Rubén J. Carbajal was one of the original cast members performing in the first U.S. national tour of "Hamilton" as a lead principal in the roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton.

Rubén says he is proud to represent Latinos in theatre, and was inspired by "In the Heights," a musical exploring the New York City Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights: “I remember sitting there and thinking, ‘I can see myself on that stage,’ and it was because I saw people who looked like me. I heard people speak the way I speak, the way my family members speak,” he said.

Rubén credits CSUF with his success: "My professors in the B.F.A. program had the greatest impact on me. They prepared me for what I am going through now, which is the biggest job I've booked. They do a great job of not only prepping the performer, but also preparing the mind of the performer."

The recent graduate has already begun to give back to CSUF by participating in theater class workshops, and a meet-and-greet with the student body and alumni to share his unique perspective of transitioning from student to alumnus.