Jensen of Calleri Casting, who later connected him with her colleague, Paul Davis, for an undisclosed workshop.

“I was sitting on a beanbag chair, holding a SpongeBob plush doll, and staring at a poster of all the faces SpongeBob makes,” Slater remembered. “Paul called me and said, ‘We’ve got a workshop we’re casting. I can’t tell you what it’s called, but I think you’re the right shape.’”

At first, Slater joked that the comment was “so hurtful,” but it eventually led him to receive the audition details for what would become the world premiere of The SpongeBob Musical.

Preparing for the Iconic Role

The audition itself required Slater to perform a mix of scene reading and physical comedy routines. One standout moment involved a scene adapted from the animated show, where Squidward bakes a bomb into a pie that SpongeBob unknowingly eats.

Slater described the challenge: “SpongeBob doesn’t know, Squidward does, the sun’s setting, and at sundown, SpongeBob is going to explode. I decided to play it super, super real.” His ability to blend physical comedy with emotional realism impressed the creative team.

After his first try, playwright and director Tina Landau suggested that Slater return for a callback to perfect SpongeBob’s signature laugh. Slater threw himself into preparation, watching countless episodes of the cartoon and refining his comedic timing. His callback included a memorable “three-minute dance to Billie Jean while a bee attacked me,” which Slater calls “one of my proudest auditions of all time.”

From Workshop to Broadway

Slater ultimately landed the role and starred in the 2016 world premiere of The SpongeBob Musical in Chicago. The following year, the show transferred to Broadway, where Slater reprised his performance. The musical was co-conceived and directed by Tina Landau, with a book by Kyle Jarrow, and featured a diverse musical score by renowned artists including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, and Plain White T’s.

Alongside Slater, the Broadway cast included Danny Skinner, Lilli Cooper, Gavin Lee, and Stephanie Hsu. The show received 12 Tony Award nominations, including one for Slater for Best Actor in a Musical, solidifying his status as a rising star in Broadway theater.

Continuing His Broadway Success

Following SpongeBob, Ethan Slater went on to star in the movie adaptation of the hit musical Wicked and its sequel, playing Boq. He also co-wrote and will star in the upcoming Off-Broadway play Marcel on the Train, premiering in February 2026 at New York City’s Classic Stage Company.

Slater’s journey—from holding a plush SpongeBob on a beanbag chair to leading major Broadway and Off-Broadway productions—illustrates the blend of talent, perseverance, and creativity required to succeed in musical theater.

Recognition and Awards

Returning to Vassar College, Slater was honored with the Young Alum Achievement Award in 2024, which recognizes inspiring graduates under ten years post-graduation. Slater, who graduated in 2014, continues to serve as an inspiration for young actors aspiring to make their mark in the competitive world of Broadway and musical theater.