Town Welcomes Michael James Scott at Creative Encounters Assembly

Best known for playing the Genie in Aladdin, Scott has performed the role on Broadway, in London, on tour, and in Australia—where he won the Helpmann Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

In a conversation with music teacher Joe Badion, Scott shared how his love for performing began at age five with a church solo of “This Little Light of Mine.” “It’s always been in me,” he said, crediting a supportive community that nurtured young artists regardless of background.

Scott also praised the power of teachers. “Teachers to me are superheroes,” he said, reflecting on the impact of educators who encouraged his passion for music.

When asked what advice he'd give his younger self, Scott said: “Keep being you—unapologetically you. That’s a big part of why I am where I am today.”

The assembly also featured performances: an eighth grader recited Walter de la Mare’s poem “Music,” the Upper School Chorale sang “Magic to Do” from Pippin, the Lower School Chorus performed “A Friend Like Me” from Aladdin, and Scott sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella.