Between continents, contracts, and curtain calls, Barry Conrad has found himself standing at the threshold of a bold new chapter. In the space of just a few months, he went from rehearsal rooms in Australia to stepping into New York for meetings – landing in time to attend the Tony Awards the very next day – before signing with major international players Artists First and Kawai USA.
After returning home to take on the male lead in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Destiny, Conrad wrapped the production in late September and made the move permanent, trading familiarity for ambition. Peter Gray spoke to the multi-hyphenate about starting over in New York, chasing momentum without losing grounding, and what it means to rebuild a career – and a sense of self – in a city that demands everything.
Thank you so much for making the time. You’re in New York now, right?
I’m in New York now, yeah, which is insane to say. But yes.
You’ve had a whirlwind year! Rehearsals, the Tonys, signing with major players. Did it feel like momentum or whiplash?
Both. It felt really serendipitous and surreal. New York was always the dream. Watching Home Alone as a kid, being a young performer, and now to finally be here and have things align felt incredible. The Tonys were wild! Cynthia Erivo hosting, all those performances, the after-parties. It was inspiring. Then I got to take that energy back to Australia for Destiny, knowing I was about to move here. It was huge.
Playing the lead in Destiny while knowing you were about to move. Did that feel like closure or a launchpad?
Definitely not closure. I’ll be back. But it felt like the beginning of the next chapter. I treated it with so much care, like it was my first job again. I wanted to take that level of focus into New York, because here, they don’t play around. Zindzi Kennedy, our director, was incredible. Such an actor’s director. Christie Whelan Browne too, who wrote it and was my co-star. It felt like a beautiful pause on Australia, not an ending.
Do you approach acting differently now that your career isn’t tied to one country?
I do. It’s the same, but very different. There’s a lot of relearning and adjusting, but I also get to bring experience with me. I’m not starting from zero.
Is there something that scares you more now?
I feel like the underdog, mostly to myself. I’m new here, and I want to dig in and do the work. In Australia, you know the landscape. Here, I don’t know anyone. That’s scary, but I thrive on it. I haven’t felt that gap between where I am and where I want to be in a long time.
Is there a particular lane you’re focusing on? Acting? Music? Or everything?
I want to do everything I did in Australia, here. Acting is the main focus right now because of my representation, but music is still very alive. I’ve signed with Jen Moffat here, she’s incredible, and I still work with CBM back home. If I’m coming all the way here, it’s not for a nice Instagram post. This is the next level. I’m throwing everything at it.
If your music career had a mission statement right now, what would it be?
Let go of any sense of being polite. Not apologising for what I bring. Being bold. Being big.
That really resonates. The worst that happens is someone says no.
Exactly. I’m not scared of hard work or rejection. I’m ready to get my hands dirty. I’m not jaded or delusional. I know this will take time.
You’ve also been creating spaces for conversation with your Banter With BC podcast. What were you craving that wasn’t happening publicly?
Connection. In Australia, things can feel territorial. I wanted to break that wall, cross the room, and actually talk. Once people sit down, they’re grateful. Everyone wants connection. Food, conversation, community, that mattered more to me than another Instagram post.
Did those conversations change your understanding of success?
Yes. Resilience and tenacity, but without losing your spark. Every guest I’ve had has built systems to hold onto their love for the work. That’s been incredibly inspiring.
With everything you’re juggling, what keeps you grounded?
The first part of the morning is non-negotiable. No phone, no social media. I work out, set my intentions, remind myself what I’m grateful for. The world can wait. And family, they keep me real.
What part of your success feels most earned, and what still feels surreal?
I feel proud to be here. It’s incredibly validating. I’ve earned the right to be here. Where I’m going? That still has to be earned.
What excites you more right now? What’s coming, or who you’re becoming?
Who I’m becoming. My capacity keeps growing. I love growth. The falling down, getting back up, pushing to the next level.
It’s incredible to watch. Truly.
Thank you. That means a lot.
For more information on Barry Conrad, head to his official site here.
