Christian Magby visited Riverwood International Charter School on Sept. 17 to talk with 250 Riverwood students. The 90-minute assembly featured an onstage interview, a student Q&A and a photo session with the Hamilton national tour actor.

Magby, who plays Lafayette and Jefferson in the touring production, visited alongside Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Founder and President Paula Wallace, according to Fulton County Schools. Wallace interviewed Magby about his background and career. The pair then took questions from students and posed for photos.

The visit came together fast.

Riverwood Principal Dr. Kindra Smith and her team had just two days' notice to organize the event, according to the district. They selected 250 students with interests in fine arts, U.S. history, social studies or who are fans of Hamilton.

"It opened my eyes. Sometimes we stay traditional when it comes to bringing colleges to our students," Smith said, according to the district. "It's OK to explore and bring colleges who bring different things to our kids. [We] nurture all kids' pathways."

SCAD initiated the visit by reaching out to Fulton County Schools (FCS). Elizabeth Eppes, the district's K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, said SCAD contacted FCS because of the district's longstanding support of arts education and existing partnerships. Eppes said Riverwood was chosen because it has a strong Fine Arts Department, engaged students and leadership willing to support such opportunities.

Magby is a SCAD alumnus and a Georgia native. He grew up outside Atlanta and got his start with the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, according to Encore Magazine. He is also a composer whose musicals have premiered at theaters including Alliance Theatre.

SCAD has visited Riverwood before, but in more traditional settings like college fairs, according to the district. At the Sept. 17 assembly, students also learned about SCAD programs in business, gaming, technology and art.

Beyond the school visit, SCAD provided more than 20 tickets for members of the Riverwood community to attend Hamilton's closing performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on Sept. 20.