Sebastian La Cause on the 'Fun' of Playing a Porn Star and Stripping Down for Season Two of Hustling

The temperature may be dropping in New York, but things are only heating up for Broadway veteran Sebastian La Cause as the second season of his steamy web series Hustling begins its run. La Cause writes, directs and stars in the show as Ryan, a New York City hustler and porn star trying to leave the business behind and start a new life as a professional chef.

“This is the most fun and creative I’ve felt in the 20 years I’ve been in the business,” La Cause told Broadway.com of the project. The Rocky Horror Show and Chicago alum decided to create the series after meeting actual porn stars during a trip to Los Angeles two years ago. “They were really fascinating individuals and had very different perspectives on their careers and places in the world,” he said. As his 40th birthday approached, La Cause debated the direction of his own career, and identified with the adult film stars’ personal dilemmas. “Not that hustling is exactly like being an actor, but there are definitely some similarities. You are pedaling your wares in a way and putting yourself out there trying to get jobs.”

Season two will expand its focus from just Ryan and his clients, and include more storylines about those near and dear to him. “The first season was really just setting everything up, so this season has a lot more story. It’s definitely moodier. We’re dealing with his family issues, “ LaCause said, noting the show will start to examine Ryan’s complicated relationship with his mother, who disapproves of his career path.

While LaCause showed plenty of skin in season one, he opted not to film any sex scenes that could potentially overshadow the show’s plot. That won’t be the case for season two though as La Cause promises plenty of bedroom activity. “It was definitely fun,” he said of filming the naughtier scenes, “but you have people standing all around you filming so it’s not really that sexy.”

Broadway alums including Brent Barrett and Shannon Lewis made cameos in the series’ first season, and this year will be no different. Sharon Washington (The Scottsboro Boys), Mara Davi (A Chorus Line) and Wilson Cruz (Rent) will all appear in episodes, as will Tony nominee Daphne-Rubin Vega, who reprises her role as Ryan’s feisty landlord.

LaCause has received positive feedback about the series from his stage friends, as well as fans outside of the theater community. “This is a story about someone just trying to change their life and get a second chance. You can be anything in life and get to a point where you realize you want more, and I think that’s why people responded and can relate to the show so much.”

Watch the trailer for Hustling's second season below, and head to the series' YouTube channel by clicking here.