In a remarkable fusion of creativity and technology, a fan-driven rendition of the acclaimed musical Hamilton, ingeniously crafted within the virtual realm of Minecraft, has captivated audiences, amassing over 1.4 million views on YouTube. Among the talented cast members is a Filipina animation student, known by the moniker “Fleurontoxica” or Poi, who plays the role of Elizabeth Schuyler, alongside Elijah “EdHed” Densmore as Alexander Hamilton.
In a recent conversation with Tech INQ, Densmore and Poi shared insights into their unique journey. Poi, who is entering their fourth year at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, opted to maintain anonymity by using their nickname, emphasizing a desire for privacy amidst their rising fame.
Landing the roles
The Minecraft adaptation, affectionately dubbed “Schamilton,” was conceived by YouTuber schpood. Casting for the project commenced in late October 2025, with both Densmore and Poi submitting their audition tapes. Densmore showcased his vocal prowess with a rendition of “Wait for It,” while Poi initially aimed for the role of Angelica Schuyler, seeking a character with fewer lines due to the demands of their thesis work.
“I thought there might be more talented people auditioning, so I aimed for the character I felt most comfortable with,” Poi explained. Densmore, who auditioned on a whim after a friend’s suggestion, found himself quickly pivoting to perform “My Shot” upon request.
Ultimately, their vocal talents secured them the lead roles, with Densmore also contributing as an editor and launching his own YouTube channel. He humorously recounted borrowing his father’s studio microphone, making the hour-long drive to enhance the audio quality of his recordings.
Rehearsals in Minecraft
The rehearsal process mirrored traditional live productions, complete with blocking, lighting cues, and vocal directions. However, the unique environment of Minecraft introduced novel elements, such as specific instructions on when to nod or perform actions to animate their characters effectively.
“Our directors were meticulous, guiding us on subtle movements like nodding our heads at certain moments,” Poi noted. Densmore added, “They encouraged us to act naturally, providing feedback on what felt right or overly dramatic.”
As the cast bonded over rehearsals, they enjoyed playful interactions within the game, creating a sense of camaraderie. Densmore reflected on the amusing experience of scheduling rehearsals in the game, noting how cast members would engage in friendly banter during downtime.
For Poi, rehearsals often began at 3 a.m. in the Philippines, leading to whispered conversations to avoid waking their family. “I had to give my parents a heads-up because they usually weren’t thrilled about me being up at that hour,” Poi recalled with a smile.
The live experience
The production was streamed live, eschewing cuts or edits to replicate the authenticity of a traditional performance. Cast members recorded their parts, which were mixed by schpood’s technical team. To mitigate latency issues, the audio was pre-recorded, allowing the actors to perform live alongside their previously recorded vocals.
Notably, the entire production utilized vanilla Minecraft, devoid of any mods. Densmore, Poi, and their fans have lauded the impressive lighting effects, which were achieved through intricate commands that adjusted lighting during set changes. “It was a logistical challenge that turned into a logistical dream,” Poi remarked, highlighting the innovative approach taken by the production team.
Reacting to the million views
As the view count on YouTube surpassed 1.4 million, both Densmore and Poi expressed their astonishment at the overwhelming support. “I still can’t process the million views,” Poi admitted. “It feels surreal, and I often think, ‘I just sang, that’s it.’”
Densmore echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the positive feedback. “It was truly a labor of love,” he said. While there is no confirmation yet for a second act, both actors remain eager to reprise their roles as Alexander and Eliza, ready to embark on another creative adventure together.
For those interested in following their journey, the cast can be found on social media platforms:
- Fleurontoxica: X, YouTube, Instagram
- Elijah “EdHed” Densmore: YouTube, Spotify