Gaten Matarazzo on life after Stranger Things as he makes West End debut
Former Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo is transitioning to a stage career with a role in the West End revival of the musical Rent. He discusses the differences between the rigid schedule of live theatre and the unpredictable nature of television production.
Why it matters
Highlights the career evolution of young actors moving from global streaming hits to traditional performing arts.
Image source, Pamela Raith Image caption, Gaten Matarazzo is no stranger to musical theatre
Keeping your balance on a revolving stage probably sounds easy when you compare it with battling demogorgons, but Gaten Matarazzo points out one big difference.
You don't get the luxury of "thirty takes" to get it right in front of a live audience.
The former Stranger Things star's currently playing Mark in a modern revival of rock musical Rent on London's West End.
He tells BBC Newsbeat that having a proper schedule and remembering to stay hydrated makes a "refreshing change" from filming the Netflix smash-hit that made him famous.
Matarazzo shot to fame in 2016 as endearing super-geek Dustin Henderson - a role he calls "the greatest honour of his life".
The saga finally concluded last December after five seasons, and there's been interest in what the show's cast will do next.
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