In Hadestown, a song can change your fate, but for Freddy Renaud, it was an impromptu audition. 

"I did not plan on auditioning because I had a set plan on what the next few years of my life would look like," Renaud, 25, said. "I decided it couldn't hurt to try. I went through the audition process, and was lucky enough to be selected!" 

After starting rehearsals this September, Renaud will tour with the Tony-winning production, performing in more than 60 cities across the country through May 2025. Describing himself as "elated!" Renaud is looking forward to seeing different parts of the U.S., and being a part of Broadway history. "I have enjoyed playing in pits for various musical theatre productions and would sometimes wonder how it would feel like to play for such a show like Hadestown."

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hadestown is a story steeped in Greek mythology and explores all themes close to the human heart: love, loss, desire, and the unwavering power of hope. The musical blends modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz. It is now on its second national tour. 

Before graduating from SFCM in 2024, Renaud studied cello with Jennifer Culp, and was one of the first recipients of the Denis de Coteau Fellowship. A joint partnership with the San Francisco Ballet, named after SF Ballet’s longtime music director and SFCM faculty member, the fellowship provides tuition, housing, and a stipend for SFCM’s one-year Professional Studies Certificate in Instrumental Performance. Students also have the opportunity to play rehearsals and shows with the SF Ballet Orchestra, as well as other training and support.

"My time at SFCM has definitely had an impact on preparing me for this opportunity," Renaud said of his time studying in the Conservatory as well as working and playing with the SF Ballet Orchestra. "It really showed me how to be a flexible musician at the highest level, and how to musically contribute to a larger whole." 

Renaud is also thankful for his time with his teacher at SFCM, "My teacher Jennifer Culp has not only helped me improve so much as a cellist, but offers great advice about how to overall be a good musician." 

"I was so happy to hear this news! Freddy is a natural performer and his power to communicate is palpable," said Culp, who has been professor of cello and chamber music at SFCM since 2007. "Mid-tour, I could imagine Hadestown spontaneously moving a certain cellist up on stage to jam with the trombonist!"

Renaud is actually not the first SFCM graduate to perform with Hadestown, Anna Nordmoe ('22) who studied with Simon James, was also a violinist for the Broadway show in the past.

While Hadestown invites audiences to go on an unforgettable adventure to the underworld and back, for Renaud, his musical journey is looking far brighter; one he's "eager to embark on, and forever grateful for the opportunity." 

Learn more about studying Cello at SFCM.
Learn more about the Denis de Coteau Fellowship.