Actor Charles Esten grew up in Alexandria, went to what was then T.C. Williams High School, and began a storied career on TV and in music. In an interview with Northern Virginia Magazine, he talks about managing his career, his concert later this year at the Birchmere, and what he loves about NoVA.
As a multi-hyphenate (actor, singer, songwriter), how do you manage your time so well?
The beautiful thing about acting is that there is a lot of time between different projects. … Even when I was on Outer Banks for three seasons, there was a lot of downtime as well. I’ve always found a wonderful way to fill those times by staying creative. As much as acting is an extremely collaborative occupation — in other words, somebody writes what I’m going to say, somebody directs it, and on and on — with music, although I do collaborate, it’s more directly from me. Those two things I find to be very complementary.
Your tour ends at The Birchmere in Alexandria two days after Christmas. What can people expect?
I’m a pretty authentic guy in general, but you know you can’t put on any airs when you’re home. Everybody has known me for too long. I think you’ll be getting the realest and most relaxed me of all, because I’m amongst those that I love so much and have shown me so much love. All these people were my first audience who heard my songs long before they were any good. There’s a natural warmth that makes the night even more special.
What do you love to do when you’re back in Virginia? Do you have any must-visit bars, restaurants, or shops?
I’ve been blessed to grow up in places that, in a very large way, stay the same. Old Town, although there are some changes, so much of it still takes me right back. Those are the streets we ran around and the Masonic Memorial, that’s all right there. So much of Rosemont, where I grew up, is all right there. The church I grew up in, Grace Episcopal, is very near The Birchmere, which is another classic place that’s been there for so long. I’m always up for the new, but those places that are so beloved to me are still there. The rest of it is mostly just being with my friends and family. So many of my friends graduated [from] T.C. Williams, and so many of us went off to the four corners of the world. Whenever we talk about it, we remember it fondly. It’s always the highlight of my year to go back and play there.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Feature image of Charles Esten courtesy Kirsten Balani
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
