A School of Theatre alumnus was featured in a Chance the Rapper music video.
Preston Chapman graduated from the School of Theatre in 2018. After moving to Chicago, he signed with Gill Talent Group. Chapman said it was his agent who booked him the gig.
“My agent calls me out of the blue one day, and she essentially said ‘you need to be on set tomorrow for a Chance the Rapper music video,’” Chapman said.
The music video is for Chance’s song, “Hot Shower,” which has over 6 million views at presstime and was trending No. 2 on YouTube when it came out on Oct. 28.
The video features Chance, Kel Mitchell, New Girl’s Jake Johnson and rappers MadeinTYO and DaBaby.
Chapman plays a character named “Doug,” based off the titular character from the Nickelodeon series, “Doug,” who Chance mentions by name in the song.
Not knowing what to expect when he showed up to the set, Chapman said he was surprised to be handed a costume and sat down in a booth.
“Then Kel Mitchell from ‘Good Burger’ comes up, and I froze,” Chapman said. “He shook my hand. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
Then the director told Chapman the talent would sit across from him in the booth, he said.
“I started to clench my toes because I was starting to freak out a little bit,” he said.
Chance’s bodyguard walks in and asked if the crew was ready, Chapman said.
“And in walks Chance the Rapper,” he said. “I am not kidding when I say this guy is glowing. I had never seen something like that.”
Chance sat down and leaned across the table, Chapman said.
“He goes, ‘what’s up dog,’ and he shakes my hand,” Chapman said. “I said, ‘hey man, I’m a huge fan.’ He goes, ‘I’m a fan of you too, bro.’”
The whole experience was a whirlwind, he said.
“I had like no time to process any of this,” he said. “By the time it hit, we had wrapped. I was walking home, and I could not believe anything that had just happened.”
Chapman said his agency is based in the south side of Chicago and his agent had connections to Chance who is originally from the south side.
Chapman said his training at OCU prepared him well for a career in the industry.
“Your training shows when you come up here,” he said. “More than anything is the preparation to learn how to handle yourself in those situations and be a professional among other professionals.”
Chapman said preparation is an important part of going into the performance world.
“Nobody owes you anything,” he said. “Everything you get is earned. Put your head down. Do your work. When opportunity meets preparation, that’s when magic happens.”
It’s important to have a solid support system wherever you go, he said.
“If I did not have that, I would not be as happy as I am,” he said.
Chapman said he is glad he moved to Chicago because of the TV and film, the theater scene and the OCU community.
“You better believe we all take care of each other,” he said. “I’ve gotten a few jobs just by virtue of knowing someone from OCU.”
John Metcalf, acting senior, said he appreciated the choice of costume for Chapman.
“I think it’s very interesting that Chance decided to dress Preston up as the character “Doug” from the Nickelodeon series, “Doug,” specifically in his ‘Quailman’ costume,” he said.
Metcalf said he is excited that Chapman was able to get high-profile work.
“It shows to post-grads who might not want to move to LA or New York that Chicago is a viable choice of city for getting work,” he said.
Sierra Paul, theatre and performance/education senior, said she was excited that Chapman was able to get a really good gig.
“I just think it’s super cool, and it shows us that a degree from OCU truly prepares you for whatever career in the industry, whatever that might be,” she said.
Paul said she is impressed with the OCU alumni.
“It makes me so proud to be an OCU star,” she said.
Students should take chances when moving to different markets, Chapman said.
“The move is the biggest transition you’ll ever make,” he said. “It feels daunting and it should, but it’s the single most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
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