Kids to Know: Jacob Pham, 8th grader at Corbett Prep Performed as Simba on Broadway in New York City

He’s only in 8th grade, and yet Corbett Prep 8th grader Jacob Pham has already lived a dream of so many: performing in one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, “The Lion King.”

But landing the role of Young Simba was not overnight success, but the result of years of hard work, perseverance and the support of not only his family, but teachers and mentors here in Tampa Bay who encouraged him to dream big. He spent most of last school year in New York City schooling through Florida Virtual, but now he is back home and back at Corbett Prep. And he still has big dreams and hopes to encourage others to pursue their dreams too.

When you first found out that you landed the role of Young Simba, what was going through your head?

Jacob Pham: When I first got the call from my agent … I was just in shock. And I didn’t know if it was real because I thought I was dreaming for a sec, because I dreamed of this role for a very long time since I was 10. And I was thrilled. I was crying, happy tears. But it was a very emotional and happy moment for me.

Talk about the preparation it takes.

Jacob Pham: I have been auditioning since I was 10, so for about two years, and even though you get a “no” or “maybe”, that didn't stop me. So I kept working hard and kept practicing all the scenes and the songs. When you keep practicing, it just builds up and

It just really affects you when you put hard work into it. You have to keep going, never give up. It's one of my phrases that I always tell everyone … Never give up.

How does it feel to be back home and back with your friends here at Corbett Prep?

Jacob Pham:  I’ve been very happy. Just getting home and going back to school, seeing all my friends, and seeing the new people doing theater … It felt like they were inspired not just by me but by other people too, and I'm really happy for them.

What drew you to performing on stage?

Jacob Pham: My grandpa plays seven instruments, and my sister also plays piano, so she taught me the piano, which was when I was 4, I think. I learned “All of Me” by John Legend. And she also sings, so I kind of sang along with her a little bit. Of course, I was a little upkey because it was my first time singing. But my parents, when they heard me, they were just like, “Oh my gosh, he's having the best time of his life.” So I kept singing just for fun. And then, we got a teacher and a voice coach. So I've been practicing my voice and theater.

You’ve had so many incredible mentors and teachers here over the years. How have they helped nurture this passion of yours?

Jacob Pham: So Mr. T, [Corbett Prep Theater Director Seth Travaglino], he is the most phenomenal teacher ever. He's been helping me through a lot of performances. And he's been helping me gain confidence with my dancing, singing and acting at the same time. He's a really amazing person. And all the teachers have been helping me academically and have built me up.

That must have been a cool experience when they all came up to see you perform on Broadway!

Jacob Pham: Yeah, it was great just to see them. I hadn't seen them in a whole year. So I missed them a lot. I was very happy to be back with them.

What was your daily schedule like on Broadway?

Jacob Pham: So when I got to the stage door at the theater, I go into my hair and wig prep. After that I do my makeup, so I have a face paint and like a red triangle on my chest for the show. And then I do vocal warm-ups and then get into my costume, and then after that I do some body warm-ups, and then right as I'm about to go to the stage, I take a deep breath in and just say “you got this” in my head and say a little prayer, and then I go on.

It has to be a pretty incredible feeling to know you’ve had the chance to do something at such a young age that people dream about their entire lives.

Jacob Pham: It’s been a wonderful experience, just to even have an audition. And to get the role, it’s just been amazing. I met a lot of new people, a lot of new producers and directors who taught me new things for different shows that I want to audition for in the future, and it's just been a wonderful time meeting all the cast members, having fun, building bonds, especially on stage.

What’s your advice for other kids who want to go after their dreams like you?

Jacob Pham: No matter what, even if you get a “no” or “maybe,” it doesn't mean that you have to stop doing what you're doing. If you get a yes, you just have to keep moving forward and keep working hard. Never give up and work hard.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your family here in Tampa Bay?

Jacob Pham: I love seafood, so we always go to seafood places. Sometimes we try different sports, like golf at Top Golf.

Originally published in the November 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.