From Broadway to St. Pete: Rachel Prather Comes Home to Perform

by Avery Anderson

The Band’s Visit actor returns to The Studio@620 for a solo cabaret and upcoming production of Venus in Fur.

This weekend, St. Pete native Rachel Prather brings her voice home in a solo cabaret at The Studio@620, followed by a starring role in Venus in Fur later this season. We caught up with Rachel between rehearsals to talk about falling in love with theater, performing for your hometown, and why physical comedy is her secret weapon.

Read on for the full Q&A →

15 Questions with Rachel Prather

1. Rachel, tell us a little about your background. How did you get your start in the performing arts?
I was nine years old when my mom signed me up for American Stage’s musical theater summer camp over at The Palladium. I instantly loved it and couldn’t wait to go back each day. Towards the end of the camp, the head of the program approached my mom and told her I could sing. Fast-forward a couple years, I started doing local theater. I remember waiting for the Thursday newspaper to come out because that was the day they printed the auditions in the arts section.

2. You’ve performed on Broadway and in national tours—what's been your most unforgettable performance so far?
Well, it’s hard to beat your Broadway debut—I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night. The Band’s Visit was an incredibly rewarding experience from beginning to end. But performing at The Straz while on tour in Once the Musical, in the theater I grew up going to, almost tops it. I remember taking that bow and thinking, I can’t imagine a Broadway debut feeling better than this.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced as an actor, and how did you overcome it?
I think self-doubt is something a lot of actors struggle with at one point or another, particularly when working on an audition you want to do well, or when you’re going through a dry spell and can’t seem to book the next job. The best way to overcome it is to move on and look for the next thing that excites you. Then go out with friends in the business and check in to see how they’re doing. Everyone is going through the same thing, just at different times.

4. What’s your favorite part about performing in intimate venues like The Studio@620?
Intimate spaces are always more fun. When the audience is that close, they act as another actor onstage with us. How they react to a line or moment—whether they are sitting very still or shifting in their seats—all of this informs the play and how we move through it together. That’s one of my favorite things about doing live theater.

5. Can you walk us through your process of preparing for a performance? Any pre-show rituals?
My prep changes with each show—it really depends on what I need to do for the character I’m playing. If the show is vocally demanding, my vocal warm-up is longer. If it’s a physically demanding show, my physical warm-up is longer. But I’d say generally, I enjoy the ritual of showing up early to a nearly-empty backstage and having that moment of quiet before the hustle and bustle of a half hour call.

6. You’re known for your powerful voice—who are your biggest vocal influences or inspirations?
That’s a nice thing to be known for! As a kid, I watched a lot of the classic movie musicals and listened to popular musical theater albums, so I was definitely influenced by them—Judy Kuhn, Liz Callaway, Julie Andrews, Judy Garland. Also: Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling, and lately, Nancy Griffith.

7. If you could perform in any show, past or present, what would it be and why?
I’d love to play Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. She is unapologetic and funny and cunning and heartbreaking all at once. Not to mention getting to learn that music.

8. Do you have a favorite genre or type of role you like to play?
Physical comedy is possibly my favorite thing to do on stage, so if you need someone to fall out of a chair or run into a wall, I’m your girl.

9. What’s one song you could perform on repeat and never get tired of?
“Rambling Man” by Laura Marling.

10. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor in your career?
I idolized Sutton Foster in high school and really tried to emulate her voice. One day, someone said to me, “Rachel, Broadway already has a Sutton Foster. But there isn't a you yet.” That’s when I started to find my own sound.

11. When you’re not on stage, how do you unwind? Any hobbies or guilty pleasures?
When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time with my family. But I love that I get to pick the outings. Sometimes, we’re going to the zoo because I want to go to the zoo.

12. As a St. Pete native, what’s your favorite thing about the Tampa Bay arts scene?
I love that the arts scene is exploding here, and the loyalty people have to Tampa Bay institutions like The Studio@620. There are so many successful artists that have come out of this area, and Tampa Bay should be really proud of that.

13. What are you most excited about for your upcoming performance at The Studio@620?
First of all, huge shoutout to The Studio@620 for allowing me to squeeze a solo concert into their season during our rehearsal process for Venus in Fur. I have wanted to come back to sing in St. Pete for a long time. I'm most excited to sing for the community that gave me my start in theater and supported me from the very beginning. This concert is for them.

As for Venus, I just can’t wait for audiences to see it. I think they will be surprised by how funny the play is. If they’re expecting this wholly dark, brooding show, they will be surprised to hear that a lot of it is really funny. It’s sharp, sexy, physically demanding, there are multiple accents at play—it’s a great challenge as an actor. It sort of tests all of your skills at once.

14. How do you deal with stage nerves or performance anxiety? Do you have a secret trick?
It usually has something to do with remembering the little girl in me who wanted to do this when she grew up.

15. If you could describe your performance style in three words, what would they be?
I’m not sure—will you come see the show and let me know?

Rachel Prather: Homecoming Cabaret
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
Location: The Studio@620, St. Petersburg
Tickets: studio620.org/tickets

Don’t miss Broadway’s Rachel Prather in an intimate one-night-only cabaret at The Studio@620. Featuring a mix of musical theatre favorites and personal stories, this concert is a love letter to the community that helped launch her career. A must-see for local arts lovers!

Venus in Fur
Starring Rachel Prather
Dates: May 15–25, 2025
Location: The Studio@620, St. Petersburg
Tickets: studio620.org/tickets

Up next, catch Rachel Prather in Venus in Fur — a provocative, sharp-witted play that blends power dynamics, gender roles, and a wildly entertaining audition gone sideways. Expect accents, intensity, and unexpected laughs in this demanding two-hander that shows off every skill in Rachel’s toolbox.